Some additional devices are added to the cameras used in video surveillance systems to increase the effectiveness of the security system. Such devices include motion sensors, infrared illumination for operation of video cameras at night, and microphones. A microphone installed with a video camera allows you to get a more informative picture of everything that is happening in the area where the camera is installed. Therefore, almost all models of recorders for video surveillance systems, in addition to inputs for connecting cameras, also have audio inputs for microphones.
A microphone for a CCTV camera can have a different polar pattern. Most often, devices are used that have a cardioid-shaped diagram, which allows you to record everything that happens anywhere in the room. Narrow-directional microphones are used less frequently. As a rule, all have a sensitive microphone that is already built into the body. For other types of surveillance cameras, the microphone must be purchased separately.
Microphone "Rustle"
Microphones used in video surveillance systems may have the following parameters:
Since a modern video surveillance camera is quite compact in size, the microphone should also be miniature. For example, a microphone « MVK-M02" has a rectangular shape and dimensions 25x9x7 mm, and the cylindrical microphones of the series have dimensions 35-47x10 mm.
The sensitivity of the microphone determines at what distance from the installed device human speech will be clearly audible. Special monitoring systems use highly sensitive microphones that allow conversations to be heard at a distance of tens of meters.
Each microphone, depending on its design, can perceive and transmit a certain frequency band. For speech transmission, a band of 100 Hz - 8000 kHz is sufficient, although modern models also have a wider band. The characteristic or polar pattern determines the microphone's pickup area. The most common microphone models for video surveillance have a cardioid characteristic. The cardioid resembles a heart pattern or a hearts card symbol, but without the point. Such a microphone evenly perceives all sound sources located in this area, with the exception of the dead zone, which is located behind the microphone.
If the object of observation is far enough away and it is not possible to install a microphone close enough, directional microphones are used. Its directional characteristic resembles a highly elongated loop, so sound sources located on the side will be practically inaudible.
An active microphone for a video surveillance camera is usually connected to the power supply line of the camera itself, so most of these microphones are designed for a supply voltage of 10-16 V. The exception is the microphones of digital cameras, which are connected to a computer via a USB port. The supply voltage at the connector is 5 V.
Microphones used in video surveillance systems can be divided according to their operating principle and design. They can be electrodynamic and capacitor:
IP surveillance cameras with a microphone are a separate group of devices designed to work in computer networks. Most cameras of this type are already equipped with a built-in microphone, although many users prefer to purchase and connect the microphone themselves.
An outdoor microphone for a CCTV camera is not used very often, since external conditions create certain difficulties when operating the device. A microphone, first of all, must be reliably protected from negative climatic influences. In addition, only directional microphones can be used outdoors due to the large amount of extraneous noise that will be picked up by a microphone with a cardioid polar pattern.
To connect to IP cameras, miniature condenser microphones with three conductors of different colors are usually used. Red is the supply voltage, black is ground (case), and yellow is the audio output. Connecting a microphone to an IP CCTV camera depends on whether the microphone will be located next to the camera or located in another location.
Promising video camera models have a built-in microphone input. Usually this is a socket for an RCA (Tulip) or Mini-Jack 3.5 mm plug. In this case, the three wires coming from the microphone are soldered onto a plug in accordance with the markings. The microphone can be located several meters from the video camera. The remote microphone can be powered from a separate source, and the audio signal, to protect against external interference, must be transmitted to the terminal device using.
The security systems market offers a large number of different models of microphones for CCTV cameras. They differ in technical characteristics and cost.
Microphone MVK-M022 It is small in size and has good frequency response. Can be integrated into any electronic devices with a 12 V supply voltage.
Main technical characteristics of the microphone:
Compact microphone STELBERRY M-50 is a cylindrical active system with high-speed AGC and the ability to adjust sensitivity.
Main characteristics:
Most DSLR cameras provide acceptable sound quality. They can be used for, for example, recording a video on YouTube. However, if we are talking about some more serious project, then there are numerous optional solutions to improve sound quality. This article will review popular microphone models for DSLR cameras.
Undoubtedly, the main advantage of on-camera microphones is sound quality. With their advent, users have the opportunity to shoot video clips anywhere and at any time. That is, you can purchase any camera and create 1080p quality videos. But what about the sound quality?
Budget. On-camera microphones belong to the middle price category; there are both simple budget options and expensive ones. Here everything depends solely on your capabilities.
The lavalier microphone is ideal for use during interviews, video reviews, broadcasting or master classes. The buttonhole is attached to clothing, and the distance to the speaker’s mouth should not be large so that the microphone can capture the sound. By the way, the closer the microphone is to the sound source, the lower the noise level will be. There are wired and wireless lavalier microphones.
A handheld microphone is preferred mainly by journalists. If desired, these microphones can be supplemented with additional accessories.
Head-mounted microphones are indispensable in cases where the speaker moves a lot, and also when maximum immunity to external noise is required from the microphone. Such microphones practically do not transmit other sounds except the speaker’s voice, and are small in size.
It is worth remembering that, if desired, most microphones can be supplemented with various accessories: a windshield, a pop filter, a tabletop tripod stand or a floor stand.
Below is a list of fairly common microphones for working with video cameras.
- This is one of the most popular condenser microphones for video cameras, has excellent sound quality and ultra compact dimensions (length 150 mm, weight 85 grams). The microphone is powered by a battery; the average operating time is 70 hours.
The model has an integrated anti-vibration mount and built-in wind protection. Switching capabilities are provided by a 3.5 mm minijack connector.
Rode VideoMic Pro has one capsule and is suitable for working during interviews and recording sound for reporting.
Sennheiser is known for its headphones, but the MKE 400 microphone deserves special attention. It is in the same price category as the Rode VideoMic Pro and differs in size - the Sennheiser microphone is slightly longer and offers the user up to 300 hours of working time.
Therefore, if you need good sound, then this model will be an excellent solution. The Sennheiser MKE 400 has an all-metal body and a built-in anti-vibration mount.
It is of interest primarily because of its price. This is a really good example of a budget and functional omnidirectional lavalier microphone. The ATR 3350 can be used to record various interviews or master classes where the microphone must be located close to the sound source. This model has a simple, but at the same time stylish design; it is also worth noting the surprisingly low weight of the microphone - only 6 grams.
is one of the most popular handheld omnidirectional microphones for reporters. The model compares favorably with its analogues in its built-in anti-vibration mount and durable housing design.
This is also one of the most famous reporter microphones with an omnidirectional polar pattern. This model guarantees high speech intelligibility, so it can be used in interviews and reporting. The MD 42 is designed to work in difficult conditions. It is worth noting the design features of the microphone; it helps to avoid problems with mechanical noise. The body is made of metal. The two-layer mesh capsule is made of black steel.
The shotgun microphone requires you to have a ZOOM recorder model H6, H5 or Q8 to work with a DSLR camera. The ZOOM microphone has excellent sound quality and is also equipped with a fur windshield, so this microphone is not afraid of working in difficult conditions.
This is a condenser narrow-beam microphone with two power options - using a battery or using 48V phantom power. This model is designed for professional use, it has a wide frequency range and controlled polar response. Thanks to its compact size and low weight, the RODE NTG-2 can be mounted on a camera (with accessories if necessary) or on a tripod. The microphone comes with a windshield and holder, making this kit ideal for outdoor use.
Great for working with DSLR cameras. This is a stereo microphone with two capsules, it has a built-in anti-vibration mount, which guarantees excellent isolation. It’s also worth mentioning the multi-core cable, which provides high-quality acoustic isolation from the camera. On the back of the microphone, the user has access to power control and sensitivity switching, including a high-pass filter at 75Hz. Using the -10dB switch, you can reduce the microphone sensitivity, allowing you to work in noisy environments.
The system is flexible and can be used both indoors and outdoors. Includes ME-2 omnidirectional lavalier microphone and SKP100 G3 converter. The SKP100 G3 turns any wired reporter microphone into a wireless system. The SK100 G3 transmitter attaches to clothing and synchronizes with the receiver by simply pressing a button.
is an omnidirectional lavalier microphone that can be used to work with video from smartphones, tablets, PCs, voice recorders, and video cameras. The BY-M1 microphone connects directly to the device via a 6-meter cable and a gold-plated 4-pin 3.5 mm minijack. This microphone model has a low noise level. The BOYA BY-M1 microphone has a stylish design, so it can be used in interviews, master classes, reports and other similar events.
The article is based on material from micreviews.com
Today, video shooting is a mandatory standard of functionality for modern cameras. Almost all new DSLR cameras (“DSLRs”) can shoot video, and most semi-professional cameras work with HD quality video.
Although initially, shooting DSLR video was just a marketing “trick” for SLR camera manufacturers. But in a very short time, shooting video with DSLRs has gained immense popularity among both amateurs and professionals.
How to shoot really interesting and beautiful videos? What do all aspiring camera operators need to know about working with DSLR video?
Professional videographer Egor Nikolaev agreed to tell us about the basics of shooting video on DSLR cameras.
For many photographers, shooting DSLR video is just a by-product, and that's why they choose lenses like the Canon 24-70mm. After all, the temptation to buy a universal lens is always very great.
But autofocus lenses lack a critical feature - a smooth, easy-to-understand focusing ring.
For video, the main thing is glass, its essence, the geometry of the picture, bokeh. When it is present, a different attitude towards the picture develops; the work itself, takes, and shooting happen differently. Largely thanks to high-quality optics, the picture from DSLR video looks more artistic and “cinematic”.
The problem is that top-end optics cost accordingly. But you can always just rent an expensive lens.
It is best to rent glass from the Carl Zeiss line (18-28-85mm). They are all good, and if we talk about using them on the Canon 5D Mk II, then there is nothing particularly to complain about, except that there are slight discrepancies in color reproduction.
For simpler shooting or video experiments, why not rummage through flea markets and thrift stores for old Canon lenses and anything else that can be screwed into an adapter from an M42?
Video in DSLRs has only been around for a few years, but the Canon mount has been around for decades.
After spending more than 26 hours and listening to more than ten hours of test recordings, we came to the conclusion that the Boya BY-M1 will allow you to significantly improve the sound quality in your videos for little money. It is the best lavalier microphone for a video camera, for a camera and for your phone or smartphone. Its ideal application is interviews and conversational programs. Recording quality, versatility and an inexpensive price compared to professional lavaliers put this microphone in first place.
Update January 18, 2018
Added a more explicit description that the Sennheiser ME 2-US microphone requires phantom power from the recorder to operate correctly. The comments after the article also provide an example of how you can supply power to this buttonhole using the original Sennheiser MZA 900P phantom power adapter.
One of the best lavaliers, which is very popular among journalists and has received a large number of positive reviews. It costs about three times more than the inexpensive Boya BY-M1 model we recommend, but that’s not for nothing. The workmanship is consistent with other Rode products. The microphone has a metal body, reinforced Kevlar cord and a high-quality capsule with an omnidirectional polar pattern. The kit includes a windscreen combined with a pop filter that copes well with wind noise.
SmartLav+ was originally created for use on iOS/Android smartphones and tablets, so it has a plug with a TRRS connector that connects to a standard headphone input. However, the lavalier can and even should be used with video cameras and cameras; for this you need to purchase a TRRS-TRS adapter (for example, a proprietary SC3 adapter cord or its equivalent).
Another professional and high-quality circular buttonhole, only from Sennheiser. It differs from models with a lower cost in better sound quality and a larger frequency range for recording. The quality of the materials used and workmanship is also excellent. Many bloggers consider it their number one buttonhole. This lavalier is not only sold separately, but also comes bundled with expensive wireless radio systems, such as the Sennheiser EW 100 ENG G3-A, for which it was originally created.
The Sennheiser ME 2 has one feature that we have to mention. It consists in the fact that on the plug there is a threaded nut (it can be seen in the image), which is screwed onto the wireless transmitter hanging on your belt. The thread allows you to securely secure the plug and avoid disconnecting the microphone during the presenter's movements.
The same nut, when used with equipment from other manufacturers, does not always allow you to insert the plug into the audio input all the way and fix it there. With careless and strong movements, the plug may jump out of the audio input and then you risk losing your sound recording if you do not control the sound level at this moment.
And also have a setting.
Probably the most budget lavalier deserves special mention, as it has good sound quality for this price. This is the Dagee DG-001MIC model, which can be purchased for about 120 rubles ().
If you need to shoot some kind of action or record several people in the frame at once, and you do not want to limit the actions of the presenter with a wire from the lapel, then we recommend choosing ours, which is installed directly on your photo or video camera. It is even easier and faster to use than a buttonhole. All you need to do is install the microphone and plug the plug into the audio input. That's it, you're ready to start recording.
We spent over 26 hours researching for this article and listened to a total of over a dozen hours of audio recordings with various tests and examples of lavalier microphones. On the Russian-language Internet we came across only a few high-quality reviews that can be counted on the fingers of one hand. As a result, we spent most of our time studying foreign articles and comparison tests of lavaliers on Youtube.
The lavaliers are distinguished by their good sound quality at a low price and miniature size.
A lavalier microphone or simply a lavalier is perfect for those who want to record only the presenter’s voice and exclude other sounds from their audio track as much as possible. They are designed in such a way that they are maximally sensitive to sounds within a radius of 20-30 cm around them, and almost do not perceive sound from more distant sources. That is why they are most often attached to the lapel of the presenter’s clothing (next to the buttonhole).
The buttonhole is suitable for those who want to record only the voice of the presenter and exclude other sounds as much as possibleYou can use such microphones with both video cameras and cameras and phones/smartphones. There are no restrictions, the most important thing is the presence of a 3.5mm input on your device. Please note that the input on the photo/video camera and on the phone are different, because... The jack on a smartphone is primarily used as an audio output for headphones. To ensure the operation of one buttonhole on all devices, you need to use a special adapter cord with TRRS or TRS connectors.
The versatility factor and the ability to use the Boya BY-M1 with both video cameras and phones without various adapters greatly influenced our choice of this product as a recommended one.
The BY-M1 comes with everything you need to start recording right away.
Boya BY-M1, due to its inexpensive price (compared to professional lavaliers, more about them below) and good sound quality with a low noise level, in our opinion, is an ideal option for beginners. This small microphone is great for presentations, vlogging or recording Youtube reviews, podcasts, and anything else where the audio comes primarily from one person.
The biggest plus is the connection to photo/video cameras and phones without adaptersThe biggest advantage of this lavalier, as mentioned above, is its versatility and the ability to use it on absolutely any recording devices. It can be connected to a video camera, camera, computer or special sound recorder, as well as to a phone, smartphone or tablet. In this case, you do not need to buy additional adapters, which, of course, are always sold separately and at an additional cost. You just need to switch the lever on the built-in signal preamplifier and select the desired option from two possible ones.
The Boya BY-M1 is an omnidirectional condenser microphone that weighs only 2.5g and picks up the sound around you without any exceptions. It is equipped with a very long six-meter wire (in other lavaliers it is usually up to 1.5 meters), which allows the presenter to be several meters from the camera without any constraint and even move a little in the frame. This is especially useful if we are shooting street video rather than studio video.
The fastening for clothes is quite strong and tight, the buttonhole holds very tightly.
This lavalier produces very decent sound quality, especially when recording in a quiet room and in the absence of strong movement from the presenter. It must be secured so that the pickup element does not touch clothing. Otherwise, with any movement or contact of the microphone, you will hear strong interference on the audio track.
The package includes the buttonhole itself with a built-in power supply, a clothespin for attaching to clothing, an adapter from a 3.5 mm to 6.3 mm plug (from 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch), a windshield and an LR44 battery for powering the microphone when working with photos/ video cameras. The power supply, in turn, also has its own clothespin and is easily attached to a belt or other items of clothing.
We found most of the reviews about this microphone, of course, on Youtube. Bloggers and hosts of their own video programs and entertainment shows are the target buyers of this microphone.
The main advantages are the price and sound qualityWe came across several articles in text form. For example, one of these reviews is from the author of the site mysku, who comes to the following conclusion: the microphone really records sound perfectly, the difference is very noticeable when recording on a video camera, although it is also available on smartphones. However, in smartphones (I assume) the internal filling of the smartphone, which is responsible for recording sound, plays a big role. Pros: 1. Price compared to analogues 2. Good quality of materials 3. And most importantly, for fairly little money we get high-quality sound.
Another positive review from an amateur on the Recommendation: Compared to conventional microphones, BOYA BY M1 has a signal preamplifier and a fairly long cord, so it is very suitable for interviews or vlogs. In general, I liked the buttonhole, the microphone and amplifier are made in a durable metal case, have a high-quality shielded cord and sound recording, so I recommend it for your home “recording studio” and not only, due to the versatility and affordable price of the microphone.
The Boya BY-M1 power supply does not have any indication of the battery charge level. Because of this, it is imperative to have a spare LR44 battery with you.
The main feature is related to the microphone's power supply, namely the absence of any charge indicator for the inserted LR44 battery, although it will serve you for quite a long time. Power is required only when working with photo and video cameras. This leads to the need not only to make test recordings every time before shooting to make sure the buttonhole is working, but also to have a spare battery. The chance of forgetting to turn off the microphone after another shoot is too high. In this case, you will have to be content with the microphone built into the camera.
We also draw your attention to the fact that the quality of the recorded sound with absolutely all microphones, be it stationary, lavalier or on-camera, very much depends on the preamplifier installed in the recording device. As a rule, they are much better in video cameras than in cameras. Don’t forget the fact that absolutely all professional sound recordings undergo additional processing in audio editors, which allow you to further reduce the amount of noise and enrich the sound of the track at your discretion.
Professional lavalier microphone
Professional lavalier with excellent sound quality. By default, suitable for smartphones and tablets, requires an adapter for recording with a video camera or camera.
If you want to get a real professional lavalier and are willing to spend a little more money for high-quality sound, then we recommend looking towards the Rode SmartLav+ (namely the version with a plus in the name). Initially, this lavalier microphone was created to obtain high-quality sound and be used with iOS and Android smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices. That is why there is a TRRS plug at the end of the wire. To install SmartLav+ on a camera, video camera or recorder, you will need to purchase a separate adapter cord with a TRRS -> TRS (TRRS female -> TRS male) connector, for example a branded adapter from RODE.
The sound from this lavalier will sound better and richerIn our opinion, the recorded sound from this lapel will sound better and richer than from the Boya BY-M1. SmartLav+ captures slightly less noise, does not require a separate power supply and is considered one of the best lavalier microphones according to Micreviews and is an omnidirectional condenser microphone designed primarily for recording interviews and other announcer work.
The microphone is made of very high quality, the body is made of metal, the cable is reinforced with Kevlar. The kit includes a clothing mount, foam wind protection and a soft case. In general, this is exactly what we expect to see in proprietary models of famous brands.
The length of the cable is a little frustrating, only 115 cm. This length allows you to attach the buttonhole to yourself or the presenter and connect it to a smartphone, which you put in your pocket. Or, when recording video, be very close to the camera. Most likely, you will still have to purchase an extension cord if you want to record sound on a video camera.
Another professional lavalier microphone with an omnidirectional polar pattern, which is used for recording speech and even instruments. Initially, it was created for Sennheiser Evolution wireless radio systems (for example, for one of the best in its class EW 100 ENG G3-A), with which it is supplied, but users liked the sound quality and price so much that they began to buy it for use directly with cameras. In terms of recording quality, this is one of the best solutions on the market and this lavalier has almost no competitors. It has a very wide sensitivity range, and is capable of recording frequencies from 30 to 20,000 Hz.
The kit includes the buttonhole itself, a clip for fastening and a metal windshield. The cable length is 1.6 meters, which is a standard length, not as short as the SmartLav+, but not as long as the Boya BY-M1.
One of the best wireless radio systems is Sennheiser EW 100 ENG G3-A, which includes the ME 2-US buttonhole.
ME 2 requires phantom power on the recorderFor correct operation of the Sennheiser ME 2-US for purposes other than its intended purpose, i.e. not on a wireless system - your recorder\camcorder\photo camera should supply phantom power to it, and also have a setting for mixing mono to stereo (MONO MIX).
As mentioned at the beginning of the article, the peculiarity of Sennheiser ME 2 is precisely in use with Sennheiser wireless systems and it is very desirable for it to supply phantom power from the source. The 3.5 mm plug is not made as standard. There is a threaded nut on it (you can see it in the photo), which must be screwed onto the wireless transmitter, and this same nut may prevent you from fixing the plug into the regular audio input of your camera or video camera. If you move it carelessly, the plug may pop out of the socket and you will stop recording sound if you do not monitor it in real time.
If you are ready to put up with this feature (for example, you run a video blog on Youtube and the camera is constantly in front of your eyes) or in the near future you are going to buy a wireless radio system from Sennheiser, then for the money you will not find better quality. Everything else will cost several times more. We highly recommend this model.
If you need to record more than one person in a frame, you are filming more than just interviews and conversations, or your videos involve at least some kind of activity, then the lavalier wire will be a big nuisance. You might consider a cordless system, but it costs over 10 times more than a quality lavalier. Even the 6-meter cable of our winner Boya BY-M1 will not allow you to move further than a few meters from the camera.
For such purposes, directional microphones were invented, which are most often placed on the shoe of a camera or video camera. Although this is not a rule at all, you can attach such a microphone to a smartphone in a special rig or simply to a regular monopod or stand. These are the microphones we recommend using.
Another popular Chinese and cheap microphone costs about 200 rubles on Aliexpress. .
We've seen it more than once in reviews by bloggers on Youtube. It really sounds good when compared with other cheap Chinese counterfeits in the price range from 50 to 250 rubles, but it cannot be compared with our winner Boya BY-M1. Yes, this lavalier costs five times more, but do not forget that the sound is much more important than the video. Don't skimp on a microphone.
The best microphone in the range from 50 to 250 rublesBy default, it is only suitable for phones/smartphones, so you will have to buy a separate adapter if you want to use it with photo/video cameras. It also cannot boast of the length of the cord, only 1 meter. The only plus of this microphone is the price. It has no other advantages.
Let's start with the main competitor. It was from this popular lavalier microphone that the Boya BY-M1 was copied. In terms of configuration, characteristics and even the design of the box, they are almost twin brothers. As for the sound, everything remains a matter of taste and color. In our opinion, the ATR3350 sounds a little better, records less noise and extraneous sounds, which means you have to spend less time on post-processing. Considering the cost is twice as expensive as the BY-M1, we didn’t buy it, but it’s definitely one of the best options in the mid-price range.
The difference between the ATR3350 is that the power supply has the same switch lever that is responsible for turning it on and off, but without a special adapter it cannot be used with a phone or tablet. Check the package when purchasing. It is advisable that the adapter comes complete with a buttonhole, but the number of accessories increases by one more piece.
The ATR3350, just like the BY-M1, requires power from an LR44 battery to operate, and both of them do not have any indication or LED that would indicate a low battery.
The Rode SmartLav is the previous version of a more modern model that was released to replace it within just a few weeks and it is the Rode SmartLav+ model that we recommend as one of the alternative options.
We strongly do not recommend buying the regular version of SmartLav (without the plus one), because... it records a very large number of hissing noises. Don't skimp and don't buy it. In the new version of SmartLav+, essentially only the audio pickup capsule has been changed, resulting in a significant reduction in noise. There are also versions of users that the capture of low frequencies has also decreased, as a result of which the sound without processing began to sound less rich and bassy.
Otherwise SmartLav and SmartLav+ are the same.
The Chinese analogue of the Rode SmartLav+ microphone is priced similar to the cost of our winner in this category and even cheaper (about 1,100 rubles) - Boya BY-M1. Just like SmartLav+ is designed for use with phones, smartphones and tablets. An adapter for installing it on video cameras or cameras is not included in the kit; you will have to purchase it separately. We did not consider this microphone as an alternative to BY-M1 or SmartLav+ and did not study any additional information on it.
Here are some useful tips from professional sound engineers we encountered while preparing this article.
The best place to mount is in the middle of the chest.The best location for a lavalier microphone is considered to be in the middle of the chest, approximately where the neckline of a sweater or the second button of a shirt is located. If you place the buttonhole even lower, the sound will be recorded quieter than expected. Any higher and it might start to sound weird.
There is another opinion that the buttonhole should be attached not in the middle, but on one side of the chest. This will prevent sound waves from reflecting inside your chest and being picked up by the microphone.
Experiment with the position a little and see which position works best for you.
Secure the microphone so that the capsule does not touch clothing.
Attach the buttonhole so that its noseband or windshield does not touch the leader’s clothing. If the microphone is not secured properly, then any movement on your audio track will produce a loud and unpleasant knocking/rubbing sound. This is very annoying and shows the complete lack of professionalism of the team.
The only thing worse than this were the reviewers on YouTube, who, when connecting different microphones to the audio input, did not take care of their viewers and did not cut out this sound of plugging/unplugging of a plug, at which the sound volume becomes terribly loud and makes you want to immediately close such a video forever.
When you attach the buttonhole in the middle of your chest, there will be a wire running down from it to the camera or recorder. If the presenter is wearing, say, a tight T-shirt or shirt. Then this wire will be very noticeable on his body and, accordingly, on the video recording.
In this case, advice from professionals working with sound will help. Instead of hanging the cable down the front of the presenter's body, wrap it over the host's collarbone and shoulder and down his back to the recorder. This will allow you to hide the wire well and the viewer will not see it.
Pros of the Boya BY-M1 buttonhole:
After spending more than 26 hours researching, we came to the conclusion that the best lavalier microphone for a video camera, camera or phone is the Boya BY-M1. For a fairly inexpensive price, you get good sound quality and the ability to use it on all devices without any adapters.
If you are already familiar with sound and are serious about it, then we recommend buying a professional Rode SmartLav+ lavalier or going even further and thinking about purchasing a wireless radio system. In this case, buy Sennheiser ME 2-US immediately.
Recently, it has become popular to shoot video on DSLR and mirrorless cameras with larger matrices and better optics than video cameras of the same price range. Next, I will try to describe the implementation features of the video shooting mode on some DSLR and mirrorless cameras that I have shot with or that I considered as candidates for purchase.
The parameters that we will take into account in modern DSLR and mirrorless cameras are the following:
Only cameras in an adequate price range are considered (less than or about $1000). All cameras mentioned here support Full HD video shooting and record video to SD memory cards.
So, let's go.
1. Canon
Canon at one time became the most popular DSLRs for video shooting. But are they relevant now?
I have used Canon 550D, Canon 600D and Canon 60D. In addition to them, we can highlight models such as the Canon 7D, Canon 650D and the new Canon EOS M mirrorless camera.
What are the advantages of Canon?
These are good ergonomics (even on the 550D), namely: quick access to ISO settings (via a separate button), white balance and video modes (via the Quick menu button), shutter speed and aperture (via separate wheels; however, on three-digit models for setting the aperture you still need to hold down the exposure compensation button); ability to select frame rates between 24, 25 and 30 without reference to region.
If we install the Magic Lantern firmware, then in addition we will get display and manual adjustment of sound levels, including, on the 550D, where this is not available out of the box, ISO adjustment in 1/3 steps and setting white balance in Kelvin.
In general, Canon SLR cameras are good in terms of video because of, perhaps, four things: the presence of this same Magic Lantern firmware with a bunch of goodies, the ability to install Soviet lenses on Canon while maintaining infinity focus, the almost imperceptible rolling shutter effect and the ability to edit video in Sony Vegas on machines with a configuration like a 2006 HP Compaq 8510w laptop (2-core processor, 256 MB video card, 2 GB RAM).
The latter, by the way, also applies to the disadvantages - Canon uses the ancient Basic AVC profile for video compression, and, to compensate for the loss of quality, sets the bitrate to 50 Mbit/s, which leads to problems with video recording on some memory cards and the error “Recording video automatically stopped" if the map becomes fragmented. The problem is also that even such a high bitrate does not improve the quality of the video when shooting in difficult lighting conditions - for example, it will not be possible to shoot a normal sunset without somewhat noticeable pixelation in the shadows.
In addition, the detail of Full HD video on Canon DSLRs is not the highest. Moire also occurs, and video in 720p (50 or 60 fps) is implemented simply disgustingly - there is low detail and very strong aliasing.
All previously mentioned Canon cameras have an external microphone input and no headphone output.
The situation with quality, monitoring and manual sound settings is as follows:
Canon 550D- no monitoring of sound levels and manual audio settings “out of the box” (solved by installing Magic Lantern); The audio chip is weak, which is why the sound quality from external microphones (for example, Rode VideoMic) is poor, even with a manual audio setting in Magic Lantern.
Canon 600D- there is sound monitoring before video shooting (and during shooting after installing Magic Lantern) and manual sensitivity adjustment. The audio chip is better, the sound quality is slightly higher than that of the 550D.
Canon 650D, 60D- identical to 600D, but 650D built-in microphone – stereo (other cameras, except EOS M, have mono).
Canon 7D- in the latest firmware they added all the features of the 600D, although the audio chip there may be outdated, so the sound quality is unclear. Most likely it is at the 550D level.
Canon EOS M- there is sound monitoring before shooting and manual sensitivity adjustment. I don’t know about the quality of the audio chip, but I dare say that it is no worse than that of the 600/650/60D.
And finally, about autofocus. Only the EOS M has tracking autofocus in video mode (but, judging by the reviews, its accuracy and speed are poor) and the Canon 650D (it works more or less passably only on specialized STM lenses).
2.Nikon
Eternal competitor Canon. Nikon was the first to add video recording functionality to a DSLR camera, back on the Nikon D90. I used this device, and, frankly speaking, the video mode there was not so hot: the camera quickly overheated from video shooting, video recording was carried out in a resolution of 1280x720, in AVI format with MJPEG compression, which affected the size. The quality of both video and audio was quite poor, but the high sensitivity of the matrix and the ability to “beautifully blur the background” were very impressive at that time (after video cameras).
A lot has changed since then, and now there are several successful solutions on the market among both Nikon DSLR and (especially!) mirrorless cameras. These are the following models:
Mirror : D3200, D5100, D5200, D7000.
Mirrorless : J1, V1, J2, V2.
Why are they good? mirror Nikon cameras?
The first three models mentioned are good in almost everything: they have good video detail, use the High AVC 4.0 profile with a bitrate of 24 Mbps, and the frame rate is not region-specific (you can choose from 24, 25 and 30 fps). All of these cameras have an input for an external microphone, but monitoring audio levels before shooting and fine-tuning manual adjustments are implemented only on the D3200 and D5200, and none have a headphone output. The quality of the audio chip is good for all (exception: B7000), and the D5200 even has a built-in stereo microphone.
What's wrong with these models? Ergonomics. It is frankly flawed (exception: D7000). The only thing you can quickly adjust is the shutter speed and, optionally, ISO or white balance, which can be set on the Fn button. The rest of the settings need to be found using the arrows on the endless menu.
In addition, there is one unpleasant glitch that is inherent in absolutely all Nikon SLR cameras up to the expensive full-frame D600 - the inability to change the aperture without exiting LiveView mode. That is, the numbers on the screen seem to change, but for the changes to take effect, you need to re-enter LiveView or take a photo.
Nikon DSLR cameras also have a small plus - contrast tracking autofocus. However, it is not very accurate and fast enough, and is also noisy.
Nikon's moire is also noticeable, but video detail is noticeably higher than Canon's. By the way, judging by the video examples, it seems that the moire problem has been partially solved on the new D5200. However, it has another problem - a fairly noticeable rolling shutter effect, which is not expressed to such an extent on other Nikon cameras.
A few words about D7000. This camera is a level higher than the three indicated models, but only in terms of photography - the D7000 was released in 2010 and its video characteristics are slightly outdated: video shooting in Full HD is possible only at a frequency of 24 fps (in HD - 30 fps), there is no monitoring of audio levels, and manual adjustment is limited to four values (auto, low, medium, high). One could turn a blind eye to this if it were not for the poor sound quality in principle, including with the use of external microphones.
Now a few words about mirrorless Nikon cameras. It is worth noting that they, unlike most other models, use a smaller matrix measuring just 1", but this is enough for high-quality photos and videos up to ISO 800 and 1600.
Not long ago I purchased Nikon J1, so I can paint a fairly colorful picture of the video capabilities of this camera (in terms of video, the more expensive V1 differs only in the presence of a hot shoe and an input for an external microphone, which is not here, just as none of them have a headphone output). The video detail is high, the profile is the same as in Nikon SLR cameras, as is the bitrate. True, the video modes are different - there are only two Full HD modes: 1080i (only 60 fps) and 1080p (only 30 fps).
Pros: very fast and accurate, almost silent tracking phase-contrast autofocus, invisible rolling shutter effect, moire situation is slightly better than on Nikon SLRs.
About sound. The built-in stereo microphones are good and provide high quality speech recording. It is possible to manually adjust sound levels (without audio monitoring) according to the D7000 scheme - 4 levels of microphone sensitivity, plus the ability to enable the noise reduction function. Stereo microphones perform well on the street - they are not blown out, speech is heard clearly and intelligibly even against the background of car noise, and there is no inherent noise of the preamplifiers (audio chip) at an average sensitivity level.
Cons: confusing, inconvenient menu, lack of buttons for adjusting ISO, white balance, or at least an Fn button with manual parameter assignment.
I have not yet used cameras from the following manufacturers, so I am considering only the objective portion of the information that is known from reviews.
3. Sony
Reading about Sony mirrorless cameras, I came to the conclusion that a 3.5mm microphone input is probably very expensive these days, since only the most expensive ones have it. NEX-7(its price is ~$1400), while neither the NEX-5N nor the NEX-6 decided to add it. For this reason, actually, Sony mirrorless cameras did not interest me. They have some nice advantages, but the outrageous price for a microphone input makes you forget about any advantages, since without an external microphone impossible achieve high sound quality when shooting video, and paying more than a thousand dollars for a microphone jack - sorry.
4. Panasonic
Having examined a large number of cameras, weighing all the pros and cons, I settled on mirrorless cameras from this particular manufacturer.
What's so good about them?
Firstly, the picture is very highly detailed.
Secondly, high video quality (AVC High profile, bitrate 24 Mbit/s) while maintaining the ability to edit video on computers with the above-mentioned configuration, thanks to the use of the .mts container, which works perfectly with Sony Vegas.
Thirdly, only Panasonic has audio level display during shooting video “out of the box” (Nikon doesn’t have this at all, Canon can be “screwed in” with hacked firmware).
Fourthly, only they (and Nikon 1 mirrorless cameras) have really good tracking autofocus, and also have a high-resolution electronic viewfinder.
About the sound. The Panasonic GH2 has an input for an external microphone (admittedly, 2.5mm, but is it worth buying an adapter for 3.5mm?), four levels of microphone sensitivity, audio monitoring and a good audio chip. The GH3 already has a headphone output, and the audio chip and autofocus tracking have been improved.
It's also important that the GH2 has almost no moire on video, but does have a slight rolling shutter effect. I consider the latter, like the 2.5mm microphone input, a trifle against the background of the indicated advantages, so I will most likely opt for the GH2. The newer model, GH3, is unfortunately still very expensive - $1300 per carcass. For comparison, the GH2 with a 14-140mm lens costs about $1,200, and the GH2 with a 14-42mm lens costs about $800.
That's all. Until new posts!
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