I'm looking into buying a mic for my mx 2500, I just bought it so I'm no pro but I would like to capture better sound. I don't film anything specific, so I wouldn't need a perticular one, just one that picks up better sound, one maybe that will capture less background noise when someone's talking......how much better are external mics compared to the built in one? I'm prepared to spend about 100 bucks, but I want to make sure it will be alot better than the mic that's built in. What do you suggest?

Maybe give Peter a call at Leo's Cameras. $100 Canadian won't get you anything.

I agree with Frank. You'll have to come off a little more cash to get a quality mic that makes a difference.

I'm purchasing the below mic as soon as I save up some pennies. Its for the MX5000/DV953 but it would probably work on the MX2500 as well.

http://prodb.matsushita.co.jp/products/t/VW/VW-VMS2_t.html

$100 USD wouldn't buy much either. If you've got to stay on the low end, try checking your local Radio Shack. They stock some low-end Shures that may fit your budget.

Well that answers my question then. So what do the medium quality mics cost a girl? I was thinking 100 USD, but I guess that won't be enough...So, will 150 usd get me a mic that will have much better sound quality than the built in, or do you think I shouldn't bother at all? I wish there was somewhere I could test them out.....I'm in korea right now...I wonder if they would let me put one on....can you maybe tell me how much better an external mic is?

If you're ok with a Mono mic you might want to consider the Sennheiser MKE 300 for aournd $150. I had this mic and loved it but I'm opting instead for the Panny mic I mentioned above since its stereo.

Lisa, ask Allan or Tim (in Japan) for a price on that stereo mic. There's 2 models available for your cam (from Panasonic).

Hey Tommy, jsut courious, what are your thoughts on this mic??
Compared with the Senn, its much shorter and look like it would fit the bill for the MX and wont give me shadows like the longish senn....

your thoughts are greatly appreciated :)

oh also do you know if it has a gain adjustment on the mic itself?

Tommy, she's in Vancouver (Canada). The MKE 300 is easily twice as much in Canadian Dollars. Again, I suggest contacting Leo's (in Vancouver) to see what they can do. Spending extra bucks for one of the Pana mics might be your best bet for your Pana cam. Leo's might be able to get these, but the sure thing would be to go through Tim or Allan.

Alright, looks like I want to spring for that mike, been saving up my dollars and I'll just get it from BH.....I know what the manufacturer has to say, what do you have to say about it?
Thanks.

If you are going for the MKE300, then make sure it's the latest model. The first and second versions were crappy.

I hope Bh doesn't carry the old versions, but I'll email em and find out..thanks for the advice.