What kind of external microphone for a DSLR
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Archived from the IMDb Discussion Forums — Filmmaking Gear
Nolegirl97 — 12 years ago(October 15, 2013 12:52 PM)
I want to start shooting short films, and I know that I need some kind of external audio recording, and I have heard horror stories about bad microphone that have been a waste of money, and I have little money to waste.
What is the best mic I can get for >$100? and any tips on how to get the best sound quality or avoid disasters would be greatly appreciated:) -
Speed_Daemon — 12 years ago(October 29, 2013 05:04 PM)
As long as you have
more
than $100 to spend, you have no problems. The Sennheiser and R0de NTG2 are good choices to start with, and cost less than $200. I'd also invest in a good outboard audio mixer; there are several designed for DSLR use. Pick up a copy of HDVideoPro magazine (the October issue has a small piece on shotgun mics) and browse the ads for the gear you'll need.
I got into video after doing pro audio, so I was well prepared. If you don't have any sort of audio training, you might want to take a class or get a book. Tomlinson Holman wrote a couple great books about audio for film, but they aren't light reading. His book "Sound for Digital Video" might be a great "bible" for you though.
Sound for video is every bit as important as lighting for video. And just like you need to know the basic lighting fixtures and how to use them, you'll need to know the microphone types, how to mix sound etc.
My audio for video gear includes a couple of shotgun mics, a couple of wireless "body pack" units and a couple of Shure SM58 general purpose mics that can be used for everything from voice-over work to podium use or to pick up ambient sounds. I have a simple yet flexible 4-channel in (w/EQ), stereo plus aux out mixer with a good built-in headphone amp for when I need more than my pro camcorder has to offer. If I need still more, the rental house is just down the road, and they know me well.
Be prepared.