I have a T2i and have been using a Zoom H1 Handy Recorder on a RODE shockmount for my sound. It's been alright.

I am doing this because I do NOT want to put the firmware Magic Lantern on my camera as it voids the warranty.

Today the RODE Videomic (not the PRO one) went on sale for $130 (savings of $60) and I am wondering if, when plugged into the H1 Handy Recorder, will it improve my sound or be pretty much the same?

I've been impressed with the sound on the H1 but would like to know if shelling out the extra money for the Rode mic to attach to the H1 would make a big difference.

Thanks

That depends on how you are using your H1.

With the Rode you will be able to put on boom and get it close to the actors. big Plus

it will seize to be stereo and will now be recording both channels in mono.(since mic is mono)

I think it will be a good move, get you a boom pole along with it and you're cooking

Firstly Magic lantern only lives on the card, not in the brains of your camera. It does not void the warantee. It's awesome.

Secondly, yes, a mono mic will improve your audio because dialogue should be recorded in mono. In stereo it loses focus, and drifts back and forth. I would still recommend the Rode VMP ofer the VM. The 20 db boost really helps, allowing you to turn down recording levels, and turning down noise with it. Remember you must get the mic within 2 feet of the person speaking for good audio to happen. Beyond that you start getting more room sound/noise the further away you get.

RØDE VideoMic Pro Test 2 - Straight into T2i w/ Magic Lantern on Vimeo

Shootout of the Mini Shotguns! on Vimeo

Chad:

Thanks for the test with the ML and the RODE. Sounds surprisingly good for a DSLR, better than my 5D MKII.

Dan