Best Shotgun Mic for HMC-150?...

[frankmcma]

Was looking at the Panasonic AG-MC200G Unidirectional Microphone but wondered if there was another favorite that people liked around that price range.

One that was more available, perhaps sold at like Guitar Center or easily ordered on the web.

Thanks!

[fieldreportermf]

Was looking at the Panasonic AG-MC200G Unidirectional Microphone but wondered if there was another favorite that people liked around that price range.

One that was more available, perhaps sold at like Guitar Center or easily ordered on the web.

Thanks!

Hi Frankmcma,

I recently purchased a RODE NTG-2 great sound, dual power, 10 year guarantee...:thumbup:

[DjfunkmasterG]

I use an Audio Tedcnicam ATR215B Shotgun for my DVX100B, Great Microphone, did my on set sound for my second film with it.

If it works that great with a DVX imagine how it turns out on an HMC?

I am looking to get an HMC in the next few months.

[Girlspitswater]

Hey Frank... I just finished up a bunch of research on which shotgun to purchase with my new HMC150 (just received it yesterday). My issues was that I was using a Sennheiser ME66 for two years with my DVX100b and it was great, but not so good for an on camera shot gun due to its length (was bulky and cumbersome).

I film skateboarding and documentary primarily so I wanted something with good sound quality that could be used on camera.

The anasonic AG-MC200G Unidirectional Microphone is an OK mic if you want a very sleek, on camera microphone only mic. I would not suggest using this if you were to put it on a stand for interviews or a boom pole for docs or narative filmmakering.

The RODE NTG-2 is does have great sound (actually very excelent sound for the price) and would be good for a stand and boom/fish pole, but I found it has the same issue with the ME66 in that it is too long for confort for an on camera mic.

So... I have found that the most versitale (good for both on camera, stand, & boom) and best sound for the price... is the The RODE NTG-1. It is the same mic as the NTG-2 except 2.4 inches shorter. The extra lenght on the NTG-2 gives you the option to power the mic. with batteries making it more versitile but most cameras (including the HMC150) have phantom power so you wouldn't need to use the batteries unelss you have some other use for them.

The NTG-1 is not as sleek as the Panasonic, but it sure is alot better mic for sound and versitiilty. If you want more out of a mic, I recamend this one, if you just want a better mic then the HMC's internal and keeping it very slim, go with the Pannasonic mic.

Here is the link to the NTG-1 on B&H photo and video website. It comes in at approx 225 after you "email them a better price" and it comes with two windscreens!!! indoor and a furry outdoor one. (the furry one will come up in your view when the camera lens is at it's wides point, so you would need to use a shock mount on top of the camera if you wanted to go that rought).

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/367746-REG/Rode_NTG_1_NTG_1_Shotgun_Microphone.html#specifica tions

I also ordered this XLR cable to work with it...

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/283353-REG/Remote_Audio_CAXJCOIL2_CAXJCOIL2_Right_Angled_Coil ed.html

I am very happy with this sound set up for the HMC150, Hope all this helps with your shopping. Good Luck!

[SPrimeau]

Me, I have the NTG-2 on my DVX. I simply cut the windscreen about an inch to be able to bring back the mic more.

[ilauzirika]

I also use a rode NTG-2 and for an on camera mic for run and gun situations is a great mic.

[frankmcma]

I had not considered the NTG-1, thanks for the detailed info. Looks like a great choice.

I do want a great shotgun mic..and yes..something more compact is always best.

How is the pickup? Is it a pretty tight pattern, you point it at someone and boom you've got great audio of them? I don't want side sounds, just to really pick up clean audio of whatever I am aiming at, since I will most likely use it mounted on the camera.

The only other mic I was considering was the AG-MC200G, since I have seen some footage shot with it and it seems to do a great job of picking out audio even in noisy environments.

Thanks

Frank

[BrianMurphy]

I use an ME66/K6 combo. Works well, sounds great and is totally reliable.

[ESTEBEVERDE]

I had not considered the NTG-1, thanks for the detailed info. Looks like a great choice.

I do want a great shotgun mic..and yes..something more compact is always best.

How is the pickup? Is it a pretty tight pattern, you point it at someone and boom you've got great audio of them? I don't want side sounds, just to really pick up clean audio of whatever I am aiming at, since I will most likely use it mounted on the camera.

The only other mic I was considering was the AG-MC200G, since I have seen some footage shot with it and it seems to do a great job of picking out audio even in noisy environments.

Thanks

Frank

Frank.

Have you read the audio section yet?

There are many great tips.

Two of particular importance are:

1. Shotgun mics doen't extend the reach they only reject off axis sounds to various degrees.

2. Try, try, try, to find the one you like and that works for you!