Shotgun Mic for 5D Mk II
 

I have a 5D Mk II. I want to set up for video shoots using both wireless lavaliers and a shotgun mic. I would like to know what would be good and why various features would be better or worse.

XLR vss. 3.5mm plug (shotgun mic)
9V vss. AA batteries (on wireless)

Can you use more than one wireless system?
Can you have more than one mic on a single receiver?
Do you record them as separate tracks?

So far the wireless system I've thought best of is Sony UWPV1 Lavalier.
I'm not sure on the shotgun.

Your thoughts please...

What kind of shoot ? Tripod mounted, hand held ? Interview ? Narative ? All these and more make a difference in what might be needed for your situation.

Input into camera is stereo, so two channels to go in. But feeding the camera sound has its own issues. Even with the level adjustment now in firmware 2.04 and higher, you will not necessarily get the best sound into the camera. You may need to consider using Magic Lantern, or double system sound, using Plural Eyes or Dual Eyes. That's why the first questions above are asked.

For your camera, if you want a camera-mounted shotgun, you might look at the new Rode Videomike Pro (not the older VideoMike) and the Sennheiser MKE400.

To do two channel sound into your camera with two mikes you will probably want an audio interface box like one of the Beechtec models ---they have one specifically for your camera, as I recall it. Two xlr in, stereo mini plug out.

Of entry level wireless mikes I have only experience with Sennheiser G3, which are hightly satisfactory. As to what kind of battery, battery life is more important, check the specs for whatever units you want to see how long they last on whatever batteries they use. The Senneys use aa batteries, with quite long life.

Yes, you can have multiple systems. Each mic requires a dedicated transmitter and receiver set. For two transmitters you need either two separate receivers or a dual channel receiver (effectively two receivers in one box). It is best to record each mic channel to its own isolated audio channel - especially mixing two lavs to one track in the field can give you all sorts of headaches with phase and reverb issues.