GH2 Best GH2 Mountable Microphone for Documentary Shooting?

B

bmillz

Member
Hi all,

I was contemplating getting a microphone that sits atop the GH2 for documentary interview type stuff. I understand that nothing will beat having an external recorder and proper mics, but in a run-and-gun scenario by myself, I'm wondering what the best setup is in regards to sound quality and size/fit to the GH2.

Again, the main thing I'm looking for is something directional, ie. if someone is standing 6 feet away from me, it can focus on them and not other background noise. For example, if I'm interviewing someone on the street.

The options I've found:

Panasonic DMW-MS1 Stereo Mic - $94.95
http://goo.gl/cLtRq

I realize that these other mics do not have a 2.5mm sub-mini connector, but I'm assuming that can be easily fixed with a small adapter like: http://goo.gl/KemKj

Audio-Technica Pro-24CM - $59.95
http://goo.gl/3jie3

Rode VideoMic - Camera Mounted Shotgun Microphone - $149.00
http://goo.gl/dhWC

Rode Videomic Pro Compact Shotgun - $229.00
http://goo.gl/Ieoz9

Sennheiser MKE 400 Compact Video Camera Shotgun Microphone - $199.99
http://goo.gl/yIxtU
 
Thanks for the link, mevnet.

bmillz - of the mics you listed, the Rodes and the Sennheiser are superior. Check out tests on Youtube of the Panasonic mic. It doesn't sound very good at all. The AT Pro24cm just falls flat.

I've never used the adapter you linked at Monoprice, but I own several Hosa GMP-467 adapters. They work so well that I would recommend skipping the one you linked and using the GMP-467 by Hosa.

Lastly, be aware that having the subject 6 feet away from the mic is not what you want. At that range the subject's voice is going to really be competing with the background noise. Keep it within 3 feet and consider using a wireless lav.
 
A lav as suggested above would probably be your best bet for optimal audio in a run and gun situation, even if it does take an extra moment to setup. Nab a Zoom h1 for 89, then something like the Rode Pin Mic for 249, or a g3 wireless system if you can drop the cash.

The Sen or Rode would be your best bet if you want to go on camera.
 
How many days are you going to be shooting?

If it's not many, I'd suggest you rent the gear you need. The Sound Devices Mix Pre D paired with a Sennheiser MKH 50 sounds amazing for a top mount Mic solution. Cost prohibitive to buy, but not bad daily rates at some of the audio houses. I really haven't heard anything better directly into the gh2 top mounted. Plus you'll have an extra channel on the preamp if you decide you want to run a wireless lav as well.
 
Just an update. I ended up with the Senn mic and couldn't be happier. The form factor/design of it suits the GH2 really well and I found keeping the GH2 at "1" setting and keeping the mic at it's lowest setting yielded decent results.

I think for professional shoots, Ill want to get a Zoom and a wireless lav, but this is definitely a good basic setup for now. Thanks all!
 
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