Van L. from Santa Cruz
Subject:
Good for price point.
Quality:
The Rode VideoMic is a little cheap feeling—the mic and shockmount are from plastic—but I guess that can be considered a plus (The mic is extremely light).
Features:
The best feature of the VideoMic is it's integration: with an integrated shockmount and no need for a XLR adaptor, it's pretty much plug and play with the Rode. It's also nice that Rode included a low cut filter and 3/8" & 5/8" mounting options
Ease of Use:
Pretty self explanatory: by integrating the shock-mount with the mic and using a 1/8 inch plug, there's really not much setup to this mic.
Sound:
Very good, for the price.
Value:
For the price, the VideoMic really can't be beat. It easily outperforms competing mics in it's price range (like the Azdens).
Do you own this product?:
Yup
Date submitted:
Aug 20 2009
CPR Productions from Marion, SC USA
pamelamcds@yahoo.com
Quality:
plastic shockmount-- but it is lightweight.
Ease of Use:
easy setup..not much to it. Just plug it in.
Sound:
Best deal for the $
Value:
best value overall
Do you own this product?:
yes
Dan Tracy from Fairfield, Iowa -- USA
Subject:
Afordable shotgun mic for camcorders - sounds like a $300 unit and no expensive XLR adapter needed
Quality:
The Rode VideoMic is well designed and well made. I gave it a 4 out of a possible 5 on the quality due to the light weight plastic construction. Other than that, it seems well made -- just be careful with it and keep it in a hard case when it isn't on your camera.
Features:
I like the integrated shock mount and the fact that the output is a mini plug that fits my Sony VX 2100 without the need for a $300 XLR adapter \ preamp.
Ease of Use:
Plug and play. The only thing I would change is the microscopic DIP switch for reducing input level in loud environments. The switch is inside the battery compartment, and you have to get the battery out to get to it. I would make the switch at least 5 times larger and put it somewhere on the outside where you can get to it.
Sound:
The sound quality of this mic far out weighs any concerns I have about the build quality or DIP switch placement. I was getting ready to plunk down $300 for an Azden shotgun mic and another $300 for an XLR adapter \ preamp. After trying out the VideoMic, that $600 is staying in my pocket! The sound quality is as good as anything under $500 that I have tried.
Do you own this product?:
I am a proud owner of this product (proud of myself for makeing the right choice and saving a bundle).
Gary from Medford, Oregon, USA
Subject:
Great quality sound
Quality:
Absolutely incredible sound quality. I've tested it outside filming the kids playing - not exactly "shotgun" necessary, but the overall sound was terrific.
Ease of Use:
My only complaint, and it's not a biggy, is that it mounts awkwardly to the camera. My Canon Vixia HV30 has a little plastic cover plate for the accessory shoe. With the Rode mic mounted to the camera the door for ejecting the tape is blocked by the cover plate and tapes cannot be changed out without taking the mic off the camera. Not serious, but maybe I can find a "spacer" gadget to lift the mic up a little higher.
Do you own this product?:
yes
Date submitted:
April 20, 2009