Rode Stereo VideoMic or Rode NT3 Cardioid?

[ellawdowell]

Hi! I am a photographer and will be using my Canon 5D Mark II to shoot video for the first time—a short documentary film. I need a simple but effective sound set up because I will be managing the shooting, lighting, audio recording, and interviews all by myself.

I have done some research online about sound recording and have come to the conclusion that I need a cardioid microphone opposed to a shotgun (for when there are multiple people speaking). I will most frequently be shooting in small interior rooms, so the subject(s) will not be very far from the camera.

For these reasons, I am considering the Rode Stereo VideoMic which would be easily managed and plug directly into my camera through the 1/8 inch miniplug.

However, I am also considering the Rode NT3 Supercardioid microphone which I could place on a stand or shock mount and attach to my camera by a XLR to miniplug converter.

How does the sound quality (and product quality in general) of these microphones compare? I have watched several videos that demonstrated the quality of each, but none directly comparing the two or in a filming setup similar to mine.

I have also considered wireless lavaliere microphones, but know much less about them. I have found many wireless lav microphones for less than $300, but do they produce good sound quality? Are they comparable to the microphones mentioned above?

Thank you so much! Ella

 

[ellawdowell]

And I just discovered the Zoom H4N.

Test video: http://vimeo.com/4928136

His test (#2) with the H4N mic alone impressed me. But I am worried the quality would quickly degrade if the subject were 3+ feel away.

 

[Richard Monroe]

Reach isn't a problem with the H4n, and of course, it offers great flexibility in formatting and synching audio with the video. However, for your application, I see it as electronic overkill and mic underkill. Consider:

http://www.8thstreet.com/product.asp?ProductCode=4563&Category=Microphones

It's a better grade of stereo mic without getting you into the $1000 price range. It'll plug right into your camera, and beats out all the $100 electret mics by a good bit.-Richie

 

[darrin_h2000]

I bought a Zoom H2 for $100 at a Best Buy...great video mic...esspecially for concerts and such...Id try it...Ive shot a few documentaries.

And syncing isnt an issue as long as you have a line in...there are a few videos on youtube on shockmounts and booms to use that will save you lots of money.