I finally decided on the Rode NTG2 kit from B&H allong with the SM3. Guess what??? yup...the shoe mount doesn't fit! On one end of the mount that slides into the cams hotshoe, there are "nubs" that stick out. Those will not allow it to seat into the camera. Also, the area tapers inward towards the back of the camera, so allong with the nubs, it will only slide in not even a quarter the way in. I guess if I filed the nubs down, it might fit. Has anyone else tried useing a RODE mount?

Rapo

Another member had some advice about Rode mounts here: http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=90271

I have the Rode VideoMic. Does anyone know if that would fit the HV20?

Rapo,

I just received my SM3 today and had to file down the nubs. I did trial and error to file them as little as possible (or else the mount would be loose in the shoe).

I insert the mount so that the nub-side fits in the back of the shoe.

Worked like a charm!

Thanks Roland,

I fugured it would work, actually a simple fix, but I have always had a complex about messing (altering) things (like filing the tabs), but I guess its the only way to use a mic huh? Does it mess with the small "Canon brand mic" contacts? The NTG2 is HUGE in this little cam, But I am sure I will enjoey the results?

Rapo

ps - Roland,

What mic are you mounting on the cam?

Rapo

When you start filing it down, use the trial and error method slowly.
Take some evenly off each side and whatever you do don't let the filings fall into the head of the mic. Cover it up.
Cheers.

yeah, i would remove the mic from the sm3 before you start filing away.

rapo, i know what you mean about "messing" with stuff - i'm the same way. unfortunately, rode technical support was totally unfamiliar with the hv20 and the tabs on the sm3! so i took matters into my own hands, and it seems to have worked.

as far as i can tell, the contacts do not seem to be affected.

and i'm using the at822 by audio-technica.

good luck!

I have the Rode VideoMic. Does anyone know if that would fit the HV20?

It does. It's what I'm using.

Just curiously, how is the audio with your external mics? No motor noise, zoom noise? Is your mic balanced/unbalanced, stereo/mono?

I ask because I just got the HV20 and the audio from captured video with external mic is noiser than the internal. It's a little SONY a friend lent me.
I'm using FCP5.1.4.

I'm a bit baffled.

best,
elmer

I think I've seen this issue posted on a different site.

Are there good pictures of the offending nubs?

Here are a few pics of the cam with the NTG-2 on board, along with a cousin.

:-)

Rapo

How is the audio of the NTG-2 mic with the HV20? Getting any motor noise or zoom grunge?

best,
elmer

WOW that is really big on that small little cam

Yes i would also like to know how well the NTG2 works with the HV20

is the Rode VideoMic any smaller then the NTG2

The stereo Videomic fits on the HV20 with no problem. Just tighten it down and you're ready to go. The furry windshield hairs MAY get into the frame but either "combing" the hairs back or changing the windshield alleviates that.