Z5 stock shotgun mic .vs Aftermarket ? at DVinfo.net

Darin Clifton · January 18th, 2010, 07:32 PM

I'm wondering if anyone has done a professional comparison between the stock Sony short shotgun mic that comes with the Z5 and any after-market models ; i.e a Rode NTG-2 ?

I'm trying to decide whether to sell the NTG-2 and get a windscreen for the stock mic. My primary use is outdoors for ambient/nature sound capture.

Mark Goodsell · January 18th, 2010, 08:52 PM

Good post. I haven't done a "professional comparison" of the Sony Mic with any measuring instruments, but my side-by-side anticdotal comparison and my tin ears led me to conclude that, to me at least, the Sennheiser ME64 with K6 module I have is a better sounding mic. More specifically, it seemed to have more 'punch' and a more crisp higher end than the included Sony Mic. My wife agreed. It's also got a bass roll-off. It's not really a fair comparison as the Sennheiser is a $450 combo, and, I don't have a lot of experience with a wide variety of different mics. I have adapted it to my cam along with a home-fabbed zeplin and on-cam furry. Works great. Wind noise no longer an issue.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...dioid_Mic.html

The ME64 is a directional mic with a cardioid pattern which I feel provides a nice amount of ambient audio vs a hypercardioid like an ME66. For what I do, I favor the ME64. I'd like to hear how the onboard mic compares to the Rode. I agree with you, would be great to see a comparison of other mics.

Michael Liebergot · January 19th, 2010, 03:40 PM

I would take the Rode NTG2 over the stock mic on the Z5.
However in my opinion an onboard shotgun is practically useless for indoor use, except for ambient audio. Critical audio is best served off camera, either wireless of audio recorders.

With that said, since you can use one of the XLR inputs along with the built in stereo mic (turns into dual mono mix mic), I prefer using the one XLR input and onboard mic as opposed to a shotgun mic anyway. The audio is just as good, and the cameras form factor is a bit smaller.

Now if I'm outside I woudl use a shotgun, as it will be more directional.
But for indoor use I'll stick to the built in mic, as on camera audio is very limited anyway.

BTW Mark, while I like the ME66 it's too hot for indoor use. Great for outdoor though. I prefer the AT897 or Rode NTG2 for dual indoor outdoor use.

January 18th, 2010, 07:32 PM	#1
Darin Clifton Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Sulligent, Alabama Posts: 132	Z5 stock shotgun mic .vs Aftermarket ? I'm wondering if anyone has done a professional comparison between the stock Sony short shotgun mic that comes with the Z5 and any after-market models ; i.e a Rode NTG-2 ? I'm trying to decide whether to sell the NTG-2 and get a windscreen for the stock mic. My primary use is outdoors for ambient/nature sound capture.

January 18th, 2010, 08:52 PM	#2
Mark Goodsell Major Player Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: WI Posts: 367	Good post. I haven't done a "professional comparison" of the Sony Mic with any measuring instruments, but my side-by-side anticdotal comparison and my tin ears led me to conclude that, to me at least, the Sennheiser ME64 with K6 module I have is a better sounding mic. More specifically, it seemed to have more 'punch' and a more crisp higher end than the included Sony Mic. My wife agreed. It's also got a bass roll-off. It's not really a fair comparison as the Sennheiser is a $450 combo, and, I don't have a lot of experience with a wide variety of different mics. I have adapted it to my cam along with a home-fabbed zeplin and on-cam furry. Works great. Wind noise no longer an issue. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...dioid_Mic.html The ME64 is a directional mic with a cardioid pattern which I feel provides a nice amount of ambient audio vs a hypercardioid like an ME66. For what I do, I favor the ME64. I'd like to hear how the onboard mic compares to the Rode. I agree with you, would be great to see a comparison of other mics. __________________ Mark Goodsell

January 19th, 2010, 03:40 PM	#3
Michael Liebergot Trustee Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Maryland Posts: 1,505	I would take the Rode NTG2 over the stock mic on the Z5. However in my opinion an onboard shotgun is practically useless for indoor use, except for ambient audio. Critical audio is best served off camera, either wireless of audio recorders. With that said, since you can use one of the XLR inputs along with the built in stereo mic (turns into dual mono mix mic), I prefer using the one XLR input and onboard mic as opposed to a shotgun mic anyway. The audio is just as good, and the cameras form factor is a bit smaller. Now if I'm outside I woudl use a shotgun, as it will be more directional. But for indoor use I'll stick to the built in mic, as on camera audio is very limited anyway. BTW Mark, while I like the ME66 it's too hot for indoor use. Great for outdoor though. I prefer the AT897 or Rode NTG2 for dual indoor outdoor use. __________________ Michael www.lvpvideo.com