T2i Rode VideoMic worth buying?

you'll need to buy a portable recorder to go with it, something like a Zoom H4n or H1.
 
I was looking at the Zoom H4n - Does it have to be used with the Rode Mic or can it be used by itself? Also, how do I mount both to my camera?
 
Because of the non-defeatable AGC in the T2i, in-camera sound is nearly useless. That said, it makes good scratch for syncing double-system sound (as would be recorded on the Zoom H4n you mentioned). You may also get some nat sound once in a while that can be mixed in gently under music. For both scratch audio and the occasional nats bed, the VideoMic is a vast improvement over the pin-hole mic on the camera.

I record second-system for all T2i footage, but I did buy a VideoMic for the camera and do not regret that decision.

As for the H4n, it's not advisable to record using just the bare H4n except for ambient sound beds. You'll want a separate audio recorder, but you'll also want to get a shotgun kit (see DVeStore's Location Sound Package with the Rode NTG-2) to go with it. And don't forget the headphones.

If you want sound that's usable, especially for dialog, on-camera is the last place you want the microphone.
 
boulder said:
I thought Magic Lantern for T2i defeated AGC...am I misinformed?
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Last I heard, ML was still not fully functioning on the T2i. I believe that it can be used right now, but only adds audio meters. Unless there's a new version, it does not defeat AGC or add level controls.
 
My RODE STEREO mic works fine on my 550D, not so good when its quiet as a small hum may be picked up but not as bad as the RV which i tried,as long as there is good sound around my RS does the job.
 
I don't like the Rode Video Mic, I thought the mount it comes with isn't very good and it lacks a proper balanced output and phantom power support. I'd go with the Rode NTG-2 for outdoor shotgun needs.
 
AndrewGentle said:
I don't like the Rode Video Mic, I thought the mount it comes with isn't very good and it lacks a proper balanced output and phantom power support. I'd go with the Rode NTG-2 for outdoor shotgun needs.
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Remember that this is about the right tool for the job. No, it doesn't have balanced output and it cannot run off external phantom power. But when you need an on-cam mic that is better that what the camera has built-in, and is for a camera with 1/8" mic input, this fits the bill just fine. Unbalanced output doesn't matter over 10" of cable.

There are some who get extension cables and mount the VideoMic to a fish pole, which should lessen the quality of an unbalanced run. But then, the VideoMic wasn't really designed for that purpose. It can be adapted for that purpose, but wasn't designed for it.

As for the mount, I agree that it isn't the best. It can be improved by adding a second set of suspension bands (extras come with the mic).
 
My Rode Videomic sounds richer and fuller than my Sennheiser ME-66, which is surprising given the cost. The mounting points (hot shoe and suspension bands) do suck but on the whole, but the unit is surprisingly lightweight and the 9-volt lasts a long time. I was pleased by how quiet this mic is when paired with the H4n.
 
The main reason I do not like to use a mic or really anything on the hot shoe is because the shadow it places on top of my subject. I like to interact with the artist in front of the camera but a mic cause problems because of shadows.
 
I have a rode videomic and an H4n, and I can say:

* the videomic is not any more directional than the H4n
* if you want to use the H4n and the videomic to get 3 channels of sound (stereo background from the H4n, dialogue from the videomic), you'll have to use a 3.5mm to XLR adaptor, because if you plug something into the 3.5mm input of the H4n it turns its own mics off, and a simple 3.5mm to 1/4" TRS won't work either (the H4n thinks anything with 1/4" TRS is an amplified instrument)

my suggestion is that you get the H4n, and a hot-shoe to tripod-screw adaptor, and mount it on top of the camera; later on, if you decide you want a shotgun mic, get something better than a videomic, and with a proper XLR connector, like an NTG-2 or similar
 
NormanBates said:
I have a rode videomic and an H4n, and I can say:

* the videomic is not any more directional than the H4n
* if you want to use the H4n and the videomic to get 3 channels of sound (stereo background from the H4n, dialogue from the videomic), you'll have to use a 3.5mm to XLR adaptor, because if you plug something into the 3.5mm input of the H4n it turns its own mics off, and a simple 3.5mm to 1/4" TRS won't work either (the H4n thinks anything with 1/4" TRS is an amplified instrument)

my suggestion is that you get the H4n, and a hot-shoe to tripod-screw adaptor, and mount it on top of the camera; later on, if you decide you want a shotgun mic, get something better than a videomic, and with a proper XLR connector, like an NTG-2 or similar
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okay I will just get the H4n. Do you know any where that sell the mounts? I could sync it up in post its not a problem.
 
why not pay $30-40 more and get the Audio-Technica AT875R which can use the XLR inputs of the h4n and has better sound.
 
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