GH5 GH5 and Rode Stereo VideoMic Pro (Rycote Mount) for ambient sound in nature.

C

catonic

New member
I own a GH5 and want to know if adding a Rode Stereo VideoMic Pro (Rycote Mount) will noticeably improve the ambient sound of the birds, wind, water, surf etc which the GH5 will capture compared with the basic setup. I record videos in the forest or by rivers or at the beach just walking around recording things which capture my attention and the quality of the sound is important to me. The Rode will cost me $350 AU and it is not easy to rent one where I live to try out so any advice is appreciated. I am not interested in getting the XLR mic. adapter.
Thanks.
 
I use an older VideoMic Pro and compared to the built-in mic the audio is much better. Without going to a higher-end mic and the XLR adapter or double system, there are several higher-end powered mics that will be a large improvement over built-in (almost anything). I've been very happy with mine. Only complaint is I wish I could find a more effective dead-cat for windy conditions. Sometimes, when the audio is particularly important, I get out the portable recorder (DR 100) and a well protected blimped microphone to catch the ambient sounds and add it to the video when editing. I can pretty well sneak up on a stream or waterfall but the birds are never singing in front of my camera. . .
 
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Steve,

You can make your own "furry windmuff". Most of the commercial ones have fur that is too short. Use some "fake fur" from a quality sewing supplies/fabric store where the fur is 2 inches long and thick. Some of the best wind noise reducing fur was wolf fur (from up Alaska way) but no one today would put up with "harvesting" wolves for their fur (one of my doctors was into wolf rescue!) so artificial is the way to go.

The longer the hairs in fur are the more wind energy the fur "bleeds" off. There used to be a company called Windcutter that used 2 inch long fur in their top of the line models (I was in on the field testing for a model they called the Windjacket for the ZoomH1). Cut it to fit over the foam windscreen for best results and total enclosure works best.
 
Thanks Bruce, I'll dig out the needle & thread! Doubt state wildlife dept would let me hunt a wolf!
 
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I have tested the Rode Stereo Videomic Pro with Rycote using the GH4, and the mic does offer worthwhile improvement over the built-in mics on the GH4. (Do also buy the Dead Kitten for the mic. It works wonders.)

I do not own the GH5 for testing.
 
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