Canon VIXIA HF M31 videocam shotgun microphone advice

Discussion in 'Bags, Tripods, and Accessories' started by Tom W, Sep 26, 2022.

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  1. Tom W

    Tom W New Member

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    Canon VIXIA HF M31
    I have a Canon VIXIA HF M31 video cam, want to upgrade from the wired lavalier mic I am currently using, and need advice on what to get. I prefer a mic that will mount to the mini advanced hot shoe in the $100 to $150 range. What would you recommend?

    Questions - Will a mic that is mounted to the mini advanced hot shoe work without any additional connections?

    Is a hot shoe connection better than a 3.5 mm wired connection?

    I read any mini advanced hot shoe accessory must have the "S" logo to work. I assume that only means it needs the "S" logo to work on a hot shoe. A mic with a 3.5 mm wire mounted to a cold shoe should work.

    If I need a hot shoe, what adapter should I get? I bought a JJC MSA-1 Advanced Hot Shoe to universal shoe adapter from Amazon, it will be delivered in a couple of days, and not sure it will work as a hot shoe.
     
    Tom W, Sep 26, 2022
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  2. Caladina

    Caladina Well-Known Member

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    if you use youtube check out markus pix, he has done an extensive look at sound recording on all sorts of mics, receivers and recorders, very detailed look at them over three to four videos

    i myself don't do video
     
    Caladina, Sep 27, 2022
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  3. Tom W

    Tom W New Member

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    Thank you Caladina,

    I watched Markus' and some other YouTube reviews on videocam microphones. Thanks to you I discovered the on-camera microphones I was looking at will not work well from 15' away. I also discovered some recommended wireless microphones under $150 that should work for me. Thanks, Tom
     
    Tom W, Sep 28, 2022
    #3
  4. johnsey

    johnsey Site Moderator Staff Member Site Supporter

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    Wireless clip on mic would be a great option, if you have a quality wireless mic setup that may be just your ticket.

    I was going to add while i do not do video that I would assume all audio would use 3.5mm jack. The hot shoe of the camera would only function as a cold shoe mount for the audio receiver to sit on not a connection would be my understanding.

    Looks like the model you purchase has no electrical connection at all.
    if it was one that included a port like the image below, it would pass flash or audio through wire. The hot-shoe itself is not an audio type connection, but it is used for mounting mics or a receiver for mics if you aren't using it for flash.

    A good shotgun mic is a nice option but even good ones like the brand RODE, as i understand work best at about 6-10 feet.
    https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/support/basic-audio-techniques-video-intro-booming/ is a good general overview of mic setup basics.

    See most of these aren't even setup to pass flash effectively,just simple manual flash, TTL is lost.
    upload_2022-9-29_14-59-35.png
    Your model does not even do that.
    upload_2022-9-29_15-1-36.png
     
    Last edited: Sep 29, 2022
    johnsey, Sep 29, 2022
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