Two mics, omnidirectional + shotgun?

[Ken Snyder]

Hi, I was considering buying a high quality omni-directional mic and mount it near my shotgun mic. This would give me a second & different audio track to work with. I find that it is hit or miss whether sound is good or bad around the camera but sometimes it makes the video. Anyone do this?

Thanks

 

[Tim Joy]

I wouldn't buy an omni, because it will pick up a lot of handling noise if it's mounted to the camera, not to mention the operator's breathing and other room sounds.

A cardioid or hyper-cardioid would be a much more useful mic in general.

I usually use the built-in mic and a mounted shotgun for doing documentary run-n-pun type of stuff, but anything else should be boomed or done with a lav mic.