Microphone for SLR camera

[bumpy]

A number of times I have uploaded videos of hi-fi bits to You Tube, but the sound quality is lacking when using the SLR internal microphone.

I know there are a variety of external microphones which will improve things. Any recommendations?

[ReggieB]

My wife is getting me a Rode VideoMicro (http://www.rode.com/microphones/videomicro) for Christmas. I've done a little research and it seems to be well reviewed. Also if I get on well with it, there is the option to get a Pro version (http://www.rode.com/microphones/videomicpro) at a later date.

http://cdn2.rode.com/images/products/videomicro/gallery/1.jpg

[bumpy]

My wife is getting me a Rode VideoMicro (http://www.rode.com/microphones/videomicro) for Christmas. I've done a little research and it seems to be well reviewed. Also if I get on well with it, there is the option to get a Pro version (http://www.rode.com/microphones/videomicpro) at a later date.

http://cdn2.rode.com/images/products/videomicro/gallery/1.jpg

Looks a great recommendation. Rode have a good reputation.

[Dubmart]

I have several Rode mics, including video ones, they are all excellent, but you probably need to decide whether you want something that's mono and directional such as the VideoMic Go or stereo with a wider sound field which will pick up more more ambient information such as the Stereo VideoMic pro, the latter may well be better for hi fi, but may need to be off camera for best results. I've never filmed any gear, but I'd probably just run a lead from the line out in my pre-amp into the camera, if by any chance that didn't work I'd just stick a Tascam recorder in between and that should definitely work, I usually run the mics into Tascam recorders and then into the cameras anyway.

[bumpy]

I have several Rode mics, including video ones, they are all excellent, but you probably need to decide whether you want something that's mono and directional such as the VideoMic Go or stereo with a wider sound field which will pick up more more ambient information such as the Stereo VideoMic pro, the latter may well be better for hi fi, but may need to be off camera for best results. I've never filmed any gear, but I'd probably just run a lead from the line out in my pre-amp into the camera, if by any chance that didn't work I'd just stick a Tascam recorder in between and that should definitely work, I usually run the mics into Tascam recorders and then into the cameras anyway.

Now that Tascam opens up a new area completely. I never knew of its existence.

My only concern initially is how do you unite the sound and vision if they are on two separate devices (Tascam and DSLR camera).

[Dubmart]

I have both a Tascam DR-60 and a DR-40, the 60 is specifically designed for working with DSLRs while the 40 which can be mounted on or off camera has built in mics which are pretty decent, but can be bypassed when using the Rode, cameras are generally limited in their audio quality, some don't even have adjustable recording levels so using a separate recorder in between the mic and camera gives me a lot more control as well as a high res backup of the audio, it also means that when shooting with more than one camera I get extra backup audio files and can select the best one to use. Any decent editing software should give you the option to perfectly sync an audio file with video files although there are caveats and it's not always that straightforward.

If you just want to film short clips of equipment playing with minimal or no editing or post production then you probably want to just get the best sound from your camera, how to do that probably depends on what that camera is, it's audio specs and whether it has adjustable recording levels. If I can dig out an appropriate lead I'll try running a line level signal into a DSLR and confirm if it works if so that would be the cheapest, easiest and best sounding option for you although buying a Rode would be a major upgrade for general filming, family events etc.

[bumpy]

I have both a Tascam DR-60 and a DR-40, the 60 is specifically designed for working with DSLRs while the 40 which can be mounted on or off camera has built in mics which are pretty decent, but can be bypassed when using the Rode, cameras are generally limited in their audio quality, some don't even have adjustable recording levels so using a separate recorder in between the mic and camera gives me a lot more control as well as a high res backup of the audio, it also means that when shooting with more than one camera I get extra backup audio files and can select the best one to use. Any decent editing software should give you the option to perfectly sync an audio file with video files although there are caveats and it's not always that straightforward.

If you just want to film short clips of equipment playing with minimal or no editing or post production then you probably want to just get the best sound from your camera, how to do that probably depends on what that camera is, it's audio specs and whether it has adjustable recording levels. If I can dig out an appropriate lead I'll try running a line level signal into a DSLR and confirm if it works if so that would be the cheapest, easiest and best sounding option for you although buying a Rode would be a major upgrade for general filming, family events etc.

Thanks Martin I noted the Tascam I was looking at (DR-05) had a headphone socket and was unclear if it would interface OK with my Nikon D5100. And yes it does have 3 recording sensitivities.

[Dubmart]

Thanks Martin I noted the Tascam I was looking at (DR-05) had a headphone socket and was unclear if it would interface OK with my Nikon D5100. And yes it does have 3 recording sensitivities.

The Tascam DR 05 headphone socket doubles as a line out, I assume you have to set it as such, but it should work with the Nikon, you can get an adapter to mount it on top of the camera or get a longer lead and position it off camera, the mics in the DR-40 are very good so I imagine the DR-05 mics are pretty decent as well.

I don't really put anything on Youtube these days, but here are a couple of things from a few years back, this first one uses a Rode Stereo VideoMic Pro feeding straight into a Sony A57 camera so you are getting the camera's internal sound only.


https://youtu.be/cwxiSpqf_YI

This clip uses sound from the mixing desk recorded onto a Korg MR-1000 and synced to the edited video footage.


https://youtu.be/eNvKmoFttt0

I have shot using the DR-40's built in mics, but that was for someone else so I don't have it on Youtube for comparison it turned out well though.

[Dubmart]

The DR-05 will not only give you better mics than the built in Nikon ones, it will also give you a separate audio master just in case anything goes wrong with the in camera sound, allow you more flexibility and give you a high res 24/96 recorder for straight audio, if you choose to use it as such.

[Sherwood]

I have one of these and can strongly recommend it so long as you are willing and able to synchronise the video and audio in software.

https://www.gear4music.com/Recording-and-Computers/Zoom-H1n-Recorder-Black/29RG?origin=product-ads&campaign=PLA+Shop+-+GENERIC&adgroup=GENERIC&medium=vertical_search&network=google&merchant_id=1279443&product_id=105964d1&product_country=GB&product_partition_id=468235070630&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwInqqc753gIViPhRCh0xGA7XEAkYAiAB EgLTr_D_BwE

The sound quality of the built in mics is excellent and recordings are crisp and dynamic with good stereo performance. The unit is pretty robust and battery life is great. It has a bush for tripod mounting and works very well with a little flexi tripod which allows for excellent positioning

https://www.amazon.co.uk/iGadgitz-Flexible-Tripod-Powershot-Pocket/dp/B06XKG22MX/ref=sr_1_22?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1543495199&sr=1-22&keywords=bendy+mini+tripod

Geoff

[Dubmart]

I have one of these and can strongly recommend it so long as you are willing and able to synchronise the video and audio in software.

https://www.gear4music.com/Recording-and-Computers/Zoom-H1n-Recorder-Black/29RG?origin=product-ads&campaign=PLA+Shop+-+GENERIC&adgroup=GENERIC&medium=vertical_search&network=google&merchant_id=1279443&product_id=105964d1&product_country=GB&product_partition_id=468235070630&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwInqqc753gIViPhRCh0xGA7XEAkYAiAB EgLTr_D_BwE

The sound quality of the built in mics is excellent and recordings are crisp and dynamic with good stereo performance. The unit is pretty robust and battery life is great. It has a bush for tripod mounting and works very well with a little flexi tripod which allows for excellent positioning

https://www.amazon.co.uk/iGadgitz-Flexible-Tripod-Powershot-Pocket/dp/B06XKG22MX/ref=sr_1_22?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1543495199&sr=1-22&keywords=bendy+mini+tripod

Geoff

The Zoom offers comparable quality and flexibility to the Tascam DR-05, I doubt there's any real difference in quality and ease of use, when you move up both companies ranges to the H4, DR-40 etc., you get better mic modules and possibly some extra features, whether they, or an external mic are worth it for a Youtube video is a different question.

[Sherwood]

The Zoom offers comparable quality and flexibility to the Tascam DR-05, I doubt there's any real difference in quality and ease of use, when you move up both companies ranges to the H4, DR-40 etc., you get better mic modules and possibly some extra features, whether they, or an external mic are worth it for a Youtube video is a different question.

I would certainly not go above the entry level models for a Youtube upload. The sound quality of these devices will, I am sure, far exceed your expectations and be well above the quality of Youtube. I am sure that the Tascom units are good but I do like the Zoom for its ease of use and the bundled software. The vendor I linked to even offers a free 30 day money back guarantee so you can try it out without risk.

[bumpy]

I would certainly not go above the entry level models for a Youtube upload. The sound quality of these devices will, I am sure, far exceed your expectations and be well above the quality of Youtube. I am sure that the Tascom units are good but I do like the Zoom for its ease of use and the bundled software. The vendor I linked to even offers a free 30 day money back guarantee so you can try it out without risk.

I agree about considering the eventual use - You Tube and home computers are very limited in SQ.

But surprisingly, I have heard the (subtle) difference between copper and silver cables on You Tube,

Thanks everyone for suggestions. That gives me plenty to research. :)