Hello so I started a Thread in the GL2 watchdog ( http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=116741 ) about Mic's and I think it would be better answered here.

I also am getting way over my head I think and over thinking stuff to much.

So my Question has to do with the Canon MA-300 XLR adapter. ( I'm sure its the same as most XLR adapters) I need to buy a shotgun mic and I am looking at the Rode NTG-2. I have the Canon MA-300 XLR adapter but I dont understand the use for it. ON B & H they have the mic for sale with a XLR to 1/8" mini cable http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/481528-REG/Rode__NTG_2_Shotgun_Microphone.html that would plug in from the mic to my mic jack on the camera. Why would i use the MA-300 XLR adapter on top of my camera then the mic into that, when i could just plug the mic right into my camera?? What am I not getting??

Any help would be greatly appreciated,

Thanks ahead
Justin

With the MA-300 adapter you should be able to record from the NTG-2 to only one channel, and be able to record from another mic (perhaps a wireless) to the other channel. With the XLR to mini cable, you'll record from the NTG-2 to both channels.

Unfortunately, the MA300 is much less functional than a similarly priced unit from Beachtek or Sign Video. If you don't want to have separate left and right channel inputs, leave the MA300 home. If you want the ability to take two inputs and route them to separate left and right channels in the camera, use it (as Robert said).

But if you'd like the option to either mix two inputs into both channels or keep them separate at the flick of a switch, if you'd like to be able to switch either input between mic level input or line level (as in recording from a sound board), if you'd like to be able to attenuate the input level with control knobs, if you'd like the option to use a 1/8" mini jack for one of the input channels instead of the XLR, then dump the MA300 on eBay and get a real XLR adapter box.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/335809-REG/Beachtek_DXA2S_DXA_2S_Dual_XLR.html

Thanks a lot you guys for the info!

I think i am going to just go with the Rode mic right into my camera for the short i am going to do. But i might need the MA300 if i need to take the mic off the camera and use it more like a boom (then take the one channel i film into and duplicate it in post) . I think i just need to fork over some money and start experimenting with stuff.

Thanks again,

Justin