Whenever possible i'm still a big fan of capturing audio from a subject using just a Zoom H1 portable audio recorder
But just in case you don't happen to have a Zoom H1
Keep in mind that not every Lav microphone will work when plugged directly into an iPhone. Some microphones will need a special TRRS adapter (or other). But if you happen to have a compatible lav mic for your iPhone such as the Rode SmartLav+
(source) https://AspenMics.com
Today's morning mail bag drops in with some nice surprises. I finally received the two Audio-Technica ATR3350 powered Lavalier Microphones for my Zoom H1. This will be an interesting test. I was already impressed with the Zoom H1 built in mics when doing this BiGeye review, but I was in a controlled environment. We'll see what we can get with a microphone closer to the subject outside on some noisy streets. Right off the bat, the cord is loooooonnnnngg. It's a nice setup if you don't have a portable audio recorder, but not for my use. I'll cut and snip a few feet off soon. Hopefully I don't screw it up, but it's just two simple wires. Audio tests coming soon... More information here: http://cheesycam.com/zoom-h1-lavalier-winner/
Next, some nice Letus DSLR products drop in. Talk about some damn sexy camera gear (drool). If you have a lust for gear (like myself), Letus is one of those brands that will seduce you like an Empusa. Nah that's too gorey, better yet a Shakira music video. Ok, i'm getting sidetracked, back to the subject at hand. Letus has been a big time name in the film industry and very popular in the DOF adapters before DSLR's changed things. Letus didn't stand around watching times change, they jumped right in with a new line of DSLR accessories now found at LetusDSLR.com.
The Letus Hawk VF is a DSLR view finder wrapped in Carbon Fiber. Is it super lightweight? Surprisingly no. It's a solid piece of gear that when holding it will make you go OOOh. It's built for the finest gentlemen like a Bently, but also comes at a different price. Most view finders we see have somewhat of a squarish box design. Since it's comparable in price as the Zacuto Z-Finder Pro, if I had to make a choice there's no doubt this would be the clear winner. The design of the Letus Hawk VF makes the Z-Finder look like technology from a Buck Rogers episode - biddy biddy beep. The Hawk VF is silky smooth, many many curves - nothing squarish about it, finished with a carbon fiber wrapped design, and a high gloss clear coat of resin. I'll get some more information up with a video soon...
The Hawk VF mounts directly under the camera, no magnetic frames. For cameras with a battery pack, you can get the optional riser plate here: https://www.letusdirect.com/cart/hawk-riser.html
Also in the box, there's the standard Letus DSLR cage which is the basic foundation that can be used with their growing line of DSLR accesories. It's Rod compatible so you can find ways to adapt many rod type accessories. The entire cage is cheese plate designed for mounting a bazillion different things to it. This cage is thick and solid. I wish I had this thing for the 'egg drop' science project in middle school, anything will survive a drop in this cage. It's a precision crafted beast possibly made from Adamantium. More close up photos and video overview coming soon...
The Letus Hawk VF & Letus Talon DSLR Cage
click image to purchase Audio-Technica ATR3350
As soon as the Zoom H1 was released, I began my search for the perfect 'low budget' lavalier microphone. I'm not saying the Audio-Technica ATR3350 Lavalier can outperform other $100.00+ microphones, but from the tests i've seen and the comments i've received, this is the microphone for me. This little Lav comes in at under $24.00 dollars! This microphone is also battery powered. Just 'generally' speaking, powered microphones tend to perform better than non-powered microphones. Whether you'll find use for this with your Zoom H1 to possibly replace some wireless situations, at under $24.00 dollars it's a nice thing to just have in the bag. Even without the Zoom H1, this microphone connected directly to your DSLR is already an improvement over the built in camera microphone. So after researching a few Vimeo videos, YouTube videos, and checking out some comments from some of the readers i'm skipping the KFC combo dinner tonight and throwin' it down on the Audio-Technica ATR3350 Lavalier.
