Rode VideoMic

You would need to ensure that the mic and softie ( if used on the camera) clear the field of view as it looks to me as if the canon is a domestic looking thing.

I asume that you're looking for a mic with mini-jack? The lead cannot be too long or you amy suffer noise/hum

"Gun" mics are not a cure for all, you might be better to get the mic, or an audio recorder, closer and if necessary, marry the two in post

As Dave says, they are not a "cure for all" and, quite limited as to how far they can pick up adequate audio.

Again, as Dave says, an audio recorder could be your best option, considering there is software that make it easy to sync on the timeline afterwards.

Thank you both Dave & Pete for your thoughts and advice.
Yes, I am quickly learning that  'shotgun mics' don't do " what it says on the tin" !
Thanks again
John

they do exactly what it should say on a decent "tin" (box/packet/leaflet) but the problem is that too many spy movies show a short gun mic pick up conversations from miles away.
In reality the only way to pickup sound like that is with a parabolic mic and that's more a wildlife type thing.

There is pretty much no substitute for close micing.

Most movies using any kind of distance use dubbing to conceal the sound issues.

I use Audio technica gun mics in Softies but inly just outside the camera's view and as close to the talent as possible.

I'd save the money and buy a Zoom recorder, or even a portable minidisc(the poor man's radio mic)

Thanks Dave
John

An on camera mini shotgun like the Rode is better than the built-in camera mics. And thats about the best you can say really.  In general use the best way to use any shotgun mic is to have it pointing down at the subject, or up, and not straight on anyway. And preferably no more than a couple of metres away - closer preferably.
So in that respect it a hundred quid well spent, but not the real solution. If you cannot get a mic actually right on or near the source it may be your best option though.
A cheap mic closer will often give better results than an expensive one far away. Other things to consider...a Zoom/Olympus/Tascam mini recorder, or even a Rode SmartLav+ that records direct into an iPhone or Android phone. You would be surprised at how good that little combo can be.
I have the cheap ME15 mic that plugs into my Olympus LS10 and it gives remarkable good sound. Wouldnt want to use it for a feature film but with a bit of EQ and comp is plenty doable.

If you are buying the Rode mic, be aware that there are 3 different models, with different recording qualities and used.
There is the standard videomic, the stereo videomic, and one I think is call the Pro.

I used the stereo mic for a while.  It was ok for top table speeches, as long as you were no further than 20 / 30 feet away.
As already stated, a radio mic or a mp3 recorder will be better at further distances.  Keep both cam and recorder continually
recording, and will be easy to synch later in post.

Many thanks,   Ixnay & Busyvideo.
Your comments and advice are much appreciated. Best wishes to both
John
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