options for GH3 external mic?
 

Trying to figure out the most cost-effective way to attach an external mic to the GH3. The Panasonic shotgun is an obvious but fairly expensive choice.

I own a Sanken CS-3e that is, unfortunately, phantom only. So in theory I could use it with a separate power supply and XLR-3.5 adapter.

I guess I could also look for a less expensive dynamic mic with 3.5 connector, as long as the specs are compatible.

I figure I'll need to spend at least 2/3 the cost of the Panasonic mic, so I'm just wondering if the Panny is the one logical choice.

Re: options for GH3 external mic?
 

I bought the Rode VideoMic Pro and it works very well with the GH3. It is also a good size for it.

Re: options for GH3 external mic?
 

What's the diff between the regular VideoMic and the Pro? I haven't found a clear explanation yet. Thanks.

Re: options for GH3 external mic?
 

The primary difference is the size. Sound quality is about the same. Look at photos of them and you can see the obvious differences. The pro is made for DSLR style cameras, the regular one is much larger.

Re: options for GH3 external mic?
 

is another choice. Smaller, less expensive. Look at the photos on the page and you'll see how small it is.

I own both Rodes and the Sennheiser above as well. The Sennheiser is the coolest, smallest microphone of the three, awesome size and easy to handle. The Videomic Pro I dislike but it sounds better. It is awkward to replace the batteries and the shockmount is horrible, IMO. The Videomic is too large for DSLR but can work, it's just not ergonomic at all.

All in all, the Videomic pro is worth the extra. The Sennheiser is somewhat tinny, but it works OK.

Re: options for GH3 external mic?
 

The Rode VideoMic Pro has a +20dB gain feature that helps eliminate the bad hiss on the Canon DSLR audio. I know that the Panasonic GH2 doesn't have nearly that bad of an issue because I have routinely used internal audio that was passed into the cam from a Sescom pad cable coming out of a DR100. For smaller form projects, the AC3 was more than acceptable in quality, contrasted with the Canon 60D I also shoot on that has poor audio even with the same setup, and is only useful as a scratch track.

Frankly, the quality you will get on the GH3 will probably be identical between the VideoMic and VideoMic Pro, but the Pro version is also much smaller while retaining quality, which I really appreciate. I would only recommend the Video Mic if you'd like to save the money in the price differential. Otherwise, I'd get the Pro version for its smaller size (and don't bother with the +20dB feature on your GH3...not really necessarily).

Re: options for GH3 external mic?
 

I agree 100% on the battery replacement. Horrible. I had to Youtube how to do it b/c I was afraid I would break it. Also, it feels a little "cheap." Plastic, etc. That being said, the sound quality is great. The internal mic on the GH3 is also really good.

Re: options for GH3 external mic?
 

I have the Rode NTG2 mic and hoped that could just be used with the GH3. It would work fine, but I had to put it in a shock mount (which I had) and get an adaptor cable (didn't have), and it was a lot of extra stuff to keep track of for a shoot.

I ended up springing for the Panasonic mic and am happy with it. It came with a "dead cat" and is able to be controlled (shotgun or stereo) and powered from the camera. It was pricey and a little hard to get (Amazon finally), but it works well, is easy to use, and compatible with the GH3.

So for GH3-only shoots or B-Roll, this is fine. Anything more (if I need a lavalier mic or boom) and I'll use my Canon XF300 or sort out an XLR solution for the GH3 (Jucedlink or Beachtek). As you say, you're spending 2/3 of it already - maybe just as well go the extra and get one made for the camera?

Larry

Re: options for GH3 external mic?
 

The Rode VideoMic Pro is one great little shotgun mic. Shot this little nat sound piece with only the VideoMic on the GH3. Also used the Lumix 35-100 and the 12-35.

Re: options for GH3 external mic?
 

I have both and they have their pluses and minuses. The Sennheiser is smaller but it is more delicate. The wind screen slips off easily and I eventually lost mine. The replacement wind screen I purchased snaps on and is better all around. Unfortunately the shock mount broke and that's not replaceable. It still works with a crude rubber band fix but I only use it on a stabile tripod mounted camera now. The Rode sounds better, is larger but not by much. The shock mount rubber bands detach in transit at times but are easily set back in place.

Re: options for GH3 external mic?
 

I think any on-camera mic is limited to ambient sound only. If you want interviews I suggest a set of Rads/boom and a beachtek or juiced link.
For on camera the sennheiser is best for sure, but the Rode is an excellent low cost alternative.

Re: options for GH3 external mic?
 

Sennheiser/Sony wireless's work very well. Just attach it to the hot shoe and plug it in the mic jack and set the level in the camera. I wouldn't want to use a shotgun mic attached to the cameras hot shoe for interviews.

Re: options for GH3 external mic?
 

Most Sony wireless mics are balanced with XLR inputs, you really need to put them through a Beachtek or juiced link accessory as they also disable AGC in your camera.

Re: options for GH3 external mic?
 

I have the Sony URX-P2 as well as the Sennheiser and both come with XLR and 1/8" cables.

Re: options for GH3 external mic?
 

Nice work, Erik! It's nice to meet another San Diego-based member. Did you use any sort of interface or did you plug the mic directly into the camera?

Re: options for GH3 external mic?
 

I just plugged it in and set the levels in the camera. Since the GH3 now has a headphone jack audio is so much easier to capture.

Re: options for GH3 external mic?
 

Any issues with broadband noise (hiss) in quiet settings? This has been an issue for me with all but one mic.

Re: options for GH3 external mic?
 

I agree the VideoMic Pro works well. Here is a new story shot with the GH2 and the Rode.


[QUOTE=Erik Naso;1775587]The Rode VideoMic Pro is one great little shotgun mic. Shot this little nat sound piece with only the VideoMic on the GH3. Also used the Lumix 35-100 and the 12-35.

Re: options for GH3 external mic?
 

I've been using this Sennheiser MKH 50 for 8 years on my large shoulder camcorders. It's a super cardioid and handles voice and the high sound pressure of reception speakers great with tight base as well. Plus it is very short. Has -10db switch and also bass roll off cut that is handy in wind. But it is pricey.... $1,200.

Shot with it on GH3 for the first shoot about 6 hours ago last night, with the camera picking up the spoken words of a company's annual sales awards party plus loud but tight music from the speakers used, with a video presentation as each person walked up. I used the -10db because the meters earlier in evening were deflecting into red. The sound in my footage is great!

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/79497-REG/Sennheiser_MKH50_P48_MKH_50_Microphone.html

Re: options for GH3 external mic?
 

I put this decision on hold for a while....but now I need to deal with it.

If I use the kind of setup Bill described, basically making the connection from an XLR mic to the GH3, do all of the camera's internal audio settings still work as they would for the Panasonic mic?

Re: options for GH3 external mic?
 

I'm not sure which "internal options" you're asking about. The cool thing about the Panasonic mic is that you can switch it from shotgun to stereo in camera. That internal option wouldn't work with another brand of mic, but they should function as a normal mic ok with volume controls.

I have a couple of RODE shotgun mics but opted for the Panasonic mic made for the GH3 because I didn't want to fiddle with mic holders, adapters and cord converters (XLR to stereo mini), and I wanted it to be quick and easy to use. I got all that with the Panasonic mic. It pops on quick, is matched to the camera, is controllable by the camera, and works well. And it came with a matching 'dead cat' as well.

Larry Becker

Re: options for GH3 external mic?
 

Hi Philip - the answer is yes. The camera sees a standard mic input at the proper impedance, as long as you use something like the .

Yes, the mic is mono only, but I'm recording voices, not music. And I can run a long, shielded XLR cable from the balanced output of my mic to the camera if I choose to. Something I would not do with the unbalanced 3.5mm output from a or a microphone.

Since my last post, I have become an even bigger believer in buying used professional mics and adapting them instead of buying more plastic consumer equipment. I'm not that rough on my gear, but I have broken the mic guard on my H1 and cracked a plastic lens hood in the last few weeks. My AT835b is all metal and built like a tank - there's not an ounce of plastic on it. There's one on eBay right now for $150 or best offer plus $12 shipping.

Good luck,

Bill
Hybrid Camera Revolution

Re: options for GH3 external mic?
 

It just kills me that when I got my high-end shotgun, a Sanken, I didn't give a thought to ever needing battery power. It's phantom only. Nothing like 20-20 hindsight!

Re: options for GH3 external mic?
 

Perhaps you should get an in-line phantom power supply. Maybe something like the $95 Denecke PS-1A?

That would cost a lot less than buying another pro mic (which would probably not be as good as your Sanken :))

Good luck!

Bill
Hybrid Camera Revolution

Re: options for GH3 external mic?
 

FWIW, that mic is going for $259.95 at Amazon now and an even $259 at B&H (but it's out of stock right now): http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/907000-REG/Panasonic_dmw_ms2_External_Stereo_Mic_For.html.

D