On camera hypercardioid
 

I've seen a lot of posts about on camera shotgun mics but haven't seen much about putting a hyper on camera. Is this possible and/or worthwhile?

I do a lot of shooting indoors but don't have the luxury of a boom operator or even a stationary stand. I'm currently using either a standard shotgun (but get all the nasty reflections) or a lav. I'm wondering if I can or should mount a hyper onto the camera.

Thanks

I´m using the AKG 93 on-camera most of the time (even outdoors) and I think it works great. You need to get as close as possible, of course, but that´s the only way of getting decent sound with an on-camera mic anyway. I sometimes use a short boom with my left hand while I have the camera on a monopod or a tripod for the best sound possible in such situations and the AKG 93 does a very good job there too.

I'm contemplating selling my AT4073 shotgun, because it seems like my AT4053 hyper never comes off the camera.

Are you happy with the performance?
How close do you need to get the camera to the subject? I'm usually within 3-4 feet for impromptu headshot interviews.

That far is too far IMHO. Ideally a hyper needs to be about 18 - 24 inches from the speaker if you're looking for that rich "Hollywood" sound. Closer and the proximity effect starts to come into play; farther and the level drops off requiring more gain to sustain it, letting the ambience intrude more. Of course the environment is a major factor - a quiet soundstage lets you work the mic farther away than would a busy factory floor.

If you can't work with a boom op or mic stand, how about an "organic" mic holder in the form of an interviewer standing next to the subject with a wireless handheld reporter's mic?