SGM-2X for weddings

[Chris Wright]

I know this has been debated many times, but I am still somewhat confused...

I am a beginner on a very limited budget and would like to buy a good mic that will work for most purposes until I can afford to add additional mics.

Here is what I want to do:

Buy an Azden SGM-2X mic and an XLR-mini plug adapter. I can use this for wedding ceremonies with the supercardioid extension and then take off the extension and use it as an omni mic for receptions or any other video projects I may be working on. Then down the road I can buy an XLR adapter and a wireless lav mic as well.

Does this sound like a reasonable plan? I know the me66 and AT897 are both better mics, but they are both far out of my budget.

I will also be needing to buy a good tripod and possibly a stabilizer down the road, so if anyone has any good suggestions on the best models I'd be glad to hear it :)

Thanks!

[Douglas Spotted Eagle]

Chris, if you are on a difficult budget, then this is a really good plan. I'm no fan of Azden mic's, but that combination is also a little unique. It will improve your sound, even if only by a little bit.
Regarding tripods, most of the Bogen models are great. It's not as much the tripod as the head. In other words, if you have a good quality, low cost tripod with a great head, you'll be better off than having a high end tripod with a cheap head. A good tripod rig starts (new) in the $500.00 range. You won't be able to get by with a Walmart type tripod. (velbon, photomaster...they all suck) Bogen has a good line of mid level heads. Buy your head slightly more weight rated than your camera is if you plan on stacking mics, wireless' and bigger power supplies on the cam. Stabilizers, you can buy any number for various prices and build your own equally cheaply.

[Chris Wright]

Great, thanks for your help.

I do have a couple concerns about the SGM-2X mic before I buy. I know that it won't be as good as the more expensive mics, but...

1. I will be using it on a GL2... and some people think the SGM-2X with the supercardioid extension is way too long for a camera as small as the GL2. Would you agree with that? I don't really mind having a long mic since it will be mounted on a tripod, but will I have any problems with the mic appearing on the video?

2. Since this mic would be my only source of audio aside from another GL2 with its weak internal mic, will it do a decent job of picking up all sound at a wedding? This includes music, the officiant, wedding vows, etc.

One other question about the tripods: There is no way I will be able to afford a $500 tripod. Do you think a tripod such as the Bogen / Manfrotto 3001N?

Link:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=NavBar&A=getItemDetail&Q=&sku=222249&is=REG&si=feat#goto_itemInfo

This one is $170, and I really can't afford to spend any more than that. Let me know what you think.

Thanks again!

[Jean-Philippe Archibald]

The head on this tripod is designed mainly for photo camera. it doesn't even have a pan handle.

perhaps you should consider this kit for 150$: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...#goto_itemInfo

the manfrotto 128 head will do a better job than the 222 for video.

But if you can aford it, get the 501.

[Douglas Spotted Eagle]

That's a photo tripod, not a video tripod. YOu might look at the 301 or 501 head, they are much better/smoother. Designed for vid.
[edit] didn't see Jean-Phillipe's post til after I posted mine. He gave you a link to a much better tripod set.

[Chris Wright]

Here is what appears to be a modestly priced Bogen tripod with the 501 head:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=NavBar&A=getItemDetail&Q=&sku=222250&is=REG&si=inc#goto_itemInfo

That one is $221, but if it is significantly better than the $150 model I will consider it.

What do you think?

[Douglas Spotted Eagle]

It's significantly better. The sticks still aren't the best, but you should be pretty happy with this rig. The head is absolutely worth it. Panning, tilting are all but impossible without at least a median level head

[Jean-Philippe Archibald]

Yes! Go with the 501! you won't regret it. The legs are not the better but with a lightweight camera like the GL2, you should be OK.