Loud servo motor/what shotgun mic to buy

J

jordini99

Active member
Hi all,

I just bought a DVX100A and am having lots of fun with it. The only problem is that the servo motor is pretty loud when zooming (you can even hear it humming when it's not zooming). Now, from what I've seen, this is a pretty common issue, but is there anything I can do to fix it?

Now, assuming there's no easy fix, I suppose I'll have to buy a shotgun mic, which would hopefully reject the camera noise well enough. Seeing as how I'm a student without much money (even less since I bought this camera :P), what kind of shotgun mics can you recommend for $150 or less? Also, where can I buy them (I live in Canada)?

Thanks!
 
If the noise is coming through an on-camera mic, the problem is less from off-axis rejection and more from poor isolation. The noise is really vibration traveling through the mic mount and into the mic. Even a shotgun won't help there. You need to have a good isolation mount.

That aside, I'd agree with blackdogs that manual zoom is the way to go. I'd say that 99% of my shooting uses manual zoom, and I honestly can't remember the last time I had the servo engaged. I try not to zoom during a shot unless it is absolutely called for (which is rare). istead of moving the lens, move the whole camera.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top