Small on camera shotguns? - Sennheiser MKE400, AT Pro 24-CM etc?

andrew00

Well-known member
Eurgh, internet crashes whilst posting and lost what I wrote...apologies for quickness of second try.

I'm looking for a good but SMALL on camera shotgun and am looking at the Sennheiser MKE-400 and Audio Technica Pro 24-CM, to be thrown in my camera bag and used on my 5dmk2 when needed.

Bigger options won't do, like the Rode Videomic.

Does anyone have opinions a) on these two vs one another and b) alternative suggestions that are better?

Cheers,
a x
 
I've got the Sennheiser MKE400 and love it for the price/portability factor. Here's a quick sample from this mic fed directly in to the Canon 7D, AGC and all…

 
Assuming this is just going to be used as the guide track, it really doesn't matter which you use. If you're actually planning to use the audio in the finished product, you probably need to re-think things and most likely go double system.
 
Yeah I have more 'pro' gear, I have a Rode NTG-3 + blimp, two G2's knocking about etc, a Zoom h4, h4n, Edirol r-44 etc.

This is more something of a decent level I can have and use, i.e. the best I can get for a tiny but good on camera mic. I've even been using the H4n on the camera but I'm looking more for the directioned pattern of a shotgun, say for an interview or whatever when I don't have the options of seperate sound, for whatever reason.
 
The MKE400 sounds pretty thin unless positioned close. Make sure you get the optional deadcat accessory kit if you go that route. As others have suggested, it's best to go with double system sound.

 
I was surprised how good the MKE400 did sound with close voice but then it's a Senn. For interviews you'd need it on a small boom.

Its small form will induce folk to cram it into their cam bags and the 2 support silicone shockmount strips are non replaceable. Given that for the price it has its place.
Cheers.
 
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