External mic recommendation

[helper]

Hi all,

I am using a Panasonic GS250 for shooting auto races and I am thinking of trying an external mic to see if it improves the sound of the cars and announcer but decrease the noise from other fans. What would be the best brand? Looking for something good under $100

Thanks for any ideas...

[edDV]

spend a little more and get this one
http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&q=rode+videomic&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=3854829...ed=0CDcQ8wIwAQ#

[helper]

Hello,

That mic sure looks good. I am wondering though will it let me hear the distant sound as I do not care for the close talking as I am 20 feet or more from the track? Does it have any kind of zoom feature where I can switch from close to distant? If not is there a really good mic that does?

Thanks for any advice..

[edDV]

The Rode has good overall sound quality for the money and favors the front direction over the sides or back. See youtube for demos.

A good highly directive "shotgun" will be more expensive. You can find demos of these on youtube also.
http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/all-things-audio/101434-best-shotgun-mic-200-400-a.html

Note that many of these mics have XLR 600 ohm connectors and some need phantom power. You will need at least a matching transformer (Shure A96F) to use XLR with a consumer camcorder.

[helper]

Has anyone tried one of these:

Audio Technica ATR6550 Condenser Shotgun Microphone



Are they any good as it has a tele feature on it.

Thanks for any ideas..

[edDV]

See a demo here + mixed reviews.
http://www.amazon.com/Technica-ATR-6550-Condenser-Shotgun-Microphone/dp/B002GYPS3M

Also check the linked Azden models.

[helper]

Hello,

I found that out as I did some more research on this and found it is not stereo either.

Thanks..

[helper]

Hello,

Has anyone used the mic below, it has pretty good reviews on both amazon and b&h site

Azden SMX-10 Stereo Microphone