I am looking to finally upgrade my old Sennheiser MKH-416 to something better.

Can anyone recommend a short shot gun to replace my 416? Something that would work well on a boom pole / pistol grip for field recording, as well as fit nicely in a shock mount on top of a C100 / dslr style camera. I will be using it exclusively for documentary work.

I was looking at this one:
Sennheiser MKH 8060 - Short Shotgun Microphone MKH8060 B&H Photo


Any help is appreciated!

I used to have a 416. Bought a Sanken CS1e for my C300. I'd say it is definitely a step up, might be a bit pricey for an on camera mic for a C100 - but it does very well both on cam and on a boom.

I don't know if I would call it an 'upgrade', it's a decent mic though. A little to directional for my tastes. A bit noisier than the 416 or the newer 8060 and more subject to wind due it's extended low end but whatever floats your boat
No mic it gonna sound very good for anything but ambient mounted on a cam.

I am looking to finally upgrade my old Sennheiser MKH-416 to something better.

Better in what way? Or... what about the 416's performance is bugging you?

8060 is the good choice for a modern equivalent but the 416 is still a valid mic but if it is old and has exposure to a lot of moisture it may not be at it's best.

Get a 8060 and you will always have the 416 as a back-up or a second longer shotgun mic.

Adding an 8050 to your mic compliment will give you even more options.

I am looking to finally upgrade my old Sennheiser MKH-416 to something better.

Can anyone recommend a short shot gun to replace my 416? Something that would work well on a boom pole / pistol grip for field recording, as well as fit nicely in a shock mount on top of a C100 / dslr style camera. I will be using it exclusively for documentary work.

I was looking at this one:
Sennheiser MKH 8060 - Short Shotgun Microphone MKH8060 B&H Photo (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/762305-REG/Sennheiser_MKH_8060_MKH_8060_Short.html)


Any help is appreciated!

Yes, the 8060 is definitely the best upgrade from the old 416.

Personally I would not buy a new 416 nowadays and would go straight to the 8060.

Also, if you use the remote cable, the 8060 can be kept very short and still have the same directivity as the 416.

Better in what way? Or... what about the 416's performance is bugging you?

In comparison to the 8060, the 416 is low output and noisy.

In comparison to the 8060, the 416 is low output and noisy.

Not you John, the question was directed toward the OP.

I have seen good reviews of the Shure VP89 series. There are different module lengths and even a 90 degree adapter to "fold" it over to reduce length.

<<question deleted>>

OK, I found it. It's actually a 180º adapter, which places the electronics module beside the pickup tube, rather than inline. Rather an odd beast...

http://www.trewaudio.com/store/Shure-A89U-Adapter-for-VP89-Microphones.html
http://recordinghacks.com/microphones/Shure/VP89M

Sorry, I meant 180 degrees.

Good reviews, though. I am interested in the VP89s, which will not require the 180 piece.

Both Sennheiser and Audio Technica have a mic that is being used by broadcasters and reality TV folks lately. I gotta get with the REP because I forget the exact mics. There is a clear reason why they are preferring them. I forget what it is though... The weird thing with Audio Technica is the mic I am thinking of is in their STUDIO line when we are clearly talking about field production here. It can be used for both. I just spent 10 minutes looking for it and couldn't find it. I think the MKH-50 is the crossoverish mic I am thinking of from Sennheiser.

Sennheiser MKH 50-P48 - Super Cardioid Condenser Microphone Studio - designed for Soloists (http://en-us.sennheiser.com/super-cardioid-condenser-microphone-studio-soloists-mkh-50-p48)

I'll try to pop back in and post more tomorrow from the office.

OK. These are the ones I was thinking of NOT know for BROADCAST / FILM:

The AT4051 (Cardioid) or the AT4053 (Hyper cardioid)

AT4051b Cardioid Condenser Microphone || Audio-Technica US (http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wired_mics/7a24561e8865117b/index.html)

AT4053b Hypercardioid Condenser Microphone || Audio-Technica US (http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wired_mics/af0ced13084351f0/index.html)

This one is KNOWN for BROADCAST / FILM:

BP4073 Line + Gradient Condenser Microphone || Audio-Technica US (http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wired_mics/0b59ff21a316da95/index.html)

The Sennheiser MKH-50 was the mic I was thinking of earlier.

For interior acquisition, the AT4053 is a good low cost option, The Sennheiser MKH50 or the newer 8050 is medium priced. At the high end, is the Shoeps CMC6/MK41 is preferred.
Like the Sennheiser 416, the AT4073 series is an interference tube design shotgun and normally not recommended for interiors and areas with reflective surfaces.