Under $40 dollar Shotgun Microphone EG1
Just by using a microphone away from the camera and closer to your subject things generally will sound much better. In that case almost any microphone should suffice to getting decent audio. The most popular microphones used by DSLR shooters are the Rode VideoMic and the Senheisser MKE-400.
The Senheisser MKE-400, priced at $199, is said to have slightly less audio quality than the Rode VideoMic, but is favored for it's tiny tiny compact size (unlike the Rode). If you're taking size into consideration, I've had my eye on this particular shotgun microphone from China that runs less than $40 dollars. It can go by the name EG1 or EC-330 and I've been waiting for someone to throw up some type of review or audio test to see if it's even worth the penny. After posting the article on the larger $35 dollar China Shotgun Microphone, one comment comes in reminding me about it. Yup, still not much information out there, but it does look like a good alternative if you want the compact size of the MKE-400, without having to spend the $199. Here's the link to find the cheap eBay EG1 shotgun microphone, so if anybody has any more information, please drop a line. If lack of information drags on further, I may have to purchase one to kill the curiousness.
Jessica
Hey so anyone have footage using this mic with Magic Lantern to control AGC?
Jan Sequens
I tested a couple of mics including VideoMic Pro. Have a look if you're interested: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7OElQkNpAw
Jan Czmok
I tested the Shotgun Microphone EG1, or rather the SG108, but it looks exactly the same. I was using the magiclatern firmware on my 550D. Unfortunately, the hum and "muffle" sound is still there, even with AGC turned off.
Wish i could tell better, but the RODE Mic ( which i have now) is magnitudes better than the SG108. Even better with the AGC off.
JD
The Opteka VM-100 (Amazon for $80) looks good
, includes shock mount. Not really any reviews though.
Kelly
Picked up one of these a while ago. I hated it with the AGC from the 7d and 550d. Just recently installed magic lantern and did some tests with it. For those who hated the sound if this mic, I can assure you, it was ALL because of the AGC hissing. I'll try to upload my test footage soon.
Paweł Czerski
Any new tests with T2i now, when Magic Lantern has been released with ACG off?
manuele
i bought the cheap eBay EG1 shotgun microphone and i am not satisfied with it. I am not sure if the AGC of my 550D or is the microphone itself or for both, but the sound is bad.
Look the HD test video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxbM-0qgfVA
Drew
I picked up one of these a couple of weeks ago. It's not great but a handy thing to have for a few situations.
I did a few audio tests with it too:
https://vimeo.com/17410661
filmcyfrowy
I bought the mic and I regret. I uploaded comparison between EG1 (real name Shenngu SG108) vs Zoom H4n vs Canon 5Dmk2 mic. EG1 is terribly noisy. You can wach comaprison here - https://filmcyfrowy.blogspot.com/2010/11/test-mikrofonu-shenngu-sg108.html. The post is in polish but movie is understandable by everyone on the earth 🙂
Alex
Hey, I'm kind of considering buying this mic. The only thing I'm worried about is the hiss from the AGC... Will that be too much of a problem? I have a canon hf200 and the audio isn't terrible but could be better. Will the audio be unusable without a preamp?
Fred
I think I'll order one and have it as a back up if my rode fails.
Emm
Post authorAny videos we can look at?
James DeRuvo
I just got one of those cheap shotgun mics off of eBay. Just did a test off the Canon 7D. Doesn't sound too bad.
Jeroen
Has arrived (9days to europe - belgium)
Quite fast
Tested it in a few situations but i'm not 100% satisfied. Maybe because i'm a producer and i'm used to noise reduction / gates and condenser mics.
All I wanna say is, it's a bargain, and you will not get the same quality like a Rode mic. But for what i'm gonna use it (party-movies) it's just fine!
Build quality is nice => sturdy enough!
Only one small battery that should last long enough for a lot of cam-shooting.
It's ultra portable (not too large) and has a nice bag to carry it safely in my other bag 😛
It's an OK-product but I just don't want to overrate your expectations!
terry
Will there be firmware update for the 7D and audio control like the 60D?
Emm
Post authorI think the Rode sounds great, and yes the shockmount isn't for running around. You need something to adjust the levels to make any mic sound good. Any microphone directly into the DSLR camera can't be adjusted unless you're using 5DM2 with new firmware.
Robin
Yes, I have a Zoom H4n also, which I use for shots where audio quality is critical. But I want something that picks up run and gun type of sound better than the internal camera mic, which right now is a better option than the Rode Videomic.
This is why I ask, I wouldn't think this microphone would get such good reviews if it is supposed to be this bad 🙂
/Robin
Emm
Post authorBest bet like most of us is to go with a portable audio recorder.
Robin
This is interesting, I'm having so much trouble getting decent audio input for my 7D I'm getting really desperate. This might be a bit OT but I thought I try throwing my thoughts and questions to the large knowledge of your site and its readers to see what happens.
I have used the Rode VideoMic for a couple of weeks, and I'm totally displeased. It rarely outputs usable audio, always noisy distorted sound when connected straight to the 7D mic input.
It gets a little better when I put the BeachTek mixer in between, but still very low and often very distorted or just plain noise.
Have you experienced this? Is this the way it goes because it's a camera mounted mic?
Plus, my recommendation is to get anything but the Rode VideoMic because of it's useless antishock system made of silicone rings which break all the time.
Maybe I should buy this one... Sorry for posting so long here. I hope I can help someone, and that someone can help me 🙂
Emm
Post authorIt should last fairly long, those batteries are used in many devices.
Julius Cardines
The only problem i see with this mic is the CR2 3V battery that is required.
Rosinator
Look what I've found! 🙂
https://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1041&message=36174112&changemode=1
Seems to have a good quality that can be compared to the senheisser's! (if you subtract the hiss caused by the AGC)
So yeah, I think imma get myself one, for that price you can't do nothing wrong!
Gerald
I JUST saw this on Ebay this past weekend but was hoping to find reviews. There's a couple of US sellers in addition to the Hong Kong ones. I hope you can grab one of these and review. Thanks!
Jeroen
I bought it ... I will let you know as soon as it arrives.
flenoir
hey, i'm happy that you've enjoyed my post. I'w wondering if i will buy this mic.
If so, i'd probably make a review.I would do my best to do it in a good english
best regards from france
Levi VanderKwaak
Just posted my order. I live in canada so it might take a while longer to ship. But as soon as it comes in i will post a review