videomic + GS400 at DVinfo.net

Steve Witt · January 9th, 2006, 05:55 PM

Got my Rode videomic for my GS400 from UPS today. I have ran recording tests of it against the on-board mic and for the most part I am pleased. I need to play with the audio settings in my camcorder more but I am overall happy. Had a glitch at first mounting it to the accessory shoe but everythings good now. I am Very Very Happy so far with the Panasonic PV-GS400. There is still so much to learn with it but I am having fun. I think I may get a lens hood for it and also a hood for the LED screen Just cause I think it's cool lookin'. :)

Brian Andrews · February 1st, 2006, 03:47 PM

GS400 and VideoMic is a good combo. Probably the best for the price.

Not sure if you know about AC ground loops and 60Hz hum but now I do and I'm on a mission to let others know.

Run you camera off AC power and plug in the VideoMic. See if you get a buzz or hum recorded on the tape. It may only happen with you run a long cable between the cam and the mic.

I just filmed my first real short film and about 60% of my first day's shoot has this nasty hum. Lesson learned--kept the cam on battery power!

Steve Witt · February 2nd, 2006, 07:02 AM

since you suggested it may only happen when you run a long cable between the mic and camera.....I have to ask, how long of a wire did you run. Since the video mic is "not XLR" and not balanced, it is not a good idea to make long runs unless you go mini to XLR adaptor and then XLR cable as to not pick up interference. At least that is the way I understand it. I have only mounted to accessory shoe and thats it so far.
I think it is a good match too.

January 9th, 2006, 05:55 PM	#1
Steve Witt Major Player Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: kentucky, USA Posts: 429	videomic + GS400 Got my Rode videomic for my GS400 from UPS today. I have ran recording tests of it against the on-board mic and for the most part I am pleased. I need to play with the audio settings in my camcorder more but I am overall happy. Had a glitch at first mounting it to the accessory shoe but everythings good now. I am Very Very Happy so far with the Panasonic PV-GS400. There is still so much to learn with it but I am having fun. I think I may get a lens hood for it and also a hood for the LED screen Just cause I think it's cool lookin'. :) Last edited by Steve Witt; January 10th, 2006 at 12:14 AM.

February 1st, 2006, 03:47 PM	#2
Brian Andrews Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: New Jersey Posts: 69	GS400 and VideoMic is a good combo. Probably the best for the price. Not sure if you know about AC ground loops and 60Hz hum but now I do and I'm on a mission to let others know. Run you camera off AC power and plug in the VideoMic. See if you get a buzz or hum recorded on the tape. It may only happen with you run a long cable between the cam and the mic. I just filmed my first real short film and about 60% of my first day's shoot has this nasty hum. Lesson learned--kept the cam on battery power!

February 2nd, 2006, 07:02 AM	#3
Steve Witt Major Player Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: kentucky, USA Posts: 429	since you suggested it may only happen when you run a long cable between the mic and camera.....I have to ask, how long of a wire did you run. Since the video mic is "not XLR" and not balanced, it is not a good idea to make long runs unless you go mini to XLR adaptor and then XLR cable as to not pick up interference. At least that is the way I understand it. I have only mounted to accessory shoe and thats it so far. I think it is a good match too.