I need to buy a shotgun mic and want to make sure that I get a good quality mic. But my budget is getting pretty close. What mics do you guys recommend for wedding videography? I don't have a camera just yet. I'm looking at the Panasonic HMC 150 as my primary camera and the Canon Xh-a1 as my backup. (Do you foresee any problems with the footage from these two cameras being mixed together?)

I'm also looking at the Sennheiser g2 500 series. What's the difference between that and the Sennheiser g2 100 series? Is it really worth the difference in price? Another thing, why would you get the receiver that has to use the hotshoe mount when you can get the camera mount box (as far as the Sennheiser series goes?)

It is pretty much universally recommended that you try to keep your cameras the same brand. Each brand tends to have its own "look" and you will consantly be color matching / corecting mixing a Panny with a Canon.

Having said that I do plan on using my Canon HV20 as a backup wide shot / audio backup to my two Sony V1U's. I figure the footage will almost never be used.

As far as microphones go Sennheiser is an excellent brand. I use a Rode NTG-2 and like it a lot. The Rode NTG-3 is supposed to be great but it also is a lot more expensive.

I am using NTG-1 on my XH-A1. Then use a NTG-2 on my HV30 as a B-Roll cam.

I vote for the Sennheiser ME66. It's a personal preference, but I'm always amazed at what I'm able to pick up from my subjects in noisy environments. Also, think about an excellent shock mount to isolate the mic from the camera.

Alec Moreno
http://www.1Day1ShotProductions.com

the ME66 is good if you can get nearer to the subject. I had a Rode Videomic to go with the FX1 previously and find the noise rejection better on the RODE compared to the ME66. If I had the chance I would go for the Senny 416 now but you have to try it out yourself to make a decision.