Recording quality: Due to the internal preamp of my camera is still an audible noise perceive in the audio recording. How the case is with other cameras with better preamps, I can not judge. In the post-production, the recordings by noise reduction etc. can optimize the extent that a clear improvement to the camera microphone can be recognized. Especially the Richtcharakterisitik the microphone ensures a passable insulation of noises that are located outside the shooting range. Nearly professional results obtained only in combination with an audio interface or an audio recorder with good preamps. In combination with my Zoom H4n to reach very high-quality results.
Holder: The VideoMic has a hot shoe mount and can be attached so directly on the camera. Alternative solutions are also conceivable. Who has a hot shoe adapter, can place the microphone on a tripod and align so regardless of the camera. Together with a monopod can be in this way also a directional microphone tinker. With a hot shoe extension allows both microphone and audio recorder on the camera mount. Positive also falls on the spider, the vibration and noise caused by the operation of the camera attenuates.
Processing: leaves to be desired in my opinion something left. Especially the plastic case, in which the 9V battery finds its place, looks cheap and inferior. I just wonder when the first plastic nose breaks out and the battery compartment no longer be closed. Even the lying in the battery compartment switch to adjust the recording level is unreasonable. He can only be by means of a small screwdriver press - annoying when you are traveling and want to change the settings.
Price: I was able to get for 79 euros in the microphone flash range. This price seems to me perfectly fine and lets you forget the small disadvantages.
Conclusion: if you want to improve your recordings with the DSLR, gets offered a low-cost solution with the Rycote Edition of the VideoMic. However, one should also bear in mind that the acquisition of this microphone alone seems no miracles. Only in combination with a recording device can be achieved really good results. This naturally raises the question of whether an audio recorder in this price range would be a better solution to start with. While delivering the audio recorder on the market no Richtcharakterisitik in the sense, but they improve the audio quality significantly, and is mostly still used as an audio interface.
However, anyone who wants a reasonably priced and good directional microphone for his equipment and not necessarily want to spend 200 euros, the VideoMic should take a closer look once. It is worth it.
