hand held interview style microphone for dv camera

wallofbeans

im working with kids, making mini movies and news programs etc... can anyone recommend a cheap interview style microphone that'll plug into a mini jack on my dv camera and will work for our roving reporters!

i dont have a clue where to start so any advice would be great!

unrich

Using the mic outside? Look out for wind! When you buy your mic (sorry not a mic expert) spend a few extra quid and get a "wind jam" or "wind jammer". Its the furry cover you see in the TV. I was doing some video work down on a beach with no wind jam and it sounds awful. Since we got one the sound is excellent. If you have access to a sewing machine you could maybe make one as they're just very very furry close fitting socks.

I'd suggest going to a specialist video or even music (guitar) shop and taking the camera. They'll have a range of mics/connectors and will advise.

We found loads of stuff on the internet including the bbc training manual for our camera!! eg bbc link for microphones. link for BBC training camera pd150, urban fox guide for pd150.

Just a casual browse brought up the usual Maplin link. They'll at least be able to sell you the right connector.


(by the way: partner recently went on a weekend workshop run in some way by Channel Four. Two days about documentary making for about £30. It was hard work but fruitful. We saw the ad in a local paper. Not sure when and where and by who these are run but have a look for fourdocs . If you could get the time to go on one of these it would give you a great primer. )

elite_2

Check out www.studiospares.com - they have a massive selection of mics

Avoid anything with phantom power (as this will require extra equipment) and probably go with something with a cardiod pattern

unrich

yes fourdocs have loads of resources. Here's one on sound with stuff all about mics. They may not asll be relevant but a good place to start.