I think when I buy the Canon HG20 I want to get an external microphone for it so that I can improve the audio quality. But the question is which one? I see people mentioning a "shotgun microphone" a lot for these types of camcorders. What is a shotgun microphone as compared to another type of microphone?

I assume an external mic will help keep out unwanted noise from the back and sides? Will it be more sensitive to the action the lens sees, or is it just better quality? And how do I attach an external microphone to the HG20 when it has that mini advanced accessory shoe? I guess I need an adapter unless I buy a HG20-compatible Canon microphone?

I've seen Rode mentioned as a brand here. I've looked at all the different Rode mics for sale at B&H, but have no idea which one is "good" or which type I should be looking for. HELP! Are there other brands I should be considering? I have as much as $250-275 budgeted for an external mic, but if I can get a good one for less that would be great.

Sorry if these are basic questions any moron should know. Please educate me!

Thanks in advance.

Jason

Rode video mic is fantastic for the price.
Here's a link to a brief video about it.
http://www.dvcreators.net/products/videomic_movieframe.htm
I've had one for several years and it works great, but if you are running around much the shockmount does make a little bit of a wobble sound. And I'm pretty sure you will need an adapter for the mount. Pretty sure I found one over at www.hv20.com but I can't remember where. It was pretty cheap.

Okay, I have narrowed my options to the following mics:

Rode Stereo VideoMic
Rode VideoMic
Sennheiser MKE-400
Canon DM-100

All 4 of these mics are within $50 of each other price-wise ($150 to $200 I think) so it really boils down to performance. The Canon would be nice since it would attach right onto the HG20's accessory shoe without an adapter, but getting an adapter is a minor inconvenience.

One thing I can't have is one of these mics protruding out front so far as to show up in the picture when at the wide end of the zoom range.

Which of these 4 would you go for and why?

Thanks!

Jason

I have strong faith in Sennheiser. I love my 416. Don't make a mic purchase based on the hot-shoe connection. I bought a hot-shoe mic for my old Sony a few years back, and used it once. It sounded like crap.

I've only used the Rode videomic, but its been great to me. Haven't heard anything bad about it.

I saw a ton of recommendations to get the VideoMic for the HG20, but now that I have it, there are no answers on how to use it with the HG20's accessory shoe (you can't - the mic's tightening wheel is too big). Does anyone have a workaround or know of an adapter? Thanks!

I saw a ton of recommendations to get the VideoMic for the HG20, but now that I have it, there are no answers on how to use it with the HG20's accessory shoe (you can't - the mic's tightening wheel is too big). Does anyone have a workaround or know of an adapter? Thanks!

http://www.shop-com.co.uk/cc.class/cc?main=p&act=131979499&ccsyn=261this may be what you want

agree with Flinty

Agree with Flinty, too! That's what I needed. Thanks!

Flinty, that link points to a invalid product. Could you list the model number for reference. Thank You.

Flinty, that link points to a invalid product. Could you list the model number for reference. Thank You.
You can get them over here so they must be available for you,or order over here http://www.b-hague.co.uk/rode_videomic_camcorder_microphone.htm
i know this firm sell them but they dont show on their site
www.keene.co.uk

I have a question about Mics. I have an HG20. But what about those clip on types of mics? Say I want to do interviewing stuff. Wouldn't one of those types be better than one that sits on the camera? And if so, where do I get one of those?