Rode VideoMic vs. DM50

[iondot]

I've read through the many posts here about external mike, but there is a curious lack of information on the DM50.

How is this mike? I am specifically interested in either the DM50 or the Rode VideoMic. The Rode VideoMic seems to have a lot of posts and sounds like a really great piece of equipment. However, I would like the ability to capture stereo sound.

Who has used the DM50? How does it perform?

[white_2kgt]

So get the Stereo VideoMic :)

[Lunchbox]

The VideoMic is a shotgun mic that picks up sound from one direction. DM50 has 3 modes, shotgun, stereo1 and stereo2. I have the videoMic and I found out it only good at interview. When I shoot banquet where sound come from all direction, shotgun mic will become tricky to use.

[iondot]

So get the Stereo VideoMic :)

Because it is more expensive.

So... that DM50, how is it?

[white_2kgt]

Because it is more expensive.

You bought a $1,000 camera and you are going to quibble over $100 more for a good stereo mic? The DM50 I'm sure will be better than the built in mic, but not as good as the Rode Stereo, just from Canon's track record regarding accessories generally the canon name on anything adds about 20-30% markup, about the only thing 'better' w/ the DM50 is you don't have to carry around an extra 9v battery with you in-case the rode goes dead, then again, the DM50 will drain your camera battery down, just don't forget to turn the Rode on/off (wife forgot to turn it on once).

A few people here have already posted samples/reviews of the DM50, search for them, it's why I got the Rode.

[iondot]

You bought a $1,000 camera and you are going to quibble over $100 more for a good stereo mic? The DM50 I'm sure will be better than the built in mic, but not as good as the Rode Stereo, just from Canon's track record regarding accessories generally the canon name on anything adds about 20-30% markup, about the only thing 'better' w/ the DM50 is you don't have to carry around an extra 9v battery with you in-case the rode goes dead, then again, the DM50 will drain your camera battery down, just don't forget to turn the Rode on/off (wife forgot to turn it on once).

A few people here have already posted samples/reviews of the DM50, search for them, it's why I got the Rode.

My search through the forum yielded NO reviews or samples for the DM50 and certainly no direct comparisons to the Rode, Mono or Stereo.

There is only this:
http://www.hv20.com/showthread.php?t=1080&highlight=DM50


Further, the Rode stereo has not received the same kind of general praise that the mono Rode has. So, even if I do spend an extra $100 I don't have a sense of whether it will be a for better result. (I also consider it a bit rude to suggest that I am quibbling)

[white_2kgt]

My search through the forum yielded NO reviews or samples for the DM50 and certainly no direct comparisons to the Rode, Mono or Stereo.

There is only this:
http://www.hv20.com/showthread.php?t=1080&highlight=DM50


Further, the Rode stereo has not received the same kind of general praise that the mono Rode has. So, even if I do spend an extra $100 I don't have a sense of whether it will be a for better result. (I also consider it a bit rude to suggest that I am quibbling)

It was not my intent to insult. Where are you from? I was merely suggesting not to 'skimp' on the Audio since you have so much invested in the video quality. I think the problem with the Stereo version is not a lot of people have one compared to the mono version. I find the audio it produces to be very nice, much better than the on board, especially if you are speaking during home movies behind the camera (really muffles the voice from behind and makes all the levels more equal).

[Lunchbox]

Is the Stereo VideoMic a shotgun mic too? I need a omni-direectional microphone. The vidoeMic is good for interview purpose. But when I record in wedding reception, sound came from all direction. Any good suggestion?

Thanks

[rsovitzky]

I've been using the SVM by Rode and like it a lot. BUT, I wouldn't call it 'shotgun'. It doesn't pickup from behind much, but I'd say it spreads a good 180 degrees in the front. Of course, since it's stereo, I suppose it must.

But I like the sound very much.

Rick

[iondot]

How is the DM50?!? Does it perform in a shotgun fashion? Is that little nub in the back a back facing microphone?

[Lunchbox]

DM50 is a shotgun mic + stereo mic. The thing I don't like is it draws power from the cam battery

[white_2kgt]

Is the Stereo VideoMic a shotgun mic too? I need a omni-direectional microphone. The vidoeMic is good for interview purpose. But when I record in wedding reception, sound came from all direction. Any good suggestion?

Thanks

No, It picks up sound, I'd say 270* or so. The sound directly in front of it is the loudest though, if you want audio during a wedding and you are filming people speaking you'd want the mono, if you wanted to just get the crowd like during a dance or you are standing far back getting a view of everything I think you'd want the Stereo. I'm just filming home movies and such so I really wanted the stereo type sound since stuff is always going on all over the place and I wanted to capture as much of whats going on as possible.

[Goose]

DM50 is a shotgun mic + stereo mic. The thing I don't like is it draws power from the cam battery

I think thats a plus!

[Koala]

The VideoMic is a shotgun mic that picks up sound from one direction. DM50 has 3 modes, shotgun, stereo1 and stereo2. I have the videoMic and I found out it only good at interview. When I shoot banquet where sound come from all direction, shotgun mic will become tricky to use.I don't own the DM-50, but I was able to found its User Manual.
The 3 modes of the DM-50 are described as:
- SHOTGUN = Clearly picks up sound arriving from the front of the microphone(Monaural),
- STEREO 1 = Picks up sound arriving from the front of, as weel as sound surrounding the microphone,
- STEREO 1 = Picks up sound surrounding the microphone in a wider range than STEREO 1.

And I agree with Goose: I prefer to drain a little the cam battery than to have extra weight and/or extra cable and battery.

Koala

[Stefan_hv20]

DM50 is a shotgun mic + stereo mic. The thing I don't like is it draws power from the cam battery

I have made the choice for the DM-50 also because the size. It might be not the most perfect mic for some people, but I'm sure it's the 'next-best-thing!

I use it for Point-And-Shoot interviews out on the street and because of the smaller size it's more easy to handle than a bigger Rode mic.
Also, I can't notice any differance in battery life with or without the mic attached.

Same thing for the sound. I'm sure if you get real deep into this you will find a expensive mic who delivers the best sound, but ask yourself this: Do you really need the 'best' sound?

[freeflight]

Probably not the best sound, but a good sound is essential.

[zeroc]

heh....Lets take a vote here? :P

[marketmd]

I'm sure if you get real deep into this you will find a expensive mic who delivers the best sound, but ask yourself this: Do you really need the 'best' sound?

Yes you do. In fact, great audio is far more important than great video in conveying that "pro" feel.

[Terfyn]

Yes you do. In fact, great audio is far more important than great video in conveying that "pro" feel.

And then you make your DVD and play it back on a TV with £5 speakers?
What has not been mentioned is that, for good sound, the mic should be at or near the sound source. Not stuck on top of the camera For that reason, I would not buy a DM-50, the Rode is by far the more useful mic besides being better quality.

[Captainobvious]

I just grabbed one based on alot of very positive reviews not only on this site but others as well. There was also a very impressive audio test done on this site in the footage section which demonstrated the abilities of the rode video mic with the subject in different distances and positions, and as compared to lavaliers and the built in mic. That was very helpful as well in helping me to make my decision. The audio quality is quite good, *especially* considering the price.
Although if I wanted a mic for ambience, I'd probably consider the Rode stereo version. I dont know if you can really go wrong with either.

Heres the link to the audio test thread in the "footage" section. Thanks to peljack for the thorough testing!
http://hv20.com/showthread.php?t=2403

[Willowsman]

I just bought the DM50 ( $119, no shipping, no tax from Amazon). I agree the sound is as important as the video, almost bought the Rode mono. From what I've read, I expect the Rode is a better mic, but for my purposes, I prefer the smaller size of the Canon and of course the price comparison for the stereo versus stereo versions of the 2. Don't plan to do much professional production with it, mainly personal stuff-wakeboarding, offshore fishing etc. I need the versatility of the stereo mic (essentially 3 mics in one). If I bought the Rode mono I would want additional mics with wider pickup patterns. Also like to shoot very unobtrusively and prefer the smaller size of the Canon. Not concerned about the battery issue, but I don't like the fact that I cannot use my Canon apart from the camera, don't usually shoot that way but it is a nice option to ahve.

[kev1042]

If I want to shoot a scene where two character are having a conversation with each other, and I have a boom pole over the two of them would you say the Rode would be the best option for this? If I'm filming a rock cover band performing at a bar would the DM-50 be best for that? I might just save up and get both the Rode and DM-50 they both seem to be well each with its own purpose am I correct?

[Lunchbox]

If you are getting 2 mics, you should get both the Rode VideoMic and the Rode Stereo VideoMic. DM50 is a 2-in-1 mic that have stereo mode and shotgun mic.

[waverz]

I was in the same situation last month. I couldn't decide weather to get a DM-50 or the Rode Videomic. They both have plenty of positives and negatives. I love the DM-50 because there are no batteries or wires and it is stereo as well as shotgun. One of the major downfalls is, it can't come off the camera. When i got mine I didn't ever think I would be getting a DOF adapter and shooting upside down. Now i need to buy another mic. Bottom line is, it all depends on what your needs are and if you ever need an off camera mic, if the answer to that question is yes, don't get the DM-50.

[Ringquelle]

Yesterday I went to the local store which sells photo and videostuff. According to one of the salesmen they took the Rode Video Mic out of their assortment a couple of months ago because so many customers complained about the Rode Video Mic, because of the noise it was picking up. The store hasn't heard anything from the manufacturer ever since, and they only sell the DM-50 now. For 270 euros...

[kev1042]

so the best thing to do is to get those two Rode Mics? Can you or someone please send me a link to where I can get both so I can price it up?

[Lunchbox]

http://www.hv20.com/showthread.php?t=6116