Mailbox: $19,- shotgun microphone

ALL OF THIS FOR 15,- SHIPPED

I saw some posts on a cheap Chinese shotgun mic that was supposed to equal -or outperform- the Rode Videomic in quality. Now I don't own a Rode but I have been looking into a mic for use with my GH2 or 550D/T2i.
This mic costs €15 incl shipping and for that money I wanted give it a try. You can power it up via a single AA battery or via Phantom power. I use a phantom powered mic for use with my Sony PMW-EX1R so I like the ability to use this mic with my DSLR's as well as my videocamera. (ie to be able to use it with or without batteries) If you're doing a lot of handheld with your DSLR, forget about this mic because it's too long and will stick in your face or protrude with the risk of showing in your shot. For use with a cage or shoulder rig, it should be fine.

3 SWITCHES THAT CLICK NICELY INTO PLACE

This is a real shotgun mic whereas my current camera mic, the AKG SE300B with a CK91 head, is an omnidirectional microphone. Which means that my AKG is more of a general sound mic. A shotgun mic has a narrower aim, thus picking up less ambient sound. This is obviously preferable for interview situations.
For €15,- you even get a plastic box, a shielded XLR to 1/4 jack cable, a 1/4 jack to mini-jack plug, and a foam windshield. The mic itself has a switch with 3 settings: off, normal and tele.

I'll be doing a test on my EX1 and Zoom H4n and compare it against my €350 AKG mic. Stay tuned.

MIC LOOKS & FEELS PROFESSIONAL