Pros
Good price to performance ratio
Excellent sound quality for its price range
Great battery life
Compact and lightweight
Effective wind noise reduction with Dead Cat
Comes with extra bands for the shock mount
Durable and sturdy build
Useful for various recording situations
Long warranty period
Highly recommended by many users
Cons
May pick up unintended noises from camera bumps
Plastic build may feel cheap to some
Questionable longevity of the cold shoe mount threads and on/off switch
Main Product Advantages
9 Sound Quality
The Rode VideoMic captures clear and crisp audio, significantly better than built-in camera mics. It can pick up sounds from far away and handle noisy environments effectively.
9 Battery Life
The microphone uses 9V batteries and offers an impressive battery life. It only requires battery changes after over 115 hours of use, contributing to its practicality during extended use.
9 Wind Protection
The included DeadCat windscreen is highly effective at reducing wind noise without compromising audio clarity. This is especially useful for outdoor recordings.
9 Customer Support
Rode offers excellent customer service and stands by its warranty. They are responsive and have replaced defective units promptly.
9 Price
Given the performance and features, the microphone offers excellent value for money. Users have compared it favorably to more expensive models.
8 Durability
Although made from plastic, the microphone is sturdy. It can withstand constant mounting and unmounting without significant wear and tear. It also comes with extra shock mount bands.
8 Shock Mount
The Rycote Lyre shock mounting system effectively minimizes handling noise and is a significant improvement over older elastic band designs. However, the mic can sometimes bounce around, which may cause issues.
8 Ease of Use
The microphone is easy to set up and use, though it lacks features like auto shutoff, and the DIP switches for settings adjustment can be hard to access.
7 Build Quality
The mic is lightweight and made of plastic. While the build quality is generally good, the cold shoe mount and on/off switch have raised durability concerns. However, the 10-year warranty provides some peace of mind.
7 Compatibility
The mic works well with various cameras and setups. However, any bumps to the tripod or camera can be picked up by the mic, which may require additional precautions like foam wraps.
Product Review: Rode VideoMic Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone with Rycote Lyre Shock Mounting, Black
The RODE VideoMic is a professional grade shotgun microphone drawing from the latest film industry technology. It is designed specifically for high quality digital video cameras, ensuring a seamless integration into any professional or hobbyist setup.
One of the standout features of the VideoMic is its low noise performance and unusually wide bandwidth for its size. This makes it an ideal companion for capturing clear and precise audio in a variety of filming environments.
Despite its rugged construction from ABS materials, the microphone remains ultra lightweight. This characteristic is essential for camera mounts where additional weight could impact portability and ease of use.
The VideoMic operates on a standard 9 V battery and features a low battery LED status indicator. Additionally, it includes a switchable high pass filter to reduce unwanted low frequency rumble, enhancing audio clarity in less controlled environments.
Key Features
Broadcast and studio sound quality
Rugged reinforced ABS construction
Two step high-pass filter with options for flat or 80 Hz
Integrated Rycote Lyre shock mount
Operates on a 9 V battery
Condenser transducer for high-quality sound capture
Low noise circuitry
Low handling noise
Includes windscreen
Integrated camera-shoe mount
Connector: 1/8" stereo mini jack for audio output
Conclusion
The RODE VideoMic Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone delivers top-tier performance with its broadcast and studio sound quality. Its rugged yet lightweight construction, combined with advanced features like the two-step high pass filter and integrated shock mount, make it a reliable and versatile choice for any videographer. Powered by a standard 9 V battery and equipped with practical indicators, the VideoMic ensures you are always ready to capture pristine audio, making it a valuable addition to anyone's video production toolkit.
