What does 'HOT' microphone attachment mean?

[Gromit137]

Hello... what does the term 'hot' boot attachment for a microphone mean?
What's the advantage? I'm looking into a Panasonic 3-chip camcorder PV-GS400... a review mentioned the microphone 'boot' as being hot.
Any thoughts on this camcorder and/or a great microphone to get for it.
Thank you.
Mike

[thecoalman]

There's a boot on the top of the cam to attach an auxillary mic. It's refferred to as hot because you don't need any wires. There's other attachment you can get too such as a light...

The cam has it's own mic.... for general use they are more than adequate.

[stantheman1976]

I've been reading a good bit about the GS400. The only drawback I have seen in reviews is that the tape transporter mechanism in most of them seems to have some defect where it causes bad noise to be recorded on the tape. I think I'm gonna go with the GS200 since it's basically the same camera with a lower still picture resolution which I don't care about.

As for microphones someone suggested a Rode VideoMic to me:
http://www.zzounds.com/item--RODVIDEOMIC
http://www.pana3ccduser.com/article.php?filename=The-RØDE-Videomic
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0007U9SOC/qid=1130937334/sr=8-7/ref=sr_...onics&n=507846

It looks to be a pretty good mic and has a fair price tag. I think one of the main things you'll need to look out for is trying to get the mic up off the camera or to the side with an extension so it doesn't pick up tape noise, but I don't know personally how much of an issue this is with shotgun mics.

[INFRATOM]

I am not familiar with the product but term hot could refer to it is ready as soon as plugged in or it is live and ready for use meaning it has juice "electrons running" On still camera's Hot shoes are referred to when flash is linked to internal system without connecting any cord. hope it makes sense and helps.

[edDV]

On camcoder mic is good for ambient sound but fairly poor for voice. Some put a shotgun on the cam.

It all depends what your goal is. For voice, I suggest a good wireless mic and use the cam mic for atmosphere. For simple audio I use 16bit 2channel 48kHz with wireless mic on one channel and cam mic on the other.

My PD-150 allows 4ch 12 bit 32kHz live mode as well that can support 2 wireless channels plus cam mic in stereo or cam mic + house mixer line feed.

[mike909]

edDV,
Can you provide the model# of the mic you use? I been thinking of getting one, but need to make sure I can even use it with my canon zr-50mc. I don't know much about mic's, but if you use it, it must be good.

[edDV]

edDV,
Can you provide the model# of the mic you use? I been thinking of getting one, but need to make sure I can even use it with my canon zr-50mc. I don't know much about mic's, but if you use it, it must be good.

I own a basic 2-ch Azden Wireless but for serious work I also rent Shure. That Rode looks like a great on cam mic but make sure it works with your camcorder.

Links are in these threads
https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=268824&highlight=wedding
https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=275537&highlight=wedding

[pijetro]

I've got a PV-GS400, and love it to death...
Not the best in lowlight, but what the hey...

As far as audio goes, for the money Panasonic charges for its' hot shoe stereo mic, you'd be better off going with an external mic...

This site totally rocks for Panny users...
Here are some nice pics that the users have for you..

Good luck!!!

[mike909]

Thanks Ed,
As I'm just a hobyist I can't justify the cost of any of the 'good' mic's, so I will probably look more into the sub-100$ range (sony wcs-999) or something along those lines. I believe my canon zr50mc http://consumer.usa.canon.com/ir/controller?act=ModelFeaturesAct&fcategoryid=115&model...7499&pageno=11
can handle audio input's.