Michael Erlewine
Well-known member
I am wondering what adapters/kits would you suggest I look into to add XLR connector(s) and Rode mics to the new Nikon Z7 mirrorless?
Adding XLR Support to Nikon Z7
- Thread starter Michael Erlewine
- Start date
Imamacuser
Veteran
I doubt Nikon will make a hot-shoe XLR interface like Panasonic or Sony, but you never know. I think that leaves us with the standard DSLR options, like a Beachtek XLR adapter or Tascam audio recorder. I haven't used the recent XLR adapters/recorders so I don't know what the best bang for buck option is. Do you have a budget in mind? Something with decent preamps will run at least $300, unless there is an amazing cheap device that I've never heard of before.
Michael Erlewine
Well-known member
Yep. Thought so. I have those. Just wondering if there is anything new out there that popped up. Thanks.
NorBro
Major Contributor
My favorite for the price: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...cro_pro_dxa_micro_pro_active_xlr_compact.html
Michael Erlewine
Well-known member
Not understanding the above. How do I figure that out and what is a an example of what I need. Is the previous link that was suggested what I need?
Check your audio options in menu for "limiter". If there, likely selectable. A limiter attempts to put a lid on audio level to avoid distortion.
Check Beachtek for models with limiters (will likely have meters too)...as well as tascam recorders that pass audio through to cam.
Really serious? Contact Sound Devices.
Check Beachtek for models with limiters (will likely have meters too)...as well as tascam recorders that pass audio through to cam.
Really serious? Contact Sound Devices.
morgan_moore
Major Contributor
It is worth considering that some recorders (Atomos, Sound Devices?) have Audio In, enabling you to record Nlog and Audio onto an external HD.
My intstant response is that a box like beachtek is so horrible to mount that you might as well go all the way into rig hell - or just keep the camera clean and record on a mic like rode video mic (non powered), or do seperate audio.
My intstant response is that a box like beachtek is so horrible to mount that you might as well go all the way into rig hell - or just keep the camera clean and record on a mic like rode video mic (non powered), or do seperate audio.
Michael Erlewine
Well-known member
Thanks for point this out. I looked for the word "limiter" but found no reference to it in the manual for my camera (Nikon Z7) or in the menus themselves. I looked on "Sound Devices" but there was too much to understand. Could you you name a Beachtek or similar box that has within it what you suggest, please.
Michael Erlewine
Well-known member
I have a number of Rode shotgun mics and a Sony FS5, Atomos Shogun Inferno, etc. However, I am trying to see if I could get this new Nikon Z7 (which exports 10-bit 4:2;2 video by HDMI) to work for short interviews, etc. But it has a small audio jack rather than the XLR connections. And so looking for something like a Beachtek that was a "limiter" to make sure the audio on the this small mirrorless camera will be clearn.
morgan_moore
Major Contributor
Indeed but the device you take the 10bit signal into might be able to record the sound. Atomos for example has mini XLR in - no need therefore to XLR into the camera ?
S
S
deltoidjohn
Veteran
I'd suggest looking one of the Atomos Inferno models (either Shogun or Ninja). They have an XLR adapter and give you way more controls and options that most XLR boxes will.
Plus it let's you take advantage of the 10-bit 422 output for better quality, and a big, bright monitor too.
Plus it let's you take advantage of the 10-bit 422 output for better quality, and a big, bright monitor too.
Michael Erlewine
Well-known member
I hear you. Yes, that is the way to go. The Atomos Shogun Inferno is rather big, but who cares. It will do the job with breakout cables. Thanks.
morgan_moore
Major Contributor
What about the new 5in version - I dont know the audio capabilities?
Overall if you have FS5 why bother? Id keep the Nikon as a tiny package for picking up Broll.
S
Overall if you have FS5 why bother? Id keep the Nikon as a tiny package for picking up Broll.
S
deltoidjohn
Veteran
I've been using a similar setup with a D850 for a recent project (D850 was specified due to client/sponsor agreements). I've got it all put together with smallrig parts and cages, and use it with a knock-off Easyrig most of the time. Rather unwieldy, but get's the job done much better than shooting with an XLR adapter and the cameras built-in LCD.
Michael Erlewine
Well-known member
Sure, but by the time I pack the Sony, the Atomos, some lights, etc. and etc. I have filled the back of my car to overflowing, all kinds of road cases. I am hoping to have a very small case that would do a decent job with very little equipment. The new Nikon Z7 has some pretty solid video features and will port 10-bit 4:2:2 which is what I need. I could take the Z7 and the Atomos Inferno and make out OK with just that for a small kit.
Michael Erlewine
Well-known member
I have the Nikon D850, but have never messed with the video. what exactly do you use with it for audio, if you don't mind specifying that.
The D850 is my main camera for stills. The new Nikon Z7 is more portable and has an AMAZING EVF. I never have used the the OVF on the D810 or D850. Never. But I find myself using the EVF on the Nikon Z7 all the time. It is that good.
morgan_moore
Major Contributor
Michael would you mind starting a thread on your experiences with the z7 
Michael Erlewine
Well-known member
Michael would you mind starting a thread on your experiences with the z7
I just posted some comments, mostly oriented to still photography at this point.
Three core paths you have to choose from:
a) Max value for money: Zoom F4 (or F8/F8n)
b) Minimal size: MixPre3 (or the MixPre6 which is a little bigger)
c) Minimal cost: Tascam DR60Dmk2 (or the DR70D, although once you get up to a DR70D price I'd question why stop there when a 2ndhand Zoom F4 won't be that much more? But would give you back so much much much more)
I can't really tell you which one is "best", that depends on your own personal needs/wants/pocketbook. But these are the three core options I'd focus on, is highly unlikely anything else outside these would be a much better pick when it comes to an external recorder/mixer/pre-amp for the Z7.