rode videomic pro on sony cx550
 

just got this cam. anyone use the mic on it?
ive heard the sound on the mic is very good. what situations dictate what settings you put the mic on ?
also, since this is 1/8in jack vs xlr, this obviously doesnt make a difference in the sound quality. it would seem that you would need xlr for the audio to be good.

Hi I use a CX550 and the onboard mic produces surprisingly good sound but as with all camera mics it has it's limitations. It will pick up handling noise as you fiddle with the controls, you can't muffle it to absorb wind noise and it is omnidirectional meaning it picks up sound equally from all directions. There is a setting in the menu to switch to zoom mic which in theory makes it more directional as you zoom in with the lens.

Using a plug-in mic will allow you to better place the mic, though if you sit it atop the camera you'll still get some handling noise.

Don't get too confused by the term XLR, it is only a more secure plug/socket connection not a type of microphone. It will, with the right equipment, allow you to use balanced mics but they won't be any use on this camera.

I have used a Sennheiser MKE300 (similar in form and performance to the Rode) and EW100 radio kit both of which plug straight in to the mic input. I've also used an MKH 416 which is a balance shotgun mic but with a converter on it's XLR plug to a mini jack and powered from it's own battery.

One downside of this camera is that it doesn't have any screen meters to monitor sound levels so you should use headphones. Set the mic record level in the menu to low.