Suggestions for a mic for the GH4

[Jeroen Wolf]

Want to get the Rode Videomic Pro but am not sure whether there's still that grounding issue. Also, there may be other options I'm not aware about. The Panasonic mic seems to be picking up a lot of handling noise and since I do a lot of handheld... Any recommendations?

[Ronald Jackson]

I've got the Rode, as well known there is an issue with the screw that attaches the hotshoe to the mike itself. It works lose so easily like when carrying the camera about with the mike attached or even when inside a moving vehicle on rough terrain.

I also have a more expensive Shure VP83F. Better specced than the Rode, it works as a standalone recorder (to an internal micro SD card) as well as recording to the camera.
Built like a tank but as I now use a Fhugen cage much better to mount the mike to that rather than to the camera hotshoe.

Ron

[Jeroen Wolf]

Thanks, Ronald. I wasn't aware of the issue with the screw... But that grounding issue has been resolved?

(As far as the cage is concerned- not sure if I want to go that route... How does it work handheld- wouldn't you need sidehandles??Plus I ordered a large eyecup for the GH4, wonder if I can still press it up against my eye with the cage attached...)

[Noa Put]

Can I ask where you ordered the eyecup? I"m looking for a better eyecup then the original one. Btw I"m using a Tascam tm-2x, haven"t noticed any weird audio issues so far.

[Jeroen Wolf]

It's a cheapo eyecup that was mentioned on DSLR-Newsshooter as a workable solution. Someone else told me he did not have succes with a similar device but for 4,- I was willing to take the risk ;-)

Universal 5 in 1 Eyecup Eye Cup for Canon Nikon Pentax Olympus Leica Sony DSLR | eBay

That Tascam looks pretty nifty- and very decently priced. You satisfied with the sound/operations? Why not a shotgun microphone?

[Phil Goetz]

This mic takes a microSD card for on board (on mic) recording:

Shure VP83-F LensHopper

[Noa Put]

Originally Posted by Jeroen Wolf

You satisfied with the sound/operations? Why not a shotgun microphone?

I wanted something small and not too pricey, just that I'd get better ambient sound then the internal mics, I have not had the time to perform any test how it performs compared to the internal mics but from what I hear it does sound decent enough. I use several external recorders to capture important audio throughout the day so the tascam is just for ambient sound.

[Noa Put]

Originally Posted by Jeroen Wolf

It's a cheapo eyecup that was mentioned on DSLR-Newsshooter as a workable solution. Someone else told me he did not have succes with a similar device but for 4,- I was willing to take the risk ;-)

Does this particular model fit your gh4? Or do you have to modify it?

[Bruce Foreman]

Originally Posted by Jeroen Wolf

(As far as the cage is concerned- not sure if I want to go that route... How does it work handheld- wouldn't you need sidehandles??Plus I ordered a large eyecup for the GH4, wonder if I can still press it up against my eye with the cage attached...)

I have the original FHugen Honu cage (current version also fits the Sony A7 series as well as the GH3/GH4 and costs $150) which I've used a couple of times with the Rode Videomic on it rather than the camera shoe (too many cameras have suffered a loose shoe due to heavy accessories).

I simply gripped it by the side pieces, worked real well; the whole setup felt compact well balanced, and secure. Almost sold the cage but glad I didn't.

I also have the GB-1 Gearbox cage, the side pieces are spaced further apart and shaped like handles. Seems to give me quite a bit of stability handheld with more "real estate" on top for mounting things. At a current price of $95 it's almost a "no brainer". I have a Manfrotto 577 quick release adapter on the top of the bottom plate so I can slide cameras in and out as needed. The 501PL setup is compatible with my shoulder rig and both Manfrotto tripod heads.

GB-1: Photography and Cinema - Store · GB-1 GearBox Video Cage

Honu cage: Photography and Cinema - Store · Honu v2.0 GH3/GH4 and Sony A7/A7r/A7s Video Cage