HDP2/NTG1 or DR100/NTG3 combo?
- Thread starter mrmarks
- Start date
You're going to find much better performance, longevity, and forward compatibility out of the HD-P2.
The NTG-3 is a much better mic than the NTG-1, but the NTG-1 will give you respectable results. I'd find more of a challenge with the DR100, to be honest. Upgrade the mic later as you can.
Have you also budgeted for everything else you'll need with a shotgun mic? The mic alone won't do you much good; you'll need a pole, proper shock mount, and good windscreening, as well as XLR cables.
And don't forget a good set of headphones.
Also, I'm moving this to the Audio forum, where it will get better response.
The NTG-3 is a much better mic than the NTG-1, but the NTG-1 will give you respectable results. I'd find more of a challenge with the DR100, to be honest. Upgrade the mic later as you can.
Have you also budgeted for everything else you'll need with a shotgun mic? The mic alone won't do you much good; you'll need a pole, proper shock mount, and good windscreening, as well as XLR cables.
And don't forget a good set of headphones.
Also, I'm moving this to the Audio forum, where it will get better response.
Mitch.Kear
Well-known member
I don't own one but thought that the lack of sd card might be inconvenient on the hdp2. You may get better quality going the dr100 route but if you don't use an external pre you're even more limited.I haven't hear a comparison of the dr100 and dr40 but I have been told the quality is equal. This is another cheaper option to look at. Save you money for your wind protection, pole, all that you need on top of a mic and recorder.
Mr. Marks,
You didn't mention what you were shooting with and how you shoot, and that may influence your decision. I can't comment on the HDP2 + NTG1 combo. I do own both the NTG3 and DR-100 and they play well together and I prefer that combo for a couple of reasons. The NTG-3 has hotter output than the NTG1 or 2, so you don't need as much gain when recording which helps most any recorder. I have found the DR100 to be a very decent recorder if you don't have to push the pres too hard, and the hotter NTG3 will help that. If you are using a video cam (not a DSLR) and want to record direct to cam, the NTG3 would be the clear winner.
The DR won't play well with dynamic interview mics like a RE50 without a mixer, and as Alex mentioned, if you intend to use a bag, the DR isn't for you. If you are building a kit, you will probably add a mixer at some point. If the bag issue weren't a problem, I'd rather have a NTG-3 + mixer + DR100 instead of the NTG1 alternative. Adding a mixer will narrow the gap between cheapo recorders and more expensive units since the mixer takes over many functions from the recorder. Note that neither recorder in this case is considered high end. Just my alternative humble opinion.
Also, don't forget that any shotgun needs wind protection, so make sure that is in your budget.
Grant
You didn't mention what you were shooting with and how you shoot, and that may influence your decision. I can't comment on the HDP2 + NTG1 combo. I do own both the NTG3 and DR-100 and they play well together and I prefer that combo for a couple of reasons. The NTG-3 has hotter output than the NTG1 or 2, so you don't need as much gain when recording which helps most any recorder. I have found the DR100 to be a very decent recorder if you don't have to push the pres too hard, and the hotter NTG3 will help that. If you are using a video cam (not a DSLR) and want to record direct to cam, the NTG3 would be the clear winner.
The DR won't play well with dynamic interview mics like a RE50 without a mixer, and as Alex mentioned, if you intend to use a bag, the DR isn't for you. If you are building a kit, you will probably add a mixer at some point. If the bag issue weren't a problem, I'd rather have a NTG-3 + mixer + DR100 instead of the NTG1 alternative. Adding a mixer will narrow the gap between cheapo recorders and more expensive units since the mixer takes over many functions from the recorder. Note that neither recorder in this case is considered high end. Just my alternative humble opinion.
Also, don't forget that any shotgun needs wind protection, so make sure that is in your budget.
Grant
Mitch.Kear
Well-known member
Yes, obviously but an NTG3 is much better than the NTG1/2 and the DR-100 quality is still great quality. I assume that he won't need better I/O or bag friendly unless he's actually a sound guy... and since he posted this not in the audio part of the forum I imagine not.
More comments:
Good microphones are a long term investment, and the NTG3 qualifies as mid level pro gear. Expensive recorders like a Sound Devices or other higher end instruments are long term as well. Most recorders under a grand, may serve quite well, but aren't really considered long term investments. A good proof of this would be resale values. The NTG3 or SD stuff will hold value quite well. Actually an NTG1 will hold fairly well. Cheapo recorders....not so much.
Also, for around the price of a HDP2, you can get a DR-680. Not knocking the HDP2 as they have slightly different places in the market, but the 680 is a pretty nice piece of kit for the price, good pres, more channels, bag friendly, battery life sucks so if you need it all day, make sure to allow for external bag power.
Grant
Good microphones are a long term investment, and the NTG3 qualifies as mid level pro gear. Expensive recorders like a Sound Devices or other higher end instruments are long term as well. Most recorders under a grand, may serve quite well, but aren't really considered long term investments. A good proof of this would be resale values. The NTG3 or SD stuff will hold value quite well. Actually an NTG1 will hold fairly well. Cheapo recorders....not so much.
Also, for around the price of a HDP2, you can get a DR-680. Not knocking the HDP2 as they have slightly different places in the market, but the 680 is a pretty nice piece of kit for the price, good pres, more channels, bag friendly, battery life sucks so if you need it all day, make sure to allow for external bag power.
Grant
DR680 overheating has been mentioned a couple of times, but my recollection is it was in a bag, heavily used and of course a hot day. If I remember correctly, the poster added a spacer to get the bag off the recorder and the problem went away. The poster was a regular contributor, so maybe he can clarify. I suppose it makes a difference where you live. You might want to check the specs for any electronics you buy, there is usually a upper and lower temp range for most everything, humidity can be an issue also. 680 has been good to me so far, but I live in a rain forrest.
Grant
Grant
Mitch.Kear
Well-known member
From what I gather you need to worry more about battery life than the overheating issue. Just be sure not to be covering it with a bag in 100 degree weather all day.