The HPX370 and 300 come standard without a microphone. I need one, so I started going about searching for the appropriate one. The MC200 is expensive for what it is. I know there are cheaper camera shogun mics out there, but I don't want a cheesy or acoustically cheap one. Since I eventually need a boom shotgun mic, probably the Rode NTG-3, I might as well get that one and put in on cam, and pole it when needed.

Anyone want to share their thoughts on that?

I'd want a little wider pattern on an oncamera mic. I had a Sennheiser ME66 mounted on my JVC HD200 until last week. I will be mounting a RODE NTG-2 on camera next month and getting an NTG-3 for my boom.

Yep the current bang for your buck is the NTG-3. Cheers.

Hi Frederic:

You won't go wrong with the NTG-3, I recently reviewed it for HD Video Pro. An outstanding mic for the money. But if money is tight, might I suggest the Audio Technica AT875R? I am a champion for this unknown mic, hardly anybody knows about it. It was specifically designed as an on-camera mic yet sounds really quite exquisite as a boom mic as well. I used mine just this week for a PBS special I shot in Branson and the sound was great. This mic streets for under $200.00, is smaller, lighter and more resistant to handling noise than any of the popular kids in the class.

I like the fact that it is also the smallest true shotgun on the market, very handy when shooting with wide angle lenses. You may find that an NTG-3 or similar type of mic shows up in the upper right hand corner of your picture when camera mounted and you are shooting with a wide lens.

You can hear the AT-875R in my article, I recorded quite a few clips with it As I Hear It - Choosing the Right Microphone (http://www.kenstone.net/fcp_homepage/right_mic_brockett.html)

Cheers,

Dan