Canon Directional Stereo Mic (DM 50) for Camcorders with the Advanced Access Shoe
by Canon USA
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Canon Directional Stereo Mic (DM 50) for Camcorders with the Advanced Access Shoe
Customer Review: Decent and flexible. Not great.
Summary: 3 Stars
The build quality is better than expected. It feels solid in your hand and well put together. The DM-50 fits well onto the camera and is nicely balanced. It runs a little less than the length of the camera, so it does not overwhelm the camera's profile. This is not a big issue, but it does mean the microphone should not get in your way under normal shooting conditions.
The microphone itself has some play, presumably to cushion it from camera noise. If so, it does not do a perfect job - more on this below.
To discuss the audio quality, I have to discuss the three modes, "Shotgun", "Stereo 1" and "Stereo 2".
"Shotgun" mode captures audio primarily from directly in front of the camera. While I have done no scientific tests I would guess it's main balance is at about 35 or so degrees. This mode captures sound in mono from a single element at the front of the unit. In this mode the audio quality is not great. There is little low-end response and the quality and the sound has, for lack of a better term, a slightly plastic quality to it. It is surprising when compared to the sound recorded from the side elements, which seem warmer and more dynamic.
"Stereo 1" mode seems to capture sound at about 90 degrees, combining both the front element and two separate elements along the side. The overall perceived quality of the sound is much better than using the shotgun alone. There is more warmth and richness in this mode, and it provides a nice balance of front centered sound, with some ambience from the sides.
"Stereo 2" mode captures sound at more than 180 degrees. The rear facing element seems to be designed to capture nearby sounds, but not more distant sounds. This could only be my perception, but if not, it seems like a nice way to allow commentary from the camera operator. However, the "Stereo 2" seems to be a little too weighted towards capturing sound from the sides at some expense to the front element. As a result, the sound quality itself is a little better, but the mix appears slightly off.
In all three modes, the isolation of sound it not perfect. Because the provided documentation says almost nothing about how the DM50 is designed, it is difficult to know how many elements are present and in what combination they are recording sound in each mode. It seems that even in "Shotgun Mode" the left and right front elements are still slightly present, but mixed in mono with the front facing mic.
In terms of eliminating motor noise, the DM50 does a better job than the on-board microphone, but the sounds of the motor and any manipulation of the controls are still present. In "Stereo 2" mode, the motor noise is cut in half from what you hear from the on-board microphones. In "Stereo 1" mode the noise is down to about a quarter and in "Shotgun" I would estimate it is about an eighth.
With the Canon HV20, the most common sound issue I find is with clicking the function button while shooting to gain control over exposure (usually a three click process). The DM50 does not eliminate this sound. In "Shotgun" mode the DM50 does the best job of reducing the problem, but even with the rubber rings in which the microphone rests, some of that sound it transfered up the camera.
The DM-50 promises "near professional" quality sound and that is what it provides. For professional sound you will need to find a more dedicated microphone, such as the VideoMic or Stereo VideoMic, or perhaps both if you wish to have coverage for the same theoretical range as the DM-50. However, the DM-50 provides excellent flexibility that it's competitors do not, so you should consider what your shooting needs are. The DM-50 also does not use batteries, but draws power from the Camera's battery. This can be either an advantage or a disadvantage depending your preference, but it is something to keep in mind when purchasing.
The DM-50 is best suited to users who want a single, trouble free microphone that can carry them through a variety of situations. In "Stereo 1" mode, the microphone is at it's best, providing a good balanced sound, though I wish sound from all around the microphone were captured in even quality. This disparity is perhaps the biggest problem with the microphone.
Customer Review: Don't Record via HV20
Summary: 3 Stars
Since you are still recording directly into the audio channel of the HV20/30/40 etc, you will only be getting a bit of an extension on the distance it records. The quality is not improved any. If you're just looking to extend the range and understand how a shotgun mic records (As opposed to several other types of mics: Every scenario needs a different mic) then this mic is fine. I would however, recommend getting a Zoom H4n and record audio off camera and sync later in post. The quality is just WAY better. Save your cash, get something to record off camera. If you need to keep everything ON camera I would recommend the Rode Stereo/Video mic. Bigger, bulkier but it cuts down on wind noise etc way better at the same price.Customer Review: If you're recording music, this is the wrong Mic
Summary: 3 Stars
Took me a while to figure this out but all of the built in camcorder mics and "general purpose" accessory mics (like this one) have a built in high pass filter which reduces recording of the lower frequency sounds to help remove the mechanical tape and zoom sounds from the recording. Live music recordings will never sound right no matter which of the three setting you use because the low end is cut back on all of them. I finally bought the Rode Stereo Vidmic, which allows switching that filter off when you really want a balanced frequency response, and found that my HV20 is really quite capable of recording excellent music audio. Something that it could not do with the DM50.Customer Review: Directional Mic- not bad, convenient
Summary: 3 Stars
I bought this mic a year ago for an older Canon camcorder (which has since failed.) When I replaced my camcorder, I bought the Canon HV20 because it has a hotshoe. The sound difference when recording with the mic (I'm generally recording classical music during concerts from the audience) is noticeable. The mic is small and light, easy to install. When I researched camcorders to buy a new one, I discovered that there are better directional mics on the market, but they are more expensive. I may eventually upgrade, but for now this will do.Customer Review: NOT for the Canon Vixia HF11 (or other camcorders requiring the MINI Advanced Access Shoe)
Summary: 3 Stars
Just an FYI for anyone who isn't paying attention and orders this mic for HF11 or any Canon camcorder with the MINI Advanced Access Shoe- it's not the correct mic. You'll want to order the Canon DM 100. Canon 2591B002 DM-100 Directional Stereo Microphone for HF10 and HF100 Camcorders
I've contacted Amazon and asked them to "un-link" this product from the camcorders that require the Mini Advanced Access Show.