Sunday, February 3, 2013
External Microphone tests using the Canon EOS 550D/60D cameras Video Clips. Duration : 6.50 Mins.


The mono internal microphone is severely limiting in producing reasonable quality audio recordings. It provides only 1 channel, is sensitive to camera handling and wind noise when used outdoors. I wanted to find a cost effective solution to use with the camera when I needed to get better quality, noise free, stereo sound when using the camera both indoors and outside. Without going to the expensive of buying something like the Rode video mike which really makes the camera very prominent whilst trying to be discrete with filming I set about experimenting with less expensive electret microphones and capsules to see what the quality would be like with the 550D/60D. The 3.5mm stereo input jack of the camera also provides power for external electret mikes so this came as a real bonus as cheap capsules could be used without the need for them to have their own power source and electronics. Surprisingly the stereo tie clip microphone ( available of ebay from several retailers) gave good frequency response and sensitivity without excessive background noise. I am no audiophile and my hearing upper limit is decreasing but for general purpose recording this unit IMHO provides good enough stereo signals for most purposes that i need it for. It is easy to add a "dead cat" type fur windshield for outside use and can be attched to the hot shoe of the camera by means of a plastic adaptor which can easily be made by anyone with a few DIY skills. The test files have not been altered in ...

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