Hi,
I am a complete newb, but I spent all day yesterday researching microphones for my camcorder. I have a Sony VX2000, and am getting a Canon ZR800. I want a good quality microphone that is under $150.

It is going to be used mostly for short films with some dialogue, but I may need it to film a concert and ambient sound occasionally. I know that the Mono Rode VideoMic is not ideal for this, and that I should get two mics, but will it work, and still get decent audio? (I can't afford two, or to go above $150)

Is there any other sub-$150 mic that you recommend?
Are there any good all-around (dialogue, music, ambient sound) mics, you recommend, under $150?
Also, will the VideoMic pickup sound a few feet away (5'-8')?
Could use it to interview two people sitting next to each other?
And could you use it to pickup dialogue from a few people standing within a few feet of each other?

Thanks, and I appreciate any and all help!

Good quality mics cost about 8-10 times as much as your new ZR800.

Regards,

Ty Ford

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^ Thanks, but I am aware of that. I am just wondering there are any decent quality mics, or at least better than the built-in mic, for under $150?

Ah, so you're now not looking for good quality, but decent quality.

Here's the thing. To get good dialog, you need to have mics on people or on a boom. Nothing else really works. Boom, wind shield, suspension mount are going to cost every bit of $150, if not more.

Then there's how to get the mic into your camera. Your options are very limited. Good mics don't have 1/8" plugs, they have XLR plugs and use phantom power.

You can try the Rode video mic with cable extension, dead cat and boom. That's a good "starter set."

Regards,

Ty Ford

__________________
Want better audio? Check out the "Audio Bootcamp Field Guide" at http://home.comcast.net/~tyreeford/AudioBootcamp.html

Thanks!

If you're looking for a sub $150 mic for recording a concert there are a few decent mic setups around. As Ty said they are not actually pro quality and they really aren't close. But they will do for the semi-serious hobbyist on a budget.

I use a Nady CM-2S. I think it sounds pretty good in most ways. It picks up too much echo but that can be controlled if you work at it. It costs around $120. For not much over $150 you can get a Rode Stereo Videomic. If you buy from Jack's Music Factory you can get a very good deal but you have to request a price quote because they can't advertise the prices they are charging. Lots of people around here have bought Rode mics from them including me. I believe this is a USA only operation though so if you aren't from here you might want to look elsewhee.

There are several mic setups that people like for under $150 or not much more than that. Another popluar choice especially for those who want to record concerts in stealth mode would be matched pairs of the Giant Squid omni lav with a battery box. This setup is pretty good for recording loud rock concerts and the total price is under $100 I believe. It's a popular choice in some circles.

None of these are pro quality mics though the Rode mics come close. They are the best buy for your money according to what many people believe.