[dojoman]

Hi,

I'm just about to make a film for the Cinemagic festival (see here), and there's only one problem left in my way; audio. I'm having lots of trouble finding good quality, not too expensive microphones (wireless) that I can use for filming outside or in a busy place. The microphone that is currently built into my camcorder catches a lot of wind and stuff when we film outside.

I'm currently eyeing up these microphones, but I'm not too sure about whether they are wireless.

Any suggestions or anything that can help is appreciated.
Thanks.

[Bursar]

Integrated 20' cable terminated with a 3.5mm mini-plug for use with most cameras and home recording systems

Not wireless methinks

[MarkE19]

Nope, not wireless.

How much are you willing to spend and what type of mic are you after?
Depending on the distance between cam & person being recorded a cam mounted mic can be very good. The Rode Video Mic is very good and not too exspensive. There is a stereo version for about double the cost, but IMO it is not worth going stereo with a cam mounted mic (especially at the cost). Or for a bit more the very good Sennheiser MKE 300
A good wireless lapel mic will be more expensive and the chances are the quality will not be as good. However if the person will be a fair distance froom the camcorder then it may be required. There is a fair selection Here & Here along with handheld etc radio mics.

All the above links are found via a web search rather than sites I personally recommend. You may well find the same products cheaper elsewhere.

Mark.

[dojoman]

Originally Posted by MarkE19

The Rode Video Mic is very good and not too exspensive.

I think that's exactly what I'm looking for, because it says:

A foam windscreen effectively suppresses wind noise when recording outdoors.

Thanks!!

[A n d r e w]

Keene Electronics sell Rode (and Sennheiser, among others): here. There's a video demo of the RVM on the KE website here (you may need to scroll down). Prepare your ears for the accent!

My own limited experience with KE has been positive (including a handwritten apology along with a receipt for a credit card refund when I cancelled a small order because an item was out of stock).

I've not bought a mic from them though.

[redsox_mark]

I got my Rode Videomic from Keene. Excellent value mic, and good service.

If you are worried about wind noise, get the "dead cat" as well (fluffy wind gag). I think Keene do a package with it included.

[dojoman]

Thanks for everyone's help, the main thing I'm looking for is something so help us reduce the noise of wind when recording outside.

[dojoman]

Another update:

The Rode Videomic, I was told, needs your camera to have something called a "1/8 mic to line input" or something along those lines for it to work. Can anyone explain this please? Someone told me that once the Videomic is plugged in, it will automatically switch. My cameras will return soon and I'll have to see if they have this mic to line thing before I order the Videomic, so I need help.

Thanks.

[chrishull3]

people that say its not worth getting a good sterio mike cant have used one compared to the sennheiser mono mike i once had my rode stereo is brilliant it cost a third more than the rode mono.

[A n d r e w]

Originally Posted by dojoman

Another update:

The Rode Videomic, I was told, needs your camera to have something called a "1/8 mic to line input" or something along those lines for it to work. Can anyone explain this please? Someone told me that once the Videomic is plugged in, it will automatically switch. My cameras will return soon and I'll have to see if they have this mic to line thing before I order the Videomic, so I need help.

1/8 of an inch is American for 3.5mm (with a bit of fudging), the size of the microphone input jack (or "line in") that an outboard mic will plug into. Also called a "minijack," it's the size of a headphones plug on an ipod or equivalent.

So as long as your camera has a 3.5mm microphone input plug, you'll be able to sock a mic to it.

Andrew.

[dojoman]

Ah right... my camera should be here tomorrow, so I'll check. thanks=.

[dojoman]

The camera is back and it has a mic plug and a hotshoe, which saves me a bit of money!

[dojoman]

Okay, last post now. Just to say thanks to everyone who helped! I decided on the Rode Videomic (closer look here) and I am amazed at how great the sound is. I have tested it both outside and in and have no problems whatsoever.

Thanks!