Azden ECZ-990 - Microfone Shotgun Supercardióide

Comments about Azden ECZ-990 Supercardioid Shotgun Mic:

I recently purchase from B&H an advanced digital camera capable of recording HD video. From my previous experience recording video/audio with "on board" microphones I decided to purchase the Azden Zoom (silly name) actually CARDIOID microphone. The package includes a needed "hot shoe" mic holder, and windscreen. Having only tested the microphone indoors recording at 720 the results were mixed. The difference in sound between the "one board" microphone of my camera and directional microphone were extremely noticeable when using it set to the "short" polar pattern. Not being a professional quality type mic there was a bit of expected noise in the background which was more than acceptable, and can probably be cleaned up by a good video editing system. However I was not at all impressed by the "long" polar setting which even at an amateur level was more than obtrusive. Although not on the technical side of the fence, I am a former network television production manager. To sum up, for the price this is a decent microphone for either personal use, or perhaps a cable network television type production. However if you're considering doing any type of professional or musical work I would suggest you think about purchasing separate independent (off camera) recording equipment, then syncing up, and replacing the audio tracks from your camera during the editing process.

Comments about Azden ECZ-990 Supercardioid Shotgun Mic:

I bought this product to use with video capability for my Nikon D7000. I was able to set it up and turn it on almost instantly. I bought it to record, among other things, practice and actual scenarios with a local ski patrol. My first use was a practice situation outside at altitude, with wind and several small groups in close proximity. The audio this mic recorded was pretty amazing. The voices are clear, and it's relatively easy to discern the voices from the group I was recording over the din of wind and other groups talking all at the same time. Inside, we had rescue rehearsals in a large, empty dining hall with lots of echo. Again, the audio of the videos I recorded was awesomely clear, and I was picking up audible breathing and other aspects of simulated patient care that would normally be drowned out in a point-and-shoot camera recording.

B&H answered my questions to begin with, helped me decide on a choice that was significantly less expensive than other choices, but worked just as well for my needs. Shipping was right on the schedule I was promised.

I'm totally satisfied with the product and the service.

Comments about Azden ECZ-990 Supercardioid Shotgun Mic:

Much better than the in built mike

Comments about Azden ECZ-990 Supercardioid Shotgun Mic:

I love this product and will recommend it to all my friends

Comments about Azden ECZ-990 Supercardioid Shotgun Mic:

We used this mic to make a short film and it picked up dialogue very well for our purposes and is lightweight and portable...and the price is right!

Comments about Azden ECZ-990 Supercardioid Shotgun Mic:

This mic is pretty awesome so far for the price, can't wait to try it out on a project.

Comments about Azden ECZ-990 Supercardioid Shotgun Mic:

I am using this on a D7000. Audio is clear and works well. Would recomnend.

Comments about Azden ECZ-990 Supercardioid Shotgun Mic:

Results so far are like night and day compared to the built-in microphone on my Canon 60D for this beginner.

I'm very pleased as I didn't want to spend too much on a first time foray into video. So, in summary, very pleased.

Comments about Azden ECZ-990 Supercardioid Shotgun Mic:

Easily mounts on my camcorder. The mic can be removed from the bracket for handheld use such as an interview. Does not interfere with camera controls and does not block lens even at wide-angle. Appears to be sturdy and well-made. Has a switch to change the pattern from short to long.

Comments about Azden ECZ-990 Supercardioid Shotgun Mic:

The first time I used this mic I didn't secure it to my camera well enough. It fell off while going down the road doing about 45mph. It's got a dent and the cover got a little dirty but still records audio with the best of them. Now I know how to secure it tightly ;)

Comments about Azden ECZ-990 Supercardioid Shotgun Mic:

I bought this for an extension for my audio recorder for when I am capturing distance ambient sound. I also use it as a backup for my Canon 60D DSLR when video recorder. It sometime has an airy hiss sound but it records very clearly. Really good for outside use for natural sound. Very lightweight and easy to use.

Comments about Azden ECZ-990 Supercardioid Shotgun Mic:

Excatly what I was looking for.

Comments about Azden ECZ-990 Supercardioid Shotgun Mic:

I decided to go cost friendly and try some of the less expensive products. Well, this one wasn't worth it.

I use this with my Canon DSLR for Video, granted I only use this for reference audio and capture the audio separately. But I'm not sure the quality is any better than the on camera pick up. Plus, it has a on/off switch, which makes it really difficult to remember to turn it on and off when you're running around like a crazy person concentrating on the visual... And when you forget to turn it on you get NO audio, just an awful buzz. And don't even try to use the switch for short/long range... Keep it on short. So I would recommend spending the money to get something nicer or just stick with the on camera mic if you can't afford to do that.

One more thing, you don't know when the battery dies, so when it's dead you won't know it until you're looking at your footage and your audio will be screwed.

Comments about Azden ECZ-990 Supercardioid Shotgun Mic:

This mic is great for a reference mic for the 5D MKII.

Comments about Azden ECZ-990 Supercardioid Shotgun Mic:

Great step ahead compared to DSLR built in mic. Lightweight, small so fit in a regular size photo bag. Recently record an interview in a noisy bar. Staying close with an ultrawide lens, can take a group conversation with interesting background sound and relatively clear voice from interviewed group.

Cons: I forget to turn on the mic and lost an very important piece.

Comments about Azden ECZ-990 Supercardioid Shotgun Mic:

I used this microphone for a project because I did not want to use the mic built into my camera. There was very little noise and the quality was very good. Wind muffling wasn't spectacular but what can you expect from a little piece of foam? Having the options of long or short patterns is nice, however I always used short since long mode was almost always distorted (especially in the wind). I never had issues with batteries (my camera died before this did) however I'd keep a couple of them at hand in case something does happen (as others mention there is no indicator to show you that it is on). Also, any touches to the mic body will be picked up. All in all, a good product.

Comments about Azden ECZ-990 Supercardioid Shotgun Mic:

The microphone sounds pretty good when set to short. However, it's too sensitive to wind and handling noise - even with the windscreen and shockmount. On the long setting the results were worse. It picked up too much wind and surrounding noise and didn't seem to do too much for picking up distant sounds.

Comments about Azden ECZ-990 Supercardioid Shotgun Mic:

I use this product on wedding, happy birday and others activities, this product is great, work perfect and make loock like more profesional my camcorder.

Comments about Azden ECZ-990 Supercardioid Shotgun Mic:

After using this mic for about 3 jobs now, I've to rely on it for outstanding audio over the built in mic on camera. It's very sensitive and provides excellent directional audio when you need to reach out in front of the camera and pick up hard to hear audio. I really like the switchable directional audio for either closeup work or audio thats several feet away. I did a job where the speaker was about 100 feet away and this mic picked up every sound. I was able to hear the audio very well. Having outstanding audio for your shooting really adds to your video and this mic delivers!

Comments about Azden ECZ-990 Supercardioid Shotgun Mic:

I've only had a chance to use it once, but I really like it so far.