Hi Spot,

thanks a lot, you always come through :) So youre saying I should get it? I know its second hand but 2 mics for that price (about $30) is probably a good deal, right? What threw me off is that it lists use for karaoke, conferences etc. But it shouldnt be a problem for the camera right?

By the way Spot,

in the clip I sent to you, where would I place the mics? This is new for me, so I would like to hear your advice and tips on the various sound/microphone placement techniques?

Thanks,
Oliver

That's a very good deal, yes. No problem for the camera, you'll just need an XLR to 3.5mm adapter, about 15.00 USD in most stores.

Based on the clip you sent me, I didn't know if those were actors, or guys on the street that were just funny. If you have control, I wouldn't use these mics at all, they're a handheld mic, and you need either a lapel or a boom mic. If you don't have control, I'd rig up a boom and use it over head of these guys, getting it as close as possible without getting it in the shot.
You can make a boom out of a lot of inexpensive things, like even a broomstick and tape.

Thanks Spot.

I finally want to ask you some follow up questions:
1. What is an XLR to 3.5mm? where do I plug it and for what purpose?
2. Those guys were actors, and we are working on a short film. What do you mean by in control/ not in control?
3. Can the mics (from the add) be used as boom mics, with the broomstick, tape etc. like you mentioned?

regards,
Oliver

What is an XLR to 3.5mm? where do I plug it and for what purpose?

Most mics have an XLR connection. Most cameras do NOT have an XLR input. Therefore you must convert from what the mic has to what the camera has. In this case, you would be converting from an XLR connection (on the wireless) to a 3.5mm connection (on the camera). You just need the proper adapter to make that conversion.

Jet,
if i understand correctly, its just an adapter that is plugged into the camera ext. mic hole, and then the microphone is plugged into the camera via this adapter? Is this correct?

Also a "boom mic" is basically this type of mic (wireless) attached to a pole/broom or something, right? I mean the term "boom mic" doesnt refer to a specific type of microphone, with different technicalities than the mic above. Or does it?

Thanks,
Oliver

>>
if i understand correctly, its just an adapter that is plugged into the camera ext. mic hole, and then the microphone is plugged into the camera via this adapter? Is this correct?
<<
The XLR connector is a 3-pin connector about 1/2 inch in diameter. Most good mics and audio equipment use them. There are technical reasons why, but save that for later. The 3.5 mm connector is the small round plugs used on most consumer audio stuff. If your mic has XLR and the camera socket is 3.5 mm, you obviously need an adapter.

>>
Also a "boom mic" is basically this type of mic (wireless) attached to a pole/broom or something, right? I mean the term "boom mic" doesnt refer to a specific type of microphone, with different technicalities than the mic above. Or does it?
<<
Normally, if you have a sound guy holding a mic on a boom, you will want to use the best microphone you can and normally this will be one with some directional quality to it. A wireless mic has much more complexity than a wired mic, so it will tend to have a higher noise level and adds the possibility of picking up radio interference. So normally if you have a sound guy holding a boom, the mic will be wired with a cable running down the pole directly to the camera or a separate high quality recorder.