Dropping a grand on audio? NTG-3?

PegLeg Media

PegLeg Media

Well-known member
I just want to know if this NTG-3 kit with boom pole and blimp is worth the money? http://www.amazon.com/Location-Soun...&qid=1391699173&sr=8-9&keywords=ntg-3+mic+kit

could I buy a better set up? Should I buy the individual parts rather than the kit?

I am also going to need a new audio recorder since my tascam dr-40 adds a squeaking noise when it records. Is the zoom h4n or another similar audio recorder going to do this mic justice? any better recommendations? I really do need the blimp because i do a lot of outdoor interviews and my 2 deadcats dont help as much as I was expecting.

I have seen people with these beachtek adapters, I assume its a bad idea to plug into a beachtek adapter and then go straight into my gh3?
 
The short answer is that yes, that's a great kit.

The long answer is that the Amazon listing, which is sold by some no-name company in Florida, is a complete ripoff (kit items, kit name, and photographs) of a kit offered by DVeStore. You can see that kit listed HERE, and for $50 less. Good folks at DVeStore, and they're site sponsors.

Regarding recorders, and recorders vs. Beachtek: the only time I have had the "squeaking" noise with a DR-40 was with really low batteries and only with the internal mics. That said, if you're looking to upgrade or cross-grade Zoom is not the answer. Using the Beachtek and gong straight into a DSLR is also a less-than-ideal situation as you won't get near the quality of a decent and dedicated recorder. Take a look at the DR-60D, which will give you external recorder audio with a reference feed to your GH3.

If you are okay with a recorder that isn't attached to your camera or rig, moving up to a bag-friendly recorder opens up some better possibilities. The FR2-LE from Fostex is a great place to start.
 
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I have never regretted purchasing my NTG-3, and I made the purchase almost 7 years ago. During that same time, I have gone through 3 cameras! I think it's worth it, if you're serious. You probably won't find a better deal than that on a package unless you buy the individual parts used. EDIT: I just looked at the Amazon post, yeah, don't buy from them.

I have heard from others that the NTG-3 is some of the best "bang for the buck" that you can get, whereas with other more expensive brands, you have to spend quite a bit more before you can access their advantages. Try B&H if you fear you might get buyer's remorse: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/963778-REG/rode_ntg3_b_basic_shotgun_kit.html
I also prefer thy "softie" to the blimp, because while it might be slightly less effective at blocking wind, it's way easier to set up. And the blimp won't surpass the softie in performance unless you buy a dead cat for it.

The NTG-3 does not have a built-in bass roll-off, though. On the plus side, it really makes voices sound rich and chocolatey. On the negative side, you get more handling noise and a bit more unwanted sound on the low end. If this is a problem, it's not hard to fix in post with a subtle high pass filter.
 
thanks for the great tips! I saw a lot of "KITS" and i chose that one because the cheaper kits had cheaper boom poles, but the one you showed looked very nice. I will try to find some audio samples with the softie and see if I really need the blimp.

I am looking for a similar recorder to the tascam dr-40, i loved how it worked before i started getting the squeaking sounds. (and i tried different mics, different cables, new batteries and used it for over a year where I would get this sound if any recording went over 10 minutes. and I knew the trick to click out of the menu button). I need something smaller I can put on my shoulder rig since I am usually a one man band.
 
Agree that the ntg3 is good for the money. Buy from reputable dealers; BH, Trew, DVeStore, you'll get good pricing AND service. I like softies when I can use them in decent conditions, but if it is blowing, you need a blimp.

Grant
 
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