I'm looking for a fairly cheap, decent boom and mic. Any recommendations for where I should start my search?

I'm looking for a fairly cheap, decent boom and mic. Any recommendations for where I should start my search?

To use for what? Predominantly for use indoors or out? Define "fairly cheap" - $250, $500, $1000, $2500?

Without meaning to sound ignorant, where you should begin your search is by using the search function here on DVInfo. This topic is VERY well discussed and I think most of us that have chimed in during the past are reluctant to type all of our learned sage-like advice YET again.

It's a valid question, but that question HAS been answered EXCEEDINGLY well on here.

Oh and after all that, Welcome Chris!

And check this out....

As I Hear It - Choosing the Right Microphone (http://www.kenstone.net/fcp_homepage/right_mic_brockett.html#Test%20#5)

A few years ago I tested out a few of the popular $500ish mics and put up some videos and sounds samples.

See DV eStore Theatre - Shotgun Shootout (http://dvestore.com/theatre/mics_guide.html)

We wound up putting together a good bang for buck "Location Sound Package" with boom pole, shock mount and "hairy" with all cables for under $500.

That package should give you somewhere to start.

A few videos about audio options are here too
DV Gear Talk (http://dvestore.com/dvgeartalk.html)

I highly recommend that you look at the excellent comparos that Guy has put together at the DVEStore. I find his recommended kit a winner, except that you will notice that the shockmount shown with the windscreen is actually a K-Tek not a Rode. I way prefer the K-Tek as rubber bands are pain to manage in hurried ENG settings.
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A few years ago I tested out a few of the popular $500ish mics and put up some videos and sounds samples.

See DV eStore Theatre - Shotgun Shootout (http://dvestore.com/theatre/mics_guide.html)

We wound up putting together a good bang for buck "Location Sound Package" with boom pole, shock mount and "hairy" with all cables for under $500.

That package should give you somewhere to start.

A few videos about audio options are here too
DV Gear Talk (http://dvestore.com/dvgeartalk.html)

Thanks for the feedback. I just ordered four additional shock mounts to test out from K-Tek, Gitzo, and Audio Technica. If I find one of them to be a better bet than the RODE at a reasonable price, then we'll change the package with the new model. Thanks again.

The best shockmounts - bar none - are the new Rycote (http://www.rycote.com/) "Lyre" (http://www.rycote.com/products/full_windshield_system/modular_suspension/index.php) mounts.

They are used in the S-series (http://www.rycote.com/products/s_series/), In-Vision series (http://www.rycote.com/products/invision/) and now in the full basket windshield kits (http://www.rycote.com/products/full_windshield_system/) - owners of older basket windshields can get inexpensive upgrade kits.

These mounts do not allow the mic. to droop or bounce like elastic mounts and are more effective than normal mounts for preventing vibration getting to the mic. Well patented to stop the "copyists" reverse-engineering them like they have done with other Rycote products.

And they are pretty cheap - the InVision mounts are only £30 in the UK and an S-series is cheaper than a Softie with mic. tail.

John - thanks for the reply. I really appreciate it. I have just sent a message to the folks at Rycote to establish a relationship. I'm excited to test out their gear. It looks amazing! I can't wait to put it through some tests.

John - thanks for the reply. I really appreciate it. I have just sent a message to the folks at Rycote to establish a relationship. I'm excited to test out their gear. It looks amazing! I can't wait to put it through some tests.I'll second John's recommendations. The Rycote Invision #7 is a perfect partner for the Rode NTG-3. Also the Schoeps CMC641, notoriously sensitive to noise with rough handling, is well isolated in the same mount.

I'm looking for a fairly cheap, decent boom and mic. Any recommendations for where I should start my search?

My first choice:
Audio-Technica | AT875 Short Condenser Shotgun | AT875R | B&H (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/495302-REG/Audio_Technica_AT875R_AT875_Short_Condenser_Shotgun.html)
This mic is very short and produces excellent results, both on camera and on a boom. The recent shotgun review linked from here rated it highly. For all-around use for price v. performance, this is hard to beat.
The AT875 is the first mic in this fairly comprehensive review:
http://www.kenstone.net/fcp_homepage/right_mic_brockett.html#Test%20#5

Here's a popular one:
Audio-Technica | AT897 - Short Condenser Shotgun | AT897 | B&H (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/300615-REG/Audio_Technica_AT897_AT897_Short_Condenser.html)

Thanks for all the useful info! I think I'm gonna make a play for the started combo that you suggested, Guy. Thanks alot!

Just got the combo in yesterday and have already used it on a gig. Works great! Thanks for the suggestions.