External Microphone tests using the Canon EOS 550D/60D cameras

[JackFriedRice]

You seem like the kind of man who you could have a serious discussion about politics over a fantastically baked scone and a cup of very expensive but perfect tea. Can we make this happen?

[zoohirabdullah]

Hi,

I just got my Canon 60D with Sony clip-on microphone.

Video has been recorded by using this stereo Sony clip-on microphone connected to my Canon 60D. Video was available but not the audio. May I know what cause the problem?

[ghough12]

@zoohirabdullah Is the microphone an electret type, does it have its own battery power - is the battery good? It should give audio into the camera - what model mike is it please?

[sichlaubruun]

Hi

I have a Sony ECM-719

I just got a Canon EOS 600D - will this microphone be ok when video-filming with the 600D - should the microphones internal power be on or off? - have you got any idea about the difference in the two microphone settings: voice/music?

Thanks in advance.

[ghough12]

@sichlaubruun The microphone power will need to be on as it is powered internally to allow the electronics to work. It couldn't be powered by the 600D. The voice settings are designed with a low pass filter meaning they clip the higher frequencies making the sound a little mellower, the music settings allow the full dynamic range of the microphone to be output. I'm sure the mike will be okay with the EOS many people are using all kinds of powered mikes with their cameras.

[sake14051118]

record this mic I concerts is very good

[djcalcutt]

for now I purchased a firecracker microphone form nexxtec

goto thesource.ca and search for product=2616578

its only 5 dollars.

BTW the mono speaker in a Canon 60D does record in two channels but it mono, so both left and right are the same. Now to split the sound.

[caleb2003]

Hi, what are the two black things sticking out of your mic design here that are different from the earbuds you use in the 'how to make' video? Also is this an improvement on the ear buds?

Thanks, love the vids and have bought a pair of Panasonic WM61a mics to do something similar.

[ghough12]

@caleb2003 They are just the shells from a couple of cheap table mikes, to hold the electret inserts. The design doesn't work any differently.

[jjw232]

I liked the mic you designed the best and would like to buy one. Can I get one from you?

[brucegrimley]

Thankyou Graham as always really useful and to the point. Happy New Year :-)

[brucegrimley]

Hi Graham, one more question! If I use magic lantern software in my 550d does this invalidate the manufacturer's warranty?

thank you

[ghough12]

@brucegrimley That'a a really good question. The basic files are always on the sdhc card but I think the program needs to load some bootstrap code into the camera to enable the magic lantern to be installed so I guess this would be evident during repair. There may be a way to uninstall it but since I sold the 550D I cannot verify it now. Try there website to see if its possible

[ghough12]

@brucegrimley According to the WiKi site, the software is loaded along with the camera software from the sdhc card. To remove it just reformat the card in the camera, switch off and on, and is gone!

[brucegrimley]

Thank you Graham very useful and informative.

[brucegrimley]

Thanks Graham really useful. Is there any way of monitoring the input of audio level to the 550d and is there any danger of overloading audio circuits in the 550d causing damage to the camera?

[ghough12]

@brucegrimley With magic lantern software (Google for it) for the 550d there are level indicators but I don't think there is manual gain control like on the 60D. I don't think that any high levels of audio inpur will damage the camera just cause severe distortion of the audio!

[robdrums69]

I personally think I'd be better off using my AKG 214 and recording the audio separate then syncing it up afterwards... Those miss just sound to TINI with NO bottom end whatsoever..

[DUBciinema]

days been great , taa graham



[tjscttn]

550d has manual levels if you choose to install the magic lantern firmware.

[TehPeanutt]

@tjscttn PYRAX

[ihalloway]

3:34 xD yep.. greatest mic, even his look says so

[henrybwang]

Well done. Thanks.

[ghough12]

@henrybwang appreciated

[VladMSTR]

Wow, at last some good clip about mic testing...

comparising different possibilities in one video.

and in the end I think the best option for me at least :D was the mic you made by joining this two electro-con mics, really genius, and I'm sure it's good budget option :)

[ghough12]

@VladMSTR Many thanks for your comments here, much appreciated

[shapeworkstudios1]

i use the audio technica atr-6550! it works great, even compares well to the rode vidmic!

[ujamaflip]

Could you explain a bit more about how to modify the Yoga mic? I've bought one and the hiss is dreadful. How do I remove the amplifiers? And what are the connections that I need to bypass to?

[ghough12]

@ujamaflip Basically unsolder the electret mike from the pcb, unsolder the cable from the connection cable to pcb and then solder the electret wires to the mike lead keeping the coloured wires the same and then insulate them. You can then remove the amplifier pcb but leave the switch covers in place to cover the holes. This way you do not run the risk of damaging the condensor elements by resoldering.

[Superbatron]

@ujamaflip The Yoga is directional. Presumably, it contains two electret modules. If you remove the pre-amp, you will destroy it's function.

It may house a level control that is accessible via a small hole, or internally. You adjust for minimum noise at the expense of sensitivity.

Otherwise, check if the camera has a high/low sensitivity setting.

[ghough12]

@Superbatron The yoga has 2 modules, one is for tele mode the other cardioid which are switched in or out to the mike pre-amplifier. I modified this to be just the front module wired to the mike lead without the amplifier. The canon provides enough power and input coupling to allow the mike element to function.

[Superbatron]

@ghough12 All i'm saying is, you need both elements for Tele mode, so the microphone function will be destroyed if you hack it. You end up with a basic cardiod mic. Just seems like a waste.

[ghough12]

@ujamaflip Just to add that the yoga has 2 elements, just wire the front element to the mike lead with a 1k resistor between the red and white wires ( or the 2 wires going to the solder terminals in the centre of the electret element.

[wcaparas]

Hi Graham! Thanks for the tips. I'm having no success eliminating the background hiss when I have an external mic inserted. Even when the mic is turned off, the audio track records the hiss. Might it have something to do with the powered mic? Should I only use non-powered mics? Any other advice? Cheers!

[ghough12]

@wcaparas The 550d does have automatic gain control and in the absence of signal will "ramp" up to full. The hiss is a consequence of it. Some external mikes when powered off "short" the signal wires so there is no input at all so there is no hiss. I'll do a test with the 60D with both powered and non powered mikes with the gain set to max and let you know the results.

[DaSpotStudios]

how much was this mic?

[ghough12]

@DaSpotStudios The mike i made cost under 6GBP, the panasonic mike is about 80GBP

[DaSpotStudios]

@ghough12 what's GBP?

[ghough12]

@DaSpotStudios Sorry thats the usual expression for one pound (or £1) or 1.14 euro

[HaroldsCatsRevenge]

cool

[sunshine106]

Press 2 get ghostman

[TheWindCutter]

Don't forget to use a WindCutter if you will be recording outdoors in the wind.

[rkrockstarmusic]

if im using 3.5mm to xlr converter .m i lossing audio quality >????

[ghough12]

@rkrockstarmusic I am no audio expert but unless the mike has its own power, or external phantom power supply I am not sure if the mike is being powered correctly, ceratinly the camera cannot provide the power.

[rkrockstarmusic]

@ghough12 if u r xpert so plzzzz help me .....which mic should i get zoom h1 or rode videomic for my dslr ????

[michael1980123]

@rkrockstarmusic

I am a professional audio technician. Using analogue adapters does result in a loss of quality. Copper is copper...all the adapter is doing is allowing the correct connections.

[1000bassnut]

@ghough12 that is good do you know how much you got the mic for?

[1701Starman]

Hi I am looking for a good external for a 60d that is good for bass. What and where can I get one?

[ghough12]

@1701Starman I am quite pleased with the Rode video mike it has a few features which give better performance with the 60d. Its available in quite a few retailers now, just "google" rode video mike and you will see the distributors like amazon etc

[1000bassnut]

@1701Starman haha for good bass this vid does not show you the camera working with the mic

[ghough12]

@1000bassnut I purchased the rode video mike after this comparison video was made, hence it was not included, but from personal experience it's not a bad mike to go with the Canon eos cameras

[djcalcutt]

Is there any SD60 Grip that comes with stereo micro phones built in?

I was hoping for a grip with micro phones in the left and right corners for better dynamic range, even in the connection is by cable to the jack. I dont like using the hot shoe for a micro phone.

[ghough12]

@djcalcutt I haven't seen anything like this, you might have to made some adaptor to do this

[TheHayesification]

get rid of that damn intro beeping, way too loud, even mith audio turned down significantly

[markerbull]

Very elaborate use of comparisons. Best audio information I have seen so far.

[ghough12]

@markerbull Thanks for watching, and your comment.

[qwertasd7]

the microphone you made, do you also have more info about it ?

i would like to build one too, but i'm not deeply into electric things.

But I can solder and order components.

[ghough12]

@qwertasd7 I did a how to make this, you can find it on my channel

/watch?v=SKg_fESn4DE

Graham

[ExBmxasNinMountainas]

Thank you very much!!!

[sparkyflamez]

Can you use it with the 500d and if not can you tell me what the jack size for the 500d is, thanks

[ghough12]

@sparkyflamez The 550d has a 3.5mm jack socket. The panassonic mile is 2.5mm so adaptor is needed

[sparkyflamez]

@ghough12 okay, so i can use an external mic on the Canon 500d if i have a jack 2.5mm to 3.5mm adaptor thanks

[ghough12]

@sparkyflamez Thats right, most mikes of this type do have a 3.5mm plug anyway it's only Panasonic who have adopted the smaller 2.5mm size

[RomanistaMT]

Looks like a Mini Uzi lol

[gds33]

thx Graham

[gds33]

Hi Graham

Really good video thx very much

could you tell me the make and model of the tie pin mic please/

Thx

Gareth

[ghough12]

@gds33 Garethy, Hi the tie clip ( lavalier) mike is from Maplins (maplin.co.uk) and comes with its own pre-amp at aboyt £20. Graham

[ExBmxasNinMountainas]

@ghough12

I want to ask you something..Which model of microphone is this 4:59.Where can I find it?Thank you very much!

[ghough12]

@ExBmxasNinMountainas ebay, //cgi.ebay.co.uk/Stereo-Tie-cl­ip-Lapel-Microphone-Condensor-­/280697645323?pt=UK_Music_Inst­ruments_Microphones_MJ&hash=it­em415ae2290b

[PLMLGS]

@ghough12 how do you get the tie clip microphone at 4:59 to fit on top of the DSLR? Is a separate adaptor needed? thanks.

[ghough12]

@PLMLGS Hi, that's just another of my DIY mods, an old hot shoe from a defunct flash unit and then glued the tie clip mount to it.

[PLMLGS]

@ghough12 Thanks Graham, much appretiated. What is your personal opinion on the sound quality of the tie clip microphone? I'm favouring choosing it over options like the Rode, not just because it's cheaper but because it looks much less obtrusive.

[ghough12]

@PLMLGS Actually I think it is quite acceptable and with a small piece of fur fabric wrapped around it is excellent outdoors. Choose a decnet stereo one and then mount it on an old hot shoe flash asaptor, or similar.

[ghough12]

@OrlandoBrownHD Well it has the same hot shoe mount as the 550d/60d so it should be no problem

[ghough12]

@OrlandoBrownHD yes it has the same microphone input jack, 3.5mm

[Tonystarkes888]

that is cool wall paper, thumbs up to you.. i hope iam as cool as you when i get old.

[goldenguy12345]

So whats the best one to use with a Canon 550D?

[ghough12]

@goldenguy12345 Because of the 550D lack of audio level control ( without magic lantern software) it's pretty useless getting a decent mike like the rode video mike as the quality of the rode is lost in the noise of the camera audio signal processing - its better to capture the audio with an external device like a zoom h2 or similar or ( at your own risk install magic lantern software which gives you full control of the audio on the 550d

[goldenguy12345]

@ghough12 Ohh okay so would you recommend this magic lantern software?

[ghough12]

@goldenguy12345 Well yes, it's a bit of a learning curve with the installation of the necessary files on each memory card you use and a bootstrap program for the camera but if you follow the instructions it works well. The only caveat is that with all non oem software there is always a rsik of damage to the camera if the software crashes and you have to remove the battery quickly as the power on/off doesn't shut the camera off. see magiclantern.wikia.com wiki 550D (forward slash at blanks)

[goldenguy12345]

@ghough12 Okay thanks for the advice :) I will tell you how it goes

[goldenguy12345]

IS IT JUST ME WHO WANTS TO SNAP THAT YOGA MIC?

[cozmium]

Nice vid, i've been looking at what sort of mic to get for my 550D, this has certainly given me food for thought. Also, I have the same tv stand, good choice ;)

[ghough12]

@cozmium Thanks for viewing, and observing the TV stand!

[TheMoo1231]

ghough, i'm confuised, why don't you just install magic lantern? its pefectly legal software which dramatically transforms your 550d to make it have the same options a a proffesional video camera, also i returned my pentax k-x fromn pc world and replaced it for a 550d :) great camera (whith magic lantern). it lets you set ACG off and even lets you manaully set tghe bit rate, magic lantern is truly amazing.

[ghough12]

@TheMoo1231 I have looked at magic lantern, I was just a bit bothered that there were several reports of camera lock ups and damage because the software was unstable. If this is not the case i might give it a go - The GH1 hack used to leave the camera locked and you had to whip out the battery as the power on/off switch only controlled the camera through software. whats your experience to date

[TheMoo1231]

@ghough12 well, as long as you follow all the steps careful you shouldn't have any problems, y experience with it is good (Ive only had the 550d for a few days and magic lantern for 2 days). The main reason i got it is to disable the AGC, and its really useful, you can also set smaller increments of ISO's like 160, 320, 640, etc (the ones that go from 125, 500, 1000 are worst quality, the ordinary ones like 100,200,400,800 are average, but the 160, 320, 640, etc ISO's give the least noise IMO.

[ghough12]

@TheMoo1231 Thanks for that, I new about the 125/250/500 issues - it was pointed out by philip bloom on his blog some time ago. I'll download ml and give it a whirl.

[jackie20ization]

what do you go on to set the mic up on your camera?

[ghough12]

@jackie20ization The EOS550d has only automatic levels, the 60D has the option to set the microphone gain. With the selector dial in movie mode the microphone gain menu can be found under sound recording (second menu from the left)

[jackie20ization]

@ghough12 will it work on the 550D? do you mena under sound on,off do you have to go on maun not auto?

[lovologist]

Hey Graham,

I wanted to know if you made any more of your mics and posted it on eBay?

[ghough12]

@lovologist No I did produce a few of them but they have all gone. They are really simple to construct and the parts are available very easily from ebay suppliers. I could make another but the postage would be more than the mike"!

[NewKidOnTheBlocks]

ah finally a good review...Its very nice to see and hear how you compare each individual mic. But in my opinion the best mic is the last one... but i got one question. Did you ever try recording from more than 2 meters away? Like maybe 5-10? thanks..hope to hear from you soon....

[ghough12]

@NewKidOnTheBlocks Thanks for your comments. In reply to your question, gathering audio from 5 -10 metres away is always going to present some difficulty in getting sufficient audio level without amplifying background noise. If the sound is of sufficient volume, like a rock concert, then there is no problem but trying to record a human voice at 10 metres would need to use a rifle mike to get good audio. Always get the mike as close to the subject for best results and cutting background noise.

[chungdha]

You should only test with your 60D with agc off cause your testing it in such a bad condition its not useful at all.

[ghough12]

@chungdha agreed, however as the 550d doesn't have this capability to set manual gain I wanted it to appeal to these users as well.

[chungdha]

@ghough12 Get magic lantern on your 550D cause I use it too and able to record with AGC off.

[mrrandom177]

hi graham, great "real world" review ! iis good that someone reviews the more affordable equipment. nice work on the home build mic ! how about a home build compact tracking dolly ?

back to mics, ive been experimenting with budget lapel mics and had usable results from maplins own budget range.

i think your "to camera" presentations could benefit from a lavalier mic as some of them can sound a bit "roomy" not wanting to sound critical just a suggestion.

keep up the good work ;-)

[ghough12]

@mrrandom177 Yes, i agree and that is why I am trying to come up with an affordable solution to recording for inside and outside work. i have completed my stereo mike for the eos camera and now working on the short rifle mike to reduce ambient sound. I also agree some of the vids are made in my conservatory and that really is "live". I have a couple of maplins lavalier mikes and made wind jammers for them so i will test soon. I have a home made "slider" which is 1 metre long, review it soon

[mrrandom177]

@ghough12 great stuff .... look forward to the tracking dolly demo :-)

[N0Limbo]

Hello Graham,

for me it is sure after hearing your audios again and again:

Your self-constructed microphone at 4:03 is recording the best sound for my ears here at youtube. I'm tempted to say its even better than the reference.

It's really impressive what you built.

You could make a low volume production and sell it to interested persons like me ;)

[ghough12]

@N0Limbo Herwig, thanks for reviewing the performance of the microphones. I think I can make some improvement to the unit that I built to get better stereo separation, add the option for a "dead cat" windshield ( i have some material arriving next week), and add a power on/off switch ( although the unit will run for months on its own tiny battery). I'll make another unit with a view to it being a prototype and if it is OK may be list on ebay to see the interest. The cost will be about 20 euro

[N0Limbo]

@ghough12 Sounds good. Let me know when you list it on ebay, please!