Hi,
I have to shoot a group of kids in a "round-table" type discussion, some in chairs, some sitting on the floor. I don't plan on using (because I don't have one) a boom mic. Obviously I can't mic all 40 kids. I imagine that if I use my XL2's onboard shotgun mic I 'll be able to get some of the discussion, as well as a lot of general room noise (which I don't want). I also don't want to be running all over the place jamming the cam/mic in their faces. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Many thanks in advance.
Sprague

Moved to NHT from XL2 for better exposure.

do you have any wireless stick mics?

I would favour trying to get hold of some good pressure zone mikes, one on the floor, another on a small coffee table up off the floor. Some of the videoconferencing mikes are not too bad these days.

Boundary mics, (often confused with Crown's PZM's) will work well for this, alternatively you could suspend a few rental omni mics feeding a mixer, mixer feeding cam. A boom with good operator would work for this as well, if you could keep the boom op out of the frame.

Thanks Chris.

Peter - Nope, havn't any wireless mics but will look into them.

Bob & DSE - Many thanks for your suggestions as well. I'll get busy and do some research.

Thanks again to all.

Sprague