Azden SGM-2X microphone
 

I was planning to buy this one after reading some review, along with a canon XHA1. It seemed to be cool with the option of converting either into a shotgun or omnidirectional mic. I tried searching about this model here and hardly found any mention. Has anyone used it here and would recommend it? I am not a professional, but don't want to get a totally useless mic. Are there any other suggestions for microphones in similar or slightly higher cost range for A1? I looked at Rode videomic too, but I thought I could utilize the XLR inputs of the camera instead of buying a mic that comes with the mini input.

Thanks.

I had one of these and it was very noisy. It is also quite long for mounting on an XHA1.
I think that there are better options. A lot of people like the Rode NTG-1 and the AT875.
I haven't tried either, but there is a lot of info on the web about them.