Will a Rode VideoMic NTG work on a Leica SL2?

[vikasmg]

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I'm a complete novice with video but a client has asked me to film myself saying something about a project we designed in India that has recently won an award.  I think the SL2's internal mic may not do the job for them and I wondered is a Rode VideoMic NTG - an on-camera shotgun mic - is something that will work with the SL2 and if it will do a better job.

Any help appreciated!

 

Edited September 17, 2020 by vikasmg

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[Mdol]

Hi,

I have a Rode Stereo Videomic X and a Rode Videomicro. Both works perfectly with SL 2. You shouldn't have any problems with the VideoMic NTG.

For sure, it will make a better job than the internal mics of the SL2. It should be fine for the purpose, if you stay in a room with no echo or reverb, or preferably if you are outside (without noises). But if you want a better sound, take a lavalier Mic.

If you can choose where you take the sound (a good acustic environment), it will have much more effect than the quality of the mic.... is like the light in a scene, compared to the gear you use to take a picture....

Regards

Edited September 17, 2020 by Mdol

[vikasmg]

Thanks.  That's very helpful!

[BernardC]

On 9/17/2020 at 3:44 PM, Mdol said:

If you can choose where you take the sound (a good acustic environment), it will have much more effect than the quality of the mic....

Exactly. The Rode microphone is probably fine, but it's still an on-camera microphone. That's rarely the best place for voice, since it is relatively far away, and prone to noise and echo.

If you can, get an extension cable for your microphone, and place it closer.

[LocalHero1953]

I can recommend this: Rode Wireless GO

Good sound quality, easy wireless connection. Simple to use, whether you use the mic transmitter placed on the table in front of the speaker, clipped to them, or with a separate lavalier - I've used all three. The receiver goes in the hotshoe, with a cable to the camera. 

Edited September 19, 2020 by LocalHero1953

[vikasmg]

Thank you all for the useful advise.  

 

Paul, that RODE Wireless GO looks like what I need. 

Edited September 20, 2020 by vikasmg

[LocalHero1953]

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39 minutes ago, vikasmg said:

Thank you all for the useful advise.  

 

Paul, that RODE Wireless GO looks like what I need. 

I also have a Rode Videomic, but it has been displaced entirely by the Wireless GO; I have no idea which produces the best sound (to my ear, they sound similar), but the convenience of the wireless mic for getting close-up sound is difficult to ignore.

[vikasmg]

50 minutes ago, LocalHero1953 said:

I also have a Rode Videomic, but it has been displaced entirely by the Wireless GO; I have no idea which produces the best sound (to my ear, they sound similar), but the convenience of the wireless mic for getting close-up sound is difficult to ignore.

I agree.  I've just ordered the Wireless GO.

[Gateway77]

Hi Vikas

just researching video mics for my SL2-S and wondered how you'd got on with the Wireless GO.

Any comments appreciated 

Many thanks 

[Photoworks]

I use the Wireless Go II on the SL2. works fine as a wireless mic or to make your book mic wireless.

The preamp is probably in the sound devices Lav. and the tentacle lavalier microphone Track E is probably more professional with 32bit recording.

The wireless go Is a lavalier microphone and not to be confused with the directional mic like the Rode NTG mic.

In my tests the it is best the gain signal in the camera all the way down. it only adds noise and degrades audio quality. in post you can bring it back up if the mic preamp is not strong enough to get you good levels

[Slender]

I concur, I use both NTG videomic and Rode Go, the "sound" practice is to lower your SL2 gain to -12db and adjust with the Mic. In the case of the NTG Videomic you have a wonderfull stepless gain knob that works wonder. You can pair it together with the Videomic for wireless boom-mic! Works wonderfully well.

[vikasmg]

12 hours ago, Gateway77 said:

Hi Vikas

just researching video mics for my SL2-S and wondered how you'd got on with the Wireless GO.

Any comments appreciated 

Many thanks 

It worked out well.  I have to say though that my use of video is very limited.  It was a one off recording for a client who wanted the architects to say something nice about the large project we have designed for them.

[Gateway77]

5 hours ago, vikasmg said:

It worked out well.  I have to say though that my use of video is very limited.  It was a one off recording for a client who wanted the architects to say something nice about the large project we have designed for them.

Thanks for the feedback - much appreciated.