Microphone for interviews for HDR-HC1
 

I'm new to DV and I'm currently trying to put my first short piece together. I have a Sony HDR-HC1 for now, outfitted with a Rode Videomic. I need to do some interviews, though, and I understand the Videomic isn't right for that.

So, I'm looking for a decent solution. Some more background: the camera doesn't have the so-called XLR connection, but just a little microphone jack; I'm doing journalism work; I'd like to be able to use the microphone on a future upgraded camera as well; my work will be mostly in Europe and the Middle East.

With that in mind:
- what is a good, affordable, sturdy and reliable microphone that would fit this camera and a later more professional camera?
- how much cable do I realistically need to have?
- should I change the camera's audio settings when I do interviews?

Thanks

I am not familiar with your mic, but if you have paid £100 pluss for it it will be a lot better than your onboard.
Should u be working with a film crew, most people use a directional mic on a pole, with a rycotte type cover on it. So that tells me that it must be the best. However as a one man bandit u probably want a directional mic on your cam, with a wind rycotte style wind guard on.
If the intervews are extended interviews rather than on the spot, you could use a tie clip, ot even normal mic (if it fits the programme your making). This could run direct to a mini disk you put in the interviewees pocket. Then you have 2 audio sources to play with should one go wrong.
With reference to audio levels, you can use auto. But i did this and found that after ten minutes,the sound levels were to high, and most of the sound i had was clipped out, or distorted.
best thing to do is keep an eye on your cameras audio levels, there should be one on the minidisk 2. mines a cheap sharp oneand its great as controls are all on front, including audio levels, and its easy to adjust.
Basically check them, or even get interviewee to talk briefly, and ajust if their voice is hitting the top of the scale.
Thing to watch for is that some people talk louder than others, and others talk very loud and then go quiet in the same sentence! My advice would be to use manual, and make it part of your everyday practice to test audio levels, and adjust them for just as you would focus, or exposure.