Good mic for backup at weddings

[Matt Thurman]

Hey, sorry if this has already been posted somewhere on here. I have found many similar questions, but nothing that quite answers what I am looking for. I am starting a wedding videography business with my brother and we have panasonic DVC30s, I have an XLR adapter on mine and the second is going to be using our wireless mic system (Azden 300LT). I am looking for a mic on my camera which can be used to pic up the music and readers before the actual ceremony with the bride and groom begins. Does anyone have suggestions? I was looking at a shotgun, but I'm afraid that will not get good ambient noise, and the few stereo shotguns I have found are more expensive than I want to spend. My price range is probably up to $300 or $400 (preferrably). Any suggestions? Should I look at something like the AT822 stereo mic, or what? Thank you so much for any help!!!

[Waldemar Winkler]

Originally Posted by Matt Thurman

Hey, sorry if this has already been posted somewhere on here. I have found many similar questions, but nothing that quite answers what I am looking for. I am starting a wedding videography business with my brother and we have panasonic DVC30s, I have an XLR adapter on mine and the second is going to be using our wireless mic system (Azden 300LT). I am looking for a mic on my camera which can be used to pic up the music and readers before the actual ceremony with the bride and groom begins. Does anyone have suggestions? I was looking at a shotgun, but I'm afraid that will not get good ambient noise, and the few stereo shotguns I have found are more expensive than I want to spend. My price range is probably up to $300 or $400 (preferrably). Any suggestions? Should I look at something like the AT822 stereo mic, or what? Thank you so much for any help!!!

Unless you are less than 10" from the subject in your viewfinder you are not going to get good sound from a camera mounted mic, period. the best audio is always captured if the mic is as close to the sound source as possible.

For convenience sake, I would find an inexpensive wireless system (NADY makes a good selection for short range work at very reasonable prices. http://nadywireless.com). Another option is hard wired mics. Always best, but difficult to set up if there is little time.

I use VHF wireless hand mics (Shure SM58 with XLR wireless transmitters) on floor stands. Depending upon the situation, these mics feed into iriver MP3 recorders or into an audio mixer that ultimately feeds into one camera.

I'd be happy to discuss this issue at length. PM me.