Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 User Manual page 188

of vibration and handling noises. The capsules are covered in acoustic
transparent foam which helps to reduce any wind noise.
The microphone is fitted with 2.5mm right angled plug which mates with
the 2.5mm remote/mic socket on the front right of the camera.
Performance is almost identical to the inbuilt microphones with just the
advantage of wind noise and zoom motor noise reduction. The MS1 is
an expensive option at around £100 in the UK.
A popular short rifle mic, the Rode Videomic™, can be used with the
FZ200 provided you use a 3.5mm female to 2.5mm male stereo adaptor.
I recommend that you use a cable version rather than a plug/socket.
These can put undue strain on the camera socket.
The Rode Video mic (monaural short rifle mic)
The Rode Video mic is a professional grade ½ inch condenser shotgun
microphone. It has an integrated shock mount system to isolate the
microphone from handling noise. Powered by a 9v battery it has an
attenuator switch which can be set for -10dB or -20dB in very noisy
environments such as live music.
It also has a hot shoe mounting foot and ½ and 3/8 mounting holes for
fixing on a tripod or mic stand. The audio quality is excellent for
interviews where only mono sound is required. A stereo version is
available – the Rode stereo video mic. The Video mic is around £80 in
the UK. Again the 3.5mm female to 2.5mm male adaptor is needed.
If you want good quality audio for presentations "to camera" then a
lavalier microphone is a good choice.
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