On Camera Mic

Mike K

Mike K

Active member
I am looking for a sub 100$ shotgun mic for my DVX. I would be using it for documentary and action sports, funny combination. I am only 16 so I dont need to best mic out there but one that gets the job done, for under 100$
 
Good luck. There's not a lot out there under $100 that will "get the job done." There are a couple of $150 models from Azden... but, they're Azden.

The lowest I'd go would be the Audio Technica AT-897, which runs $199.

To put this in perspective, the best shotgun mics can cost well over $2000, so $199 is pretty inexpensive.
 
Consider looking for the black Sennheiser ME80. It has great throw, and shows up on Ebay quite often in the $100 - $300 range. I agree with C2V on the best mics, like the Senn 416 (which are actually around $1200 or so new) being expensive. You get what you pay for. The ME80 is OLD so beware. I have purchased 4 on Ebay and 1 works EXCELLENT, second is decent, one is broken and no one fixes them anymore, and I have yet to test the last one. I have heard the silver ME80 is not as good as the black ones.
 
I got the NTG1 kit from B&H for $250, which includes a shock mount and short cable for mounting on camera when you don't have any extra help. It's not amazing, but it's enough that a good operator can usually get good sound. If you buy something for $100 it probably will do worse than the onboard mic.

I suggest saving or asking for it for Christmas or a birthday!
 
this is for christmas, I am trying to keep it cheap for my parents because I am asking for a blu-ray player too. I will see if 100-200 will do for them. thanks
 
Mike,

Are you aware that you normally have to get within 3 to 4 feet (or closer) of the talent's mouth to be able to get decent signal level?
 
Dvxfilmer said:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/204722-REG/Azden_SGM_2X_SGM_2X_Omni_Supercardioid_Mic.html

$186
Click to expand...
I've got one of those, it works surprisingly well. However it cost me $220 plus tax (i bought direct from the superstore) back when i got it about 1.5 years ago.
The cool thing is the switchable polar pattern via changing the barrel length. Short barrel for omni directional, long barrel for supercardioid.
Only thing I don't like is how long it is with the long barrel attached, its somewhere around 16 inches i believe, and even more if you're using an XLR cable without a right angled female end.
 
Mike K said:
I am debating between these three-

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/204722-REG/Azden_SGM_2X_SGM_2X_Omni_Supercardioid_Mic.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...PDII_On_Camera_Short_Shotgun.html#accessories

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/400812-REG/Rode__NTG_1_Shotgun_Microphone.html#accessories
Click to expand...

I'd take a Rode NTG-1 over any Azden any day.

In fact, I'd take a couple tin cans and some string over an Azden.

But the NTG-1 is a proven performer for the budget-minded film maker. It won't let you down.
 
C2V said:
I'd take a Rode NTG-1 over any Azden any day.
In fact, I'd take a couple tin cans and some string over an Azden.
Click to expand...
I'm not sure if you're talking about the SGM-2x or the other one, but that's quite an overstatement. I have a 2X and its a pretty good mic for the price (i got it about a year and a half ago and it was 220 plus tax then) so its even better now at 186. no doubt the rode is of a slightly higher grade but not as high compared to the Azden as most people make it out to be.
 
I'd have to agree ,I use the SGM 2x and have had great success with it when using in conjunction with a wireless and stand alone for ambient sounds. BTW I checked out the Rode before purchasing the Azden and was not impressed with it, especially the shock mount system if you're mounting on the camera (it's way too tall and bulky). Plus I have used Rode in the past and experienced problems and thier customer service sucks!

I also agree with NoNoob that if you are on a budget wireless might be the best starter for you, especially if trying to pickup alot of dialogue.
 
Honestly, I use the Azden sgm 1 (I think) on occasion, and it's pretty solid. You're not going to shoot Day After Tomorrow II with it, but you can get some nice solid sound for indie productions.

I mean of course you'd want something better, but when money is an issue...like always, you could do a lot worse. Look the mic up...it's all over the web and reviewed very favorably.
 
Hello all, turns out my dad got me an NTG-1 and I am very excited.

I put it on and plugged it all in and it is not working.

The switch in the front is set to mic and the gain in the recording setup is at -50.

Anything else that may be preventing it from working?
 
Azden makes great mics. I have a sgm-1x and I love it. I've been through some pretty bad weather conditions with it uncovered and it still works great.
 
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