[Beewee]

So, I finally got a digital camera, thanks to those who helped in lounge and AV forums.
There is one possible wrinkle in this victory and that is sound quality. So I found an add-on to the camera that plugs right into the top shoe, no cords, no extra power supply.

Here's the catch... it's $130.00! Just wondering if any one has used one or this particular model: Canon DM-50 Directional Microphone. Does it drastically improve sound quality over the camera's built in mic; is it worth the price tag?

Any help would be appreciated, any other suggestions on alternative products would also be welcome. Thanks

[dlefebvre]

It's a little isolated from the camera body, so it reduce a lot of background noise (like the camera motors). Plus it's more directional than any built-in camera mic, so it only pick-up what's in front of you. But what if your far from the subject your recording? It<s not like a separate shotgun mic you (or mostly some shooting with you) can orient and place where you want it.

[scottiB]

Do you have a Canon DV camera that has a hot shoe? Only these cameras can use that mic:

Elura 60
Elura 65
Elura 70
GL2
Optura 10
Optura 100MC
Optura 20
Optura 30
Optura 40
Optura Pi
ZR30MC
ZR50MC
ZR70MC

If you do have one of these, cool. If you don't wish to spend that much money, you can get an AudioTechnica ATR25 for around $40. Its quality is on par with the camera's, but you avoid the motor noise--and it can be removed from the camera shoe so a person can hold it like a regular mic. AudioTechnica page

I've used it and have had good results--not broadcast quality, but good enough. Make sure you look for a STEREO mic (if not, only the left channel will record with mono, IIRC).

If you have the latest Canon ZR series (80/85/80), you can't use any external mic since Canon removed the external mic jack from these models (bastards).

[Axo1ot1]

What sorts of things do you plan on shooting with it?

I agree that any way to get the microphone on the outside of the camera body is a good thing for sound.

[wvx]

Worth It!

I don't shoot ANYTHING without my Sony shotgun Mic. Even at a Family get-togethers, the sound that I get from it is astounding. It is rich where as the built in microphone sounds tinny and like well, a camcorder microphone.

A friend of mine has the Canon accessory shoe mic like your picture for his Canon and he likes it, the nice thing is no need for a battery like my Sony.