Tag Archives: VideoMic

19 Comments

Vimeo member Carl quickly throws up some sample tests between the Rode VideoMic and VideoMic Pro. He's also thrown in Rode's latest Lavalier directly into the Canon 5D Mark II which sounds awesome (but is kinda pricey). Rode themselves have even left a bit of feedback in the video comments to try another test. Using the new +20db feature in the VideoMic Pro along with the 5D Mark II audio turned way down to improve with the floor noise. This is the benefit for having manual controls over your DSLR's audio levels, a feature native to only the Canon 5D Mark II and 60D. T2i users can benefit from Magic Lantern firmware, but 7D owners need to rely on some type of AGC disable. [Thanks Carl]

[Update] Here's Carl's follow up test using the +20db setting on VMP and turning gain down in the camera. Compared to the non-Pro VideoMic there's a difference.

Another slightly different take on some audio tests throwing in a 550D + Magic Lantern in the mix. This time Vimeo member D Films starts out with an unboxing. Audio in the beginning was the ATR3350 Lav mic + Zoom H1.

rode-videomic-pro
find-price-button Rode VideoMic Pro

rode-videomic
find-price-button Rode VideoMic

Rode-Lavalier
find-price-button Rode Lavalier Microphone

4 Comments

David Richards (Above) throws up this cool little video that explains a bit about Audio on DSLR's. He's using the Panasonic GH1 in this video.

It's no secret that DSLR's with it's built in microphones don't do much for quality audio. Even with special microphones connected to the input of the camera, the DSLR's lack the ability to manually adjust Gain levels. (until new firmware). Now if you're working with long lenses to get that awesome Depth Of Field, you're really putting yourself further from the subject and the audio will really suffer. Here's two of my personal favorite items that go with me on every shoot.

The Rode VideoMic is a cheap but quality solution to getting a more focused pickup from your subject. This tool doesn't work well without being able to adjust the audio gains, so you'll need to double it up with the most popular Portable Recorder for DSLR filmakers - the Samson Zoom H4n. Together this combination of tools will get you high quality Audio on the cheap.