My Experience:
The Videomic represents a significant improvement over the camera's microphone.
Matter of attitude
Before hinbekommt good shots, you should make several test shots. First, the sensitivity of the microphone can be adjusted in the camera settings of most digital SLR cameras. Moreover, the Videomic himself a switch: in the battery compartment there is a mini-switch with which the sensitivity of the microphone can be reduced: 0, -10 dB, -20 dB.
Here is a point of criticism: The PAD switch switch is hiding something and not really user-friendly. It is advisable to use a small screwdriver to adjust the switch. With my Nikon D5100 the switch must be set to -10dB, otherwise there is clipping in the recording.
Appearance
The microphone is not exactly small and on a DSLR with smaller fixed focal length surmounted the microphone, the camera significantly. With a kit zoom lens, it is not as extreme.
Whether that's a like, a matter of taste: It is striking in any case.
Not least because the advertising print "Rode" on the windshield.
Holder
The microphone is inserted into the hot shoe of the camera and can be locked by rotating bolt.
The VideoMic has a rubber suspension, the sound transmission of the DSLR prevented.
Unfortunately, the hot shoe adapter can not unscrew, so you better want to use hand-held microphone the microphone.
9V Battterie required
For operation a 9V is required. The microphone must be turned on via the power switch at the end of the microphone. If you forget this when taking the picture is perhaps great - but unfortunately without sound.
For safety, there is a green LED indicator light next to the power switch.
Tonqualtität
The microphone sounds good, of course, the better, the closer the sound source is located in front of the microphone. The VideoMic is a bit bass heavy, which is not necessarily negative. It's a matter of taste. The power button also serves as a high-pass filter, which reduces the optional bass.
Operating instructions
It should be noted that the short instruction manual is available only in English. Even for non-English-speaking fellows, this should not constitute a disadvantage, which can be operated basically without guidance on the microphone.
Conclusion
Good directional microphone, which is a significant improvement over the camera's microphone. In my view, the Videomic the best sound in this price range.
Therefore: buy recommendation
Five stars would be there when the microphone was a bit smaller and the windshield had no advertising print.
