Can studio condenser recording mics be used for video applications?

[Keala]

Recently have gotten into shooting video and was looking to purchase a shotgun mic for my Sony FDR-AX-100 4k camera.
I have a Shure 81 condenser mic that I use for studio music recording. Has anyone used these to record in video applications?
What are the differences?

[Keala]

Here's a pic of the Shure 81 mic.

[pippas]

Your camera external mic input will provide the low voltage 'plug in power' required for electret condenser mics, but I doubt it has the 12-48V 'phantom power' which the Shure 81 needs....

[Keala]

Hi pippas,

I'm using a Beachtek XLR adapter mounted on the bottom of the camera which provides phantom power for the Shure 81.

[JVRaines]

Where is the boom?

[Keala]

Sorry, I meant to say shotgun mics.

[Cornucopia]

The #1, #2 and #3 rules of mics, just like in real estate, is LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION.

Sitting on top of your camera is a poor choice of mic placement. The beauty of using shotgun mics is that their enhanced forward sensitivity allows one to pull back just a little bit more than one could with standard omni or even cardioid mics, and still get decent isolation & noise rejection.

An SM81 is NOT a shotgun mic, and thus will NOT give you this benefit. In fact, placed on the camera, its cardioid pickup will likely capture a good deal of camera (if tape or disc-based), camera handling, and other room noise.

Theoretically, yes, a studio mic can be used in place. And in some circumstances, might even be preferable (flatter freq. response?), but for use in the field, it is best to use a mic that is appropriate for its intended use. And you need a mic that is durable enough (thus, ribbon mics should probably never be used).

Scott

[JVRaines]

Yes, the SM81 is very neutral. It's good for music, for high SPLs, for some ambient recording. Not my choice for solo vocal, though, because it doesn't go out of its way to flatter the voice. It also doesn't have the range of a shotgun, so if you leave it mounted on the camera, your subjects will sound hollow and far away.

[Keala]

Thanks everyone!