Mic choices for room recording?

[Muskoka]

An admitted recording neophyte, I need some recommendations for a mic. I am a photographer and want to record the ambient sounds of a series of photo sessions including the pop of the strobes and the vocal interactions between me and my subjects in high enough quality that the result can be used as a partial sound track for an AV slideshow with a series of still images.

The shooting area I wish to record is roughly 10x10 feet, though the actual room may be larger as I am shooting at various locations for this project.

I will be using a ZOOM H4n (which has phantom power) for the recording and have found that its mics aren't working well enough; it sounds like it's being recorded from the next room even with recording levels and gain topped out and the unit within 5 feet of the subject.

I'd like to keep the price at or under $250 and would appreciate a suggestions for both the most appropriate type of mic and any specific recommendations.

Many thanks,

=========
Jon Blacker
www.jonblacker.com
www.sportsshooter.com/blacker
416-206-3195

 

[Richard Monroe]

This is one where I can give you a very good recommendation. I also use an H4n, and this baby is is in your price range and works quite well. It'll jack right into the miniplug on the bottom, and beats the hell out of almost everbody's miniplug stereo mic:

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-ECM-MS95...1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1246820538&sr=8-1

 

[Fran Guidry]

The H4n mics are directional. Is that part of the problem?

Also, have you tried raising the level in post production? Is the issue the volume or the "small room" sound??

Fran