Mic (or mics) for Canon XH-A1 camcorder

Salamander wrote on 8/20/2007, 3:27 PM
I'm looking for suggestions for a mic or mics for the Canon XH-A1 camcorder. I'm not looking for a wireless setup, nor an I looking for beanpoles or stuff like that. I'm looking at the on-board XH-A1 mic versus other mics that would be attached in some way to the camcorder. Here's some situations:

1. Walt Disney World/MGM Studios - shooting some stage shows where I'm sitting roughly half-way back or closer, not hooked into their sound system. I want to capture sound from the production. What mic would you want to have for this situation?

2. Walt Disney World Super Soap (a family member is a big General Hospital fan) - shooting a group of actors on an outdoor stage, where I am some distance away. Again, not hooked into their sound system. What mic would you want to have here?

3. School events, such as plays, concerts, etc., where I am not hooked into their sound system. What mic would be the best choice here?

4. Nature shooting, generally while hiking. No sound system to worry about here! What would be the best mic to bring for this?

5. Family events, including the holidays. Assuming I don't try to use a wireless mic setup - what is the best mic to use?

I'm interested in suggestions, pros and cons of different setups.

Comments

richard-courtney wrote on 8/20/2007, 4:08 PM
Can you actually do 1 and 2? The Canon looks too professional.

For #3 most likely need a shock mount (with rubber bands) and a hotshoe
extension to move it high so you don't pick up camera noise.
I borrowed Audio Technica AT-4053 shotguns for a gig. Nice mics.

Did not try it for #4 can't answer.

#5 - I have used AT-2020 at family events on a stand, Strong output no
preamp needed. It's bad enough being a camera geek but using a wireless?
I hate passing "the mic".

farss wrote on 8/21/2007, 8:47 AM
The Edirol CS-50 might be a good choice.
Only found it from someone elses posts elsewhere. You get a choice of stereo which would be handy in many situation or a hypercardiod for when you need better side rejection. This is basically a much cheaper version ( and lower performance naturally) of mics from Sanken and AT.

Bob.
NickHope wrote on 8/21/2007, 9:40 AM
Just bought a couple of mics from B&H to use on my Sony Z1 and occasionally to use on a boom pole.

Audio Technica AT825 single-point stereo, battery or phantom power

Rode NTG-1 mono shotgun, phantom only and hence very light. I got the B&H kit with the boom pole etc. included.

Hardly used them but so far happy with both. Links to the product pages can be found on http://www.underwater-cameraman.com/equipment.htm.