Shotgun Mic for the Panasonic HMC 40
 

I am wondering what is the best XLR mic to get under $200 for my HMC 40? Also what is the best size to get 6 inch long or 10 inch? I was told the 10 inch may be too long for my camera. (will be shooting more like Video Journalist style)
I been looking at the MXL FR-303 and 300. Both for $130.

I like the Azden SGM-2X for a low cost XLR mic. It's basically two mics in one, with interchangeable barrels to make it either an omni or a supercardioid.

It looks like they have a rebate on the SGM-2X right now (making it $179 after the rebate at B&H):

Azden | SGM-2X - Omni/Supercardioid Mic | SGM-2X | B&H Photo

Robert, I just ordered this Azden mike. I have an EX1 which will want to see this as an XLR input. What sort of cable do I need for this? Low Z?

edit: I think I have it -- ordered a straight variant of this one


tone

Consider the Audio Technica AT875R. I have bought it for my HMC151 and match perfectly. Mounted on the camera shockmount the sound is much more crisp and clear but with surrounding sound still present. If you think about, this is not an issue. I have bought from UK for 88GBP (around 100 Euro) a demo item but really still new in box.
If you want, I can send you some test following your specifications.
Regards.

+1 for the Audio Technica AT875. I use mine in both on and off camera situations with great results.

Hi Brandon

I'm using RodeVM's on both cameras and I tossed my AT mike..the Rodes are awesome for punching thru heavy background noise.. I do weddings and at guest drinks time you have a high ambient level which my AT just couldn't handle well. The videomic does an amazing job in bad conditions!!!

However the AT would probably be a better unit if you have pristine "studio type" environments!!

Ask Sherri about using her Rode on outdoor shoots too...she loves it!!! or check out some of her videos here

Chris

Anthony,

That XLR cable should be fine, the specs show it to be an XLR mic. Right-angle "female" XLR into the mic, the other end, the 3-pin male, into the camera's XLR.

I have a Rode NTG-1 up top on my HMC41, complete with Rycote softie at the moment, and it's a bit long (although it doesn't intrude into the shot without a wideangle converter). I have the AT875R on order (with softie) and will use it for on-cam sound because it is a smaller mic. The NTG1 will then live on my pistol grip or inside the blimp for off-cam sound.

As for short cables, I make my own. Even 30cm cables are too long when you have a tiny cam like the HMC40/41 and I find they get in the way.

Brandon,

As Chris said, I do love the Rode Videomic on my HMC-40. Ninety-nine percent of what I do is for my newspaper's Web site so, at least for me, XLR audio is overkill. The Videomic worked great right out of the box, didn't have to fiddle with the camera audio menus at all. And the side-noise and rear-noise rejection is great for a mike in its price range.

I also use the Audio Technica AT875R and it is fine.