Which Microphone Did I Keep?
Photo Moment - March 03, 2017
Following up on the video “PhotoJoseph's Microphone Test and Comparison” https://youtu.be/WRiEwMWmdOQ, it's time to reveal which microphone *I* kept. Tune in to find out!
PRODUCTS MENTIONED IN TODAY'S PHOTO MOMENT (MANY ARE AFFILIATE LINKS):
SHURE VP83 $199: [B&H - https://bhpho.to/2lfH9Bq]
Senal SCS-98 $185: [B&H - https://bhpho.to/2lDRZne]
RØDE Stereo VideoMic Pro $199: [B&H - https://bhpho.to/2m4K0Ny]
RØDE VideoMic Pro $229: [B&H - https://bhpho.to/2lDYfeT]
RØDE VideoMicro $59: [B&H - https://bhpho.to/2m4RlfV]
LUMIX GH4 on-camera mic: [B&H - https://bhpho.to/2lEblbN]
VIDEOS MENTIONED IN TODAY'S PHOTO MOMENT:
PhotoJoseph's Microphone Test and Comparison: https://youtu.be/WRiEwMWmdOQ
Unboxing of microphones from RØDE, Shure and Senal Sound: https://youtu.be/0e5lqJmRRxM
What's in the box from Spider Holster?: https://youtu.be/_6S10GeMNBs
Manfrotto Pocket Tripod MP3-BK: https://youtu.be/qc6BCb1Ok84
Hey Joseph, thanks for your help!!!! I was quite convinced to buy the Shure Mic and you just top it up!!!! Did you mention that dead cat doesn't come with it?
thanks so much again but unfortunately I am in Europe and have to get mine back here!!!! Appreciate your help!!
Correct. Try this https://bhpho.to/2lfH9Bq and this https://bhpho.to/2oboSt2
Can I use the Panasonic external microphone for the GH-4 on the GH-5 ?
I checked out the VP83 on BH.... OMG what about the VP83F?! Why did BH not recommend it also? Why wouldn't you get this with the built in recorder? For an extra $100 for the built-in recorder, it sounds too good to be true. One less gizmo to worry about. If nothing else, you get emergency backup of your audio. And you don't have to worry about the crappy pre-amps on the GH4 (I still love my GH4 anyway). I also have a GX85 w/no Audio input or mic output.. VOILA, problem solved w/a 83F. Tell me what I'm missing. Only minus I see is cost and extra weight, both are outweighed by the pluses.
+thatsaloadofcrap So it'll record and simultaneously pass through? But you do have to manually start and stop it right? That'd be a deal breaker for the way I usually work. For me it's either really light run'n'gun; camera with a mic and nothing else, or a cage, ATOMOS, mic, etc. I really despise having to hit start/stop on two devices and had been eyeing the new Tascam with HDMI control for this reason. But as I understand it (not yet tested), with the GH5 you can start/stop with the camera shutter release and that can trigger an ATOMOS device. That could probably pass through to the Tascam as well, and even if not the Shogun has multiple audio inputs. Or, get the XL1 for the GH5 and have all audio pass throughout GH there. Lots of options these days.
Oh and what a drag to hear you've lost audio through the GH4 before. I've not had that happen (thank goodness).
As to shooting video on a camera with no mic input… well you got me there for sure. Definitely a great option.
Oh and what a drag to hear you've lost audio through the GH4 before. I've not had that happen (thank goodness).
As to shooting video on a camera with no mic input… well you got me there for sure. Definitely a great option.
I agree having it feed the camera is the easiest, but I've been bit more than once with noise on the GH4 that made the mic unusable. [I'm also bad at monitoring with headphones, too busy with everything else] If you never use it for anything but back up in case of camera pre-amp malfunctions, I think it's worth it. In the case of a GX85 or even a phone, it could be you're only source of good audio. [I like the GX85 for compactness/portability and IBIS, but you pay for that with lack of audio features]
+thatsaloadofcrap You're not wrong. However, if I'm recording separately I figure I may as well have a lav or a boom. The point of this (for me) is an on-camera mic and to NOT have to sync in post later. No that's not hard but if you accumulate dozens or hundreds of shots in a day, that's a drag to deal with. Plus I'm assuming that you have to start/stop recording on the mic independently from the camera; if that's wrong let me know but I don't know how it could be otherwise. Certainly it's a benefit and can't hurt to have the option though.
Hey Joseph, I've compared the the mics you tested and also preferred the VP83. I think the Rode Video mic pro has a bit better isolation and better close in dialog quality.
I also recommended the VP83 highly to Casey when he was having all the audio issues, and he bought several, mostly for the back-up recording but seemed to go back to the Rode. I like the SURE Vp83 over the Rode mainly because the built-in recording gives me backup and also allows me to use the one or both channels of the camera audio for a wireless mic or ambient stereo.
For close on-camera stereo capture I also like the Olympus LS-14, with a cold-shoe adaptor to mount it. I find it pretty directional and it records in 96bit, plus has a third low-frequency element for enhanced bass capture, and with the extra dynamic range is great for live music. I prefer it to the Rode Stereo mic pro as it seems do do better on dialog and background isolation, and it records.
I've tried plugging the Rode Video Mic Mini into the mic input of LS-14 but it isolates not much better then the built-in X-Y mics. It also has separate Line and mic inputs. The LS-12 and LS-10 units are similar and can be bought much cheaper.
Btw, for Serious Run and gun and high noise area interviews, I use the Sennheier ME-67 long shotgun connected to Tascam Dr-10X and it beats all the small options hands down, good base response even at a distance, and noticeably much better then the ME-66 at three ft, and almost as good as the MKH-416 for 1/4 the price.
I also recommended the VP83 highly to Casey when he was having all the audio issues, and he bought several, mostly for the back-up recording but seemed to go back to the Rode. I like the SURE Vp83 over the Rode mainly because the built-in recording gives me backup and also allows me to use the one or both channels of the camera audio for a wireless mic or ambient stereo.
For close on-camera stereo capture I also like the Olympus LS-14, with a cold-shoe adaptor to mount it. I find it pretty directional and it records in 96bit, plus has a third low-frequency element for enhanced bass capture, and with the extra dynamic range is great for live music. I prefer it to the Rode Stereo mic pro as it seems do do better on dialog and background isolation, and it records.
I've tried plugging the Rode Video Mic Mini into the mic input of LS-14 but it isolates not much better then the built-in X-Y mics. It also has separate Line and mic inputs. The LS-12 and LS-10 units are similar and can be bought much cheaper.
Btw, for Serious Run and gun and high noise area interviews, I use the Sennheier ME-67 long shotgun connected to Tascam Dr-10X and it beats all the small options hands down, good base response even at a distance, and noticeably much better then the ME-66 at three ft, and almost as good as the MKH-416 for 1/4 the price.
+HDXProd Impressive roundup of info! Want to come live on the show sometime and spread your microphone knowledge? Reach out through my contact page at Joseph-dot-info if you're interested.
The original Rode Videomic is still a good option, especially with the upgraded shock mount. A bit bigger than the Shure, but still an excellent piece of kit.
Which dead cat is that? The only ones I have are the ones that have and used are the ridged rubber "fleshlight hole" lol ones that slides onto the bare shotgun mic itself. I use the short Audio Technica 48v mic similar to the sizes you just showcased. About to do a GH5 accessory order and would add that to the cart. Thanks!
+Alexander Azzi hm, this is the one that B&H sent me to test. Search B&H for that mic and look at recommended accessories; it should be listed there. Sorry I don't have it with me to check a name or model number.
I rewinded back and forwards this video so which mic this is!!?!?!
+LarksFilms Try watching it straight through :-) It's the Shure VP83
+Mark Rychel Yeah… get a Shure or a Rode :-)
Love the video Joseph, ignore the complainers and haters on your original video.
I am definitely a Shure fanboy, but haven't gotten an on camera mic yet (was also looking at the VP83f that records to it's own card and avoids the camera pre-amp).
You brought up a good point about having to make sure the mic has a battery and is turned on. If I get an on-camera mic for the spontaneous or mobile situation, I think I would take the lower quality sound of a mic that doesn't need power. I guess it is just where you are comfortable compromising.
I am definitely a Shure fanboy, but haven't gotten an on camera mic yet (was also looking at the VP83f that records to it's own card and avoids the camera pre-amp).
You brought up a good point about having to make sure the mic has a battery and is turned on. If I get an on-camera mic for the spontaneous or mobile situation, I think I would take the lower quality sound of a mic that doesn't need power. I guess it is just where you are comfortable compromising.
+Two Bit da Vinci Since the battery has lasted so long in the Shire it's safe to just leave it on the entire time you're out shooting. Then you only have to remember to turn it on once.
Good mic decision. I use the VP83f w/ my lumix LX100 (no mic input) because It records in body.
+Hobby Rx Very cool. That's a really good point.
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