While a Beachtek will probably give you better sound it is not absolutely required. You CAN get an XLR-miniplug adpator that will work in many instances. At least until the budget lets you get an XLR adaptor.

On camera: not good
 

Just a small note: if you are into wildlife recordings, you might be needing so much gain that you will surely pick up a lot of camera noise, and handling noise depending on the mount. If you want the cleanest sound, you will have to take the mic away from the camera, which will likely require another human being to hold the mic.

AT822 any good?
 

Hi,

I just found on the Internet the AT822
http://www.audiotechnica.com/prodpro/profiles/AT822.html

Wich may be just what I was looking for.

The only problem is, that I could not find any audio test samples of the microphone.

Because I will buy this microphone on the Internet, I would like to know how the microphone will sound.

Gabriel

Has anyone used the Audix UEM-81 shotgun mic series? The 81c is a small diaphram carioid capsule and unlike the Sennheiser it includes a power supply module (AA powered), while the 81s also includes an additional supercardioid shotgun capsule and shotgun windscreen. Not sure if it will run on phantom power from a mixer but it does definitely have the onboard AA battery power, which most outdoor uses would be easier with battery power anyway. I've seen the 81s for as low as $250 while the Sennheiser K6 power module and ME66 short shotgun run almost $400. Big difference in price and maybe quality, but I've had high recommendations for the Audix line in the pro audio world. I'm wondering if the shotgun and cardioid mic package is also of good quality.

Jeff K.