Which shotgun mic? (cheap ones) at DVinfo.net

Johnny Chiang · April 10th, 2004, 12:58 AM

So, i'm looking at buy.com, the only two that will work with my Canon Optura 20 (only 3.5mm input stereo input for mic, no XLR)

So it's either the "Azden SGM-X Super-Cardioid Shotgun Camcorder Microphone" $106.68

or

"Audio Technica ATR-55 Camcorder Condenser Shotgun Microphone" $49.48

I'm going to make my own cheap boom with PVC!

I will be making some small clips (action, horror, etc)

Azden SGMX1 Shotgun Microphone seems like a great mic for $150 but it is XLR :(

Mike Rehmus · April 10th, 2004, 11:49 AM

A simple mini to XLR adapter cable will probaby adapt any XLR microphone you wish to use.

The only limit is that some cameras supply a small DC voltage to power electret microphones. Sometimes that can cause some noise in the microphone. In that case, a blocking capacitor will solve the problem. Markertek sells such an adapter cable.

Frank Granovski · April 10th, 2004, 02:33 PM

Welcome, Johnny.

If you want a mic to fit onto your Optura, perhaps check with Canon. Canon should have one available for this model. Or is the mic for a "pole" only?

Dave Perry · April 10th, 2004, 11:59 PM

Johnny,

I'm in the same boat as you. I've used an ATR 55 before and they are rather noisy. I have my eye on the Azden SGM X. The specs suggest that it'll be quieter.

David A. Johnson · April 11th, 2004, 01:55 PM

I've had the ATR-55 for about 1.5 years now, and have been very happy with it. For the $50 cost, it is a HUGE improvement over the built-in mic.

April 10th, 2004, 12:58 AM	#1
Johnny Chiang New Boot Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Skokie, IL Posts: 23	Which shotgun mic? (cheap ones) So, i'm looking at buy.com, the only two that will work with my Canon Optura 20 (only 3.5mm input stereo input for mic, no XLR) So it's either the "Azden SGM-X Super-Cardioid Shotgun Camcorder Microphone" $106.68 or "Audio Technica ATR-55 Camcorder Condenser Shotgun Microphone" $49.48 I'm going to make my own cheap boom with PVC! I will be making some small clips (action, horror, etc) Azden SGMX1 Shotgun Microphone seems like a great mic for $150 but it is XLR :(

April 10th, 2004, 11:49 AM	#2
Mike Rehmus Wrangler Join Date: May 2002 Location: Vallejo, California Posts: 4,049	A simple mini to XLR adapter cable will probaby adapt any XLR microphone you wish to use. The only limit is that some cameras supply a small DC voltage to power electret microphones. Sometimes that can cause some noise in the microphone. In that case, a blocking capacitor will solve the problem. Markertek sells such an adapter cable. __________________ Mike Rehmus Hey, I can see the carrot at the end of the tunnel!

April 10th, 2004, 11:59 PM	#4
Dave Perry Major Player Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Roanoke, VA Posts: 796	Johnny, I'm in the same boat as you. I've used an ATR 55 before and they are rather noisy. I have my eye on the Azden SGM X. The specs suggest that it'll be quieter. __________________ Dave Perry Cinematographer LLC Director of Photography • Editor • Digital Film Production • 540.915.2752 • daveperry.net

April 11th, 2004, 01:55 PM	#5
David A. Johnson New Boot Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Knoxville, TN Posts: 21	I've had the ATR-55 for about 1.5 years now, and have been very happy with it. For the $50 cost, it is a HUGE improvement over the built-in mic. __________________ David A. Johnson past - photojournalist present - IT admin future - documentarian

April 10th, 2004, 02:33 PM	#3
Frank Granovski Outer Circle Join Date: May 2002 Location: Hope, BC Posts: 7,524	Welcome, Johnny. If you want a mic to fit onto your Optura, perhaps check with Canon. Canon should have one available for this model. Or is the mic for a "pole" only?