Enea,

Tried the ATR25 again with the two plug cable, the single-mini plug and changed to the maxell alkaline, sound came in soft but clean. It's slightly louder than last night (subjective, I was tired) but is not as sensitive as the built-in microphone (probably not a bad thing since it's clean, just seems like it achieves this by softness?). I'm thinking the screw in connector may be hit/miss as it appears to be hooked up to the battery spring and bounces when I plug it in.

Here's a sample from a quiet room. There's a laptop with an audible cooling fan humming about 2-3 feet (~1 meter) from the camera. The HV20's mic picks it up quite a bit while the ATR25 only records my voice.


In 16-bit WAV (3.26MB):
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=XKQ6KGYK


In MP3 (680K):
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=XKQ6KGYK

Does it sound right to you?


Charles,

Maybe you could post a sample of the DM-50's sound?

I use the ATR25 on my Panasonic GS250 and it works fine. I tried to use a rechargeable battery and it did not work, but a regular AA is fine. I used it at this air show with great results: http://www.socalspeedzone.com/ptmugu...w07/index.html

When I get a HV20 I am thinking of getting the Canon DM-50 but I try the ATR25 first. Would if it would be much better?

I just repeated your test with my camera, with almost the opposite result. Audio recorded with the ATR25 was a bit louder, clearer and had a wider frequency response.

I analyzed your test file in WaveLab and noticed that the ATR25's sound was about 10-12 db more quiet than the in camera sound. This is really strange. Either there's something wrong with the mic or the HV20 compensates for the ATR25's higher output.

As soon as I have my HV20 (hopefully next week), I'll repeat the test with the ATR25.

I'm terribly sorry for having recommended something you're not satisfied with. I really hope it's not a HV20 compatibility problem (as stated above).

I have the DM-50 on the way to see how it does. When adjusting menu items with the joy stick you can hear the clicking action in the on-camera mic. Though I don't normally adjust anything while recording, it would be nice to have the mic up and away from the body so if I want to tick the exposure up or down I (hopefully) don't interfere with the audio. Then again, adjustments still shake the camera video as well, so that might be moot.

The battery placement is awkward for using an XLR adapter 9aking to bottom loading DV tape mechanisms), so I am looking for options there as well. Have a couple Lenmar batteries coming with an plug-in charger.

Also have the tele-converter coming to give that a try. Haven't bee able to find anyone with the wd-h43 in stock, but that is on the list as the camera doesn't shoot wide enough for the landscape video I normally do.

Aside from the added mic, a few batteries, the tele and wide converters, I'm interested in a 35mm adapter and a basic steadycam. I would think the first are required and the latter is desired though.

Enea, I'm happy to say that swapping out for a new ATR25 did the trick. I'm enjoying good audio pickup without the camera hum (I do a lot of video in quiet places) now. Next step is to figure out how to mount it. Modify the shoe or buy a brace? Hmmm ....

Thanks John, I bought an old C-8 43 from that auction place and I'm pleased to report that it works excellently (only in my first day of ownership at the moment for the HV20 though!). You are correct that it only works properly with the zoom set to full wide (I guess this is a focus point issue).

Great money-saving tip though!

Andrew

Thanks for posting these photos. I'm curious how this setup has been working for you? Does the DM-50 mic work well in most situations? Close indoor and far away outdoor use? Do you have any sample videos using the WD-H43?

Thanks

I'd be interested in any feedback on this (I'm just a Home Vid Shooter) but after I month of using the HV-20 want if possible a stero mic that is just a "step up" from the internal mic:
1) Small, Cheap, Easy to Use
2) Cuts down on Wind & Motor Noise

Any other suggestions would be welcome
Thanks
Nathan

Canon HV20 and Canon DM-50 shotgun mic
 

I actually bought the DM-50 and used it on a recent trip to Alaska. I'll try to post some clips of it up on the web. My initial impression is it did a pretty good job. I haven't yet listened to the audio captured to my computer though. Anyhow I love that it uses no wires and is powered by the hot shoe. Anyhow when I get some clips up on the web I'll post a link here.

A nice, compact, super easy to use mic, but definitely not "made" for the DV20. They've been around for quite a while. I bought one when I first got an Optura Pi (5 or 6 years ago?), and I think it was probably around before the Pi.

Canon DM-50 Microphone
 

Well I bought this mic a few months ago and have shot quite a few videos with it. I'm pretty happy with the quality. I would def. recomend it. I love not having to carry around extra cables or batteries!

C-8 43 and C-8 67
 

Any idea how much of a Wide Angle this ? i.e. 0.7 or 0.65 etc..
This is not mentioned anywhere....