Rode VideoMic Vs. XL2's stock mic?
 

I was looking for a good all around mic to replace the stock mic on my XL2. I was thinking about a mounting a small shotgun, then read here that shotguns are no good indoors. Then I read about the Rode VideoMic. Would this be a good choice to replace the stock mic on my XL2? I'm still learning my XL2 and shot some decent footage with it on vacation. I found a lot of the footage was kinda ruined by a lot of audio stuff that was going on way behind me that I never noticed while shooting the video. People talking about their kids basketball team, squirrels rolling in leaves, etc...

That will definitely happen if you leave the level control set to auto. Set the audio to manual and wear a small set of earphones to monitor while adjusting the levels.

-gb-

Videomic i think will be an excellent choice. it's pretty directional and although shotguns principally suppress sides the sides and pick up a little of the rear, you should find that the extraneous sounds you're getting are substantially reduced. Sound quality on Videomic is in my opinion (and others) out of all proportion to it's relatively low cost.
Get a Rode Deadcat windshield too - otherwise you will get wind-noise on windy days.