I'm getting ready to order my first serious (for me) microphone, a Rode NT3, and I wanted to make sure I'm getting the cables right.
I'll be using it on battery power.

Do I have this part right? The mic's output spec is XLR-3M which I interpreted as male. So then it would be:

Mic (Male)
3-pin XLR Female and 3-pin XLR Male (20 feet)
3-pin XLR Female and Mini Stereo Male (1.5 feet)
Camera is mini stereo female

I guess it all depends upon my understanding of the mic's output being male.

My second question is what characteristics do I look for in the XLR-cable. I was looking at the Hosa balanced cables. Do I want 20 gauge as opposed to 24 gauge? Some other brand?

Thanks for putting up with questions about something so seemingly ordinary.

You have it right, but one caution:

The XLR female to mini stereo male must be wired correctly. It must *not* be wired to carry a stereo signal.

Hosa XVM-101, -105 and -115, available at B&H are correctly wired and will apply the mic's mono signal to both of the camcorders channels.

My cables are Hosa 20 gauge (thicker conductors than 24 gauge) and I'm happy with them

Thank you Mr Retread for the caution. I visited the Hosa web site and I was indeed about to order the wrong Hosa (it was for a stereo mic) instead of the XVM-101 you mentioned.

Thanks again.