There is no doubt that DSLR video is taking the world by storm. Canon 5D MkII video cameras were used exclusively to tape an episode of House. As great as the video is on these DSLR cameras and other handheld HD cameras, the built-in mics are often very lacking. My current video DSLR is a Nikon D5000 and while the video is AWESOME, the audio is very weak. Not only from a built-in mic standpoint, but also from an 11khz audio standpoint too. Unfortunately, there's no solution for the D5000 as it lacks an audio-in port. I have my finger on the trigger to upgrade to a Nikon D300s for video, but I'm holding off because Nikon is rumored to be releasing new models "soon". I also have a Canon HF10 HD camera that I use too. Although the mic on this camera is much better than the one on the D5000, very few built-in mics are considered to be "great". Therefore, I'm always looking for better ways to record audio.
The Rode VideoMic is just what I was looking for
Although I don't yet have a DSLR with a Mic input, I'm not waiting around. I'll either get a D300s or whatever comes out next from Nikon. In the meantime, the Rode VideoMic is just what the doctor ordered. It's lightweight and as you can tell from the photo, very "directional" (shotgun). Great for interviews and other up close and personal recordings. The mic is powered by a 9-volt battery. Although it's designed to go on your hot shoe, there are no electronics in the mount itself so you can mount it on anything with a standard hot shoe female type mount. For whatever reason, Canon doesn't use a standard sized mount in their HF series. So I use an accessory arm that attaches to the tripod mount (yes, you can still use a tripod/monopod too). The Mic itself is Mono, but it does record on both channels if you have a stereo jack. So many mics miss this important aspect. The sound quality is really good and while it's not noise cancelling, it does a great job of recording source that you're pointing it at.
The Bottom Line
This is a good mic for the price. Just like camera equipment, you can always pay more or less to get something better or not as good. For the discounted price I paid, I'm really happy with it. You can get it here for about $135 (list price $249). Thanks goes to Jason Levine and Greg Rewis for turning me on to this mic.
Speaking of DSLR Video
You can check out Part Two of Jason's "Editing DSLR Video in the New Premiere Pro CS5" here:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wO_jzVsLMjQ
I do not believe this is a stereo mike, only mono. Also, when mounted on the hot shoe it blocks access to the viewfinder which you may want to use if you combine stills with a movie. I think the mike is a bit large and ungainly.
Had one for many years, when the rubber bands go on the shockmount you’re outta luck, Rode’s website has no place to order replacements. I haven’t found anything strong and small enough to do the job.
The mic is good, a bit midbass heavy and rolled off high end.
I agree with David MW, I too roll off the bass with the switch on the back. Terrific mic for interviews. I carry this one all time AND the RODE stereo version which I use for on camera audio capture of events, bands, anything that’s not an interview. The RODE stereo version is: Rode SVM. Carrying both mics in my kit lets me get good audio just about anywhere. I also have multi-thousand dollar pro mics, shotgun Sennheisers and Pro Field recording gear, but just carrying these two RODE mics gets it done very well (as an on camera solution).
Terry… first and foremost: thanks for your daily efforts in guiding us, your readers, through the dangerous wilds of the technological jungle! (“And on your right, the much-sought-after Applis Ipadium!”) I’ve learned a great deal from your website and app. You are one of my few “go-to” guys for Photoshop and tech information. Brilliant stuff.
Something you briefly mentioned today really caught my eye. “Nikon is rumored to be releasing new models ‘soon’.” I hope to purchase a new camera in the very near future, and was looking seriously at the D3S. But as a life-long volunteer working in Guatemala, a purchase of this magnitude for me is akin to buying a car or house (ie: adios to my savings!) Obviously, when I make the purchase I want to be sure that I’m getting the latest, greatest equipment that every one of my hard-earned quetzales (Guatemalan currency) can buy.
Do you have any additional information/rumours/hearsay/mad scrabblings on restroom walls concerning these new Nikon cameras or the definition of “soon”?
As always, grateful for your shared thoughts,
Rob
Robert Scoble also recommended a Rode mic to me for video interviewing. You two are the men, so I’m on board.
LOL – THAT IS MY SETUP! ..