Hmm... I'm finding I'm picking up more tape hiss from the Rode Videomic than from the cheaper ATR-55 shotgun mic, and I don't know why that is. I got better quality but more handling noise from the ATR-55, so I figure the only thing to do is find some way to mount it to the HV20 using a shock-mount.

Anyone know of any shock-mounts that attach via a hot-shoe?

Rode SM3, but i think you're better off with a bracket that takes the mic further away.

K-Tek makes several hot shoe mounts for its shockmounts. See http://mklemme.com/pole/dvcam.html

When you say "tape hiss" are you sure it's acoustic noise from the tape transport being picked up by the mic and not electrical hiss from noisy preamps and the recording compression scheme?

We started stocking and shipping the Bracket1 line. They're great for adding items such as a wireless receiver as well as an on-camera mic and light. The solution for the HV20 would be the Bracket 1 mini. It feels less top heavy than some of the other solutions we tested. I feel like I can really run-n-gun in crazy situations, swinging the camera around violently without the accessories breaking the mounts and flying off. Solid with ideal weight distribution. Here is the Bracket1 web site http://bracket1.com/

I couldn't tell you whether it's tape hiss, but I'm comparing the footage I shot for "Following Alexis West" using the Rode Videomic and the hiss is unbelievable. I compare that to footage I shot using the ATR55 on "Makers" and despite the low price, the audio is damn-near crystal clear - just handling noise because I don't have a shock mount.

Compare this sample: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1580264787982113344&hl=en (Rode VideoMic)

To this sample:
http://www.vimeo.com/377215 (Audio Technica ATR-55)

I couldn't tell you whether it's tape hiss, but I'm comparing the footage I shot for "Following Alexis West" using the Rode Videomic and the hiss is unbelievable. I compare that to footage I shot using the ATR55 on "Makers" and despite the low price, the audio is damn-near crystal clear - just handling noise because I don't have a shock mount.

Compare this sample: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1580264787982113344&hl=en (Rode VideoMic)

To this sample:
http://www.vimeo.com/377215 (Audio Technica ATR-55)

I'm not hearing much of what I would think of as hiss, there is a little whine in there, hard to say if it's camera noise or AC noise from the lighting or air conditioning but it does sound like a harmonic of 60Hz. I think of hiss as a constant "sssssssssssssssss" underlaying everything. Mainly I'm hearing sibilance in his speech and excessive room reverb. Listening on JBL Professional LSR4328 monitors at about 75dBSPL.