Budget Mic

[tacomadm18]

Since my camera has the video option and the on-board mic doesn't sound that good I'm in the market for a cheap hot shoe mic that will be a little better sounding than the on-board mic.... I do not want to do any post prodcution video or sound work. I just thought I could get a little better sound without breaking the bank as I don't think I'll be using that feature that often.

* I've heard about the Rode mic,,, $149.00, I guess it would do. but I'd like to spend less than $100 if possible.
* I've heard of the Zoom h1, but it seems to have to many buttons for my liking. Then I would have to purchase the mount, etc, etc,,,,

thoughts
thanks
glen

[image monster]

What about this one? For the money, it'll be better than the onboard mic. However, a windscreen is highly recommended to cover wind noise.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc..._Gun_Zoom.html

You can view a sample here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zu5cduqPdf4

[skyhighphoto]

I use the Azden SMX-10 http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...icrophone.html with my 7D. Works fine for basic run and go video like this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atQJDY4_wb0. I like it better over the Videomic as I can still take pictures with it on the hot shoe.

[Chippy569]

Rode Video Mic. Swing for the Pro, if you can. Anything less is pretty hissy, shy of external recorders like the Zoom H1/Tascam

[rxjohn]

Originally Posted by skyhighphoto

I use the Azden SMX-10 http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...icrophone.html with my 7D. Works fine for basic run and go video like this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atQJDY4_wb0. I like it better over the Videomic as I can still take pictures with it on the hot shoe.

I too have this mic. I like it ok.

[tacomadm18]

I was looking at the Sennheiser MKE 400...... thoughts

[KaBlookie]

That Sennheiser is close to $300, but you said you're looking to spend less than $100...which is it? :P

That Sennheiser is around the same price as the VideoMic Pro, so I'd look for reviews of both if you're willing to spend that kind of money.

[tacomadm18]

$199.00,,,,,,,,,,, I just don't see a lot of options,,,,,,,,,,,,

[Chippy569]

good =/= cheap, and audio/video gear is not cheap to begin with. (Although some folks would say that compared to what it used to be 5, 10, 20 years ago it has gotten exponentially cheaper!)

[Namerifrats]

Ordering a 7D in about a week. Been watching alot of video clips from it and I've got the bug to experiment with video as well as using it for photography. Been looking at these external mics also ($$$$ OUCH). Never knew microphones could cost so much, but I do want quality sound so I'll prob end up springing for a $300 mic before all is said and done.

[Chippy569]

right now, for an on-camera microphone, the Rode VideoMic Pro is the best I've heard.

[2short2long]

My understanding is yes, the Rode VideoMic Pro is the best I've heard also. As a passing interest and experimenting video I didn't want to do any post processing of sound. So without post processing and to reduce sounds from the camera I use a cheap alternative.I use the Azden SMX-10 http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...icrophone.html with my 7D just like "shyhighphoto" does. You do get wind sounds when outside so I am looking into putting a so called "dead kitten" (that fur ball to reduce wind sounds). Have not found one that is cheap enough for my liking.

[skyhighphoto]

I think the Rode VideoMic Pro is probably the best choice right now for these DSLR's. But for under $100 I think the Azden is hard to beat. Here is another video with someone talking http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=338-vOabqpc, had to get close to him but think the mic did ok.

[Trey T]

get the new rode video mic pro. the 150 video mic is bulky and the suspension sucks. I got couple of them since 2008 and the suspension mount started to break one by one.

definitely go for the new rode videomic pro

[tacomadm18]

ended up going with the Azden SMX-10