I plan on buying the Canon XH-A1 camcorder in the fall. At this point, I am considering either the Rode NTG-1 or Rode NTG-2 mic - which I will be using attached to the camcorder (I am also considering the AT897, but that's a different thread).

I have read several reviews claiming (a) the NTG-1 and the NTG-2 are exactly the same except one is phantom power only - but otherwise they capture sound the same, pick up sound from the same distance with the same quality, etc., or (b) they are noticeably different in their performance in that the NTG-2 picks up sound from farther away, picks up less interference from close by sounds, etc.

I am interested in real world performance comparisons of the NTG-1 and the NTG-2 from people who have used both.

The elements are exactly the same, so they should sound exactly the same when phantom powered.

Depending on if you mind the length (NTG-1 is shorter), I would go with the NTG-1. If you think you may ever choose to make the unit wireless with a plug on transmitter such as the Sennheiser SKP 100 (no phantom power), then I would get the battery powered NTG-2.

Hope this helps,

That helps!