Ext. mic for 5D Mark II

[JohnT]

Open to recommendations for mics under $100. I found a couple at B&H, but I would like suggestions based on usage.

[Daniel W.]

What do you plan on shooting? If you're just planning to make a single step up from the built-in, a hotshoe based mic would do it, but you might run into issues if you use a large cat, er...furry windscreen + super wide angle lens.

With mics, 90% of the time you get what you pay for. The Rode Videomic (a bit over budget at $150) is my choice (well, was, I haven't done video in a while and when I did use it it was with small 3-chip handycams). Another one I liked was the Sennheiser MKE300, which can be found closer to $100 used, although I think there's a new model of it out now.

If you just need a handheld mic for onscreen talking and whatnot, the Shure SM58 can't be beat, but the lower priced PG58 (think of the PG as a Rebel, SM as a 60D, and their Beta line as the 1D) is also an aggressive competitor for the price. (For handheld, my personal preference was the EV 635A though, it's sound was a bit more on axis than the 58). Both of these will need an XLR to mini converter for the 5D.

[JohnT]

Thanks, Daniel. I just need something that will fit the hot-shoe and is better than the built-in mic. I'm not doing professional video but just some fun, personal stuff.

[Jake]

We use the Rode Videomic. It's better than the built in mic and works for how little we use it.

I'm thinking about picking up one of these and syncing after:
TexasPhotoForum.com: Musical Instruments: Zoom H1 Handy Portable Digital Recorder

[JohnT]

Originally Posted by thejakestir

We use the Rode Videomic. It's better than the built in mic and works for how little we use it.

I'm thinking about picking up one of these and syncing after:
TexasPhotoForum.com: Musical Instruments: Zoom H1 Handy Portable Digital Recorder

Thanks, Jake! I'll check it out.