Mics!

Hello! Well, since I am beginning to take production even more seriously, I realized I need to turn my attention even more to getting better audio. I need something better than my Zoom H4n. Something more directional.
I want something that can do a wedding on Saturday, be at my church on Sunday (very small church, no instruments, single person being recorded, 900 square foot), and record birds on Monday.
The problem here is that I don't have much money; I am a high school student, with no 'official' job as of yet, and funds are fairly limited. I was looking at Rode mics, but I'm not sure about which one. I can save a bit if I must... And by save, I mean probably $300 tops. I know it is very low for a mic system, but I just can't afford to do more. Maybe once I start doing it more professionally, but not now.

What is your recommendation for the best mic for me? The more focused the pickup the better. I'm still thinking Rode VideoMic (not sure what model), but if you have any other suggestions, I'd love to hear them.

Thank you for the suggestions, and yes, I'm relatively new to audio. It is a drag, since I love the video, not the audio. However, I find the prospect of putting together bird 'soundscapes' quite entertaining, and I know that without good audio, a video is nothing.
Thanks again,
-Darin

If you are shooting soundscape you won't need a shotgun mic. I think the Zoom h4n is pretty good for all around sound.

I am really wanting more focused sound, though, like a single bird singing. Those individual sounds would then be brought back and mixed together.

I would look for a hyper- or super-cardioid, and something from Audio Technica would probably be available in your price range. All the mic manufacturers publish technical documentation giving directional info, noise & sensitivity. Compare those stats amongst your finalists.

D. Vance wrote in post #15621783
Hello! Well, since I am beginning to take production even more seriously, I realized I need to turn my attention even more to getting better audio. I need something better than my Zoom H4n. Something more directional. I can save a bit if I must... And by save, I mean probably $300 tops. I know it is very low for a mic system, but I just can't afford to do more.
Thanks again,
-Darin

At that price break you have a couple of choices, one would be the Audio Technica AT8015.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …5_Shotgun_Micro​phone.html

Or the Rode NTG-1.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …r_Shotgun_Micro​phone.html

Personally I would go with the AT8015 as I have a couple of them and find them to be decent shotguns and while I have no experience with the NTG-1 I have not heard any really bad things about it.

Now it is worth noting though one of the factors which give a shotgun it's directionality is length and the AT8015 has about 7 more inches of length over the Rode.

Wayne

To capture birdsong you might want to consider a parabolic reflector