Sony ECM-HGZ1 Shotgun Zoom Mic
The Sony ECM-HGZ1 is a compact shotgun/zoom microphone for compatible Sony HandyCam cameras. The compact microphone enhances audio quality and mounts to the active (16-pin) shoe where the audio and power connections are made. ECM-HGZ1 features a telephoto mode that rejects ambiance and background audio at the off-axis sections of the capsule. The Wide-Angle mode broadens the pickup angle, so no sound occurring in frame is missed.
- Shotgun zoom microphone for compatible Handycam camcorders
- Synchronizes the microphone's pickup pattern with the camcorder's zoom
- Captures a super cardioid pattern in telephoto and a cardioid pattern in wide-angle
- Includes three setting positions for use in a variety of video shooting situations
- Works with a Handycam camcorder's Active Interface Shoe
- Powered by camcorder; no need for a separate battery
| Transducer | Electret Condenser |
| Polar Pattern | Gun / Zoom: Cardioid, Super Cardioid |
| Frequency Response | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Dynamic Range (Typical) | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Maximum Input Sound Level | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Power Requirements | Powered from Active Shoe |
| Output Impedance | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Output Connectors | Active Interface Shoe (16 pin) |
| Pad | No |
| Low Frequency Roll-Off | No |
| Dimensions (WxHxL) | 1.13 x 2.23 x 4.52" (28.8 x 56.8 x 115mm) |
| Weight | 1.8 oz (50 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 40 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
82%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (34)
- Lightweight (31)
- Compact (25)
- Good audio (16)
- Versatile (11)
Cons
- Limited functions (3)
Best Uses
- Amateur recording (18)
- Outdoor events / games (16)
- Home studio (8)
- Performances (7)
- Shooting indoors (6)
- How long have you owned it:
A month or less
83%
(5 reviews)
One-to-three months
Three-to-six months
More than six months
- Reviewer Profile:
- Experienced (18), Novice (8), Aspiring film maker (4), Parent (3), Tech savvy (3)
Most Liked Positive Review
It does its job
The Mic has 2 setting, other than OFF, Gun and Zoom, the Zoom setting is very unique, in wide angle it sounds very much like the normal camcorder microphone, when you zoom it...Read complete review
The Mic has 2 setting, other than OFF, Gun and Zoom, the Zoom setting is very unique, in wide angle it sounds very much like the normal camcorder microphone, when you zoom it in, it will start to isolate the side and back noise giving a clearer sound to what is directly in front of you. This worked great while taping the grand kids in the front yard while I held a conversation with my son next to the camera, you can still hear side and back sounds but they are greatly reduced.
In Gun mode the microphone acts more like the Zoom setting when zoomed all the way in, this would be great if you need to back off the zoom to wide angle and still reduce the surrounding noises while being able to record a conversation in front of you.
I own the Sony HDR-CX7, in the instructions it warns against picking it up from the microphone, but there is this very strong urge to do so, most likely because of the size compared to the camcorder.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
At least it's convenient
I use this shotgun mic for sports. In "on" and "off" tests, I have found it to work slightly better than the standard on-camera mic. I suspect t...Read complete review
I use this shotgun mic for sports. In "on" and "off" tests, I have found it to work slightly better than the standard on-camera mic. I suspect that the reason it is a little more directional than the camera mic is that the shotgun mic is monaural, so it by definition only allows one direction in shotgun mode. Don't bother with the zoom setting. You are better off using your camera mic. If you want a real workable solution, and have an extra $100, you should take a look at the Rhode VideoMic also sold by B&H. It is rated highly, but does cost 3x's as much.
If you want a marginal improvement in directional pickup (but not much better sound quality), and want to use the Sony hotshoe, this is really your only alternative.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 40 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
- Noise reduction
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Interviews
Comments about Sony ECM-HGZ1 Shotgun Zoom Mic:
The one thing you need to know about this mic is that its not going to be a huge change from the regular camera mic. But there is a difference. The zoom feature works actually quite well. The one thing it doesn't have enough of is off-axis noise reduction. Great for interviewing.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Home Studio
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Sony ECM-HGZ1 Shotgun Zoom Mic:
If you are looking for a great mic. to block out unwanted noise this one works perfect! If you use it without zooming in it will capture sounds around you but the neat thing about it is that as you zoom in the field that the mic. picks up gets narrower and at full zoom it will block out all side noises and just pick up directly in front. It's really clear and impresses me. Get one and see for yourself!
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
- Decent audio
Best Uses
- Good B-Roll mic
Comments about Sony ECM-HGZ1 Shotgun Zoom Mic:
I use this on a B-Roll camera and with a dead cat it works great in the outdoors for a portable mic.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
- Unreliable
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
Comments about Sony ECM-HGZ1 Shotgun Zoom Mic:
Although it does pick up good audio, it tends not to be as directional as I had hoped. It picks up a lot of background noise such as unwanted conversation.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Events
- Home Studio
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Sony ECM-HGZ1 Shotgun Zoom Mic:
I now use this product all the time, finding it suite my requirments for better audio to my productions. It is easy to attatch, and after a few tests found it surprisingly good for the price.
The only addtional requirement would be a wind sock, for use on very windy days.
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
Comments about Sony ECM-HGZ1 Shotgun Zoom Mic:
Very compact but good sound for its size and price. This is the second one we've used (first one was lost) for a compact Sony HD camera.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Events
- Performances
Comments about Sony ECM-HGZ1 Shotgun Zoom Mic:
We bought this mic to record presentations from around 40-50 feet away. Using the zoom mic setting most of the background noise is cut out and the speaker is much easier to hear. I have not had a need to use the shotgun mic setting as if yet.
This was about the cheapest model i found and it does the job I wanted it to.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Recommended to all
Cons
- none
Best Uses
- Outdoor
Comments about Sony ECM-HGZ1 Shotgun Zoom Mic:
I used most the time in my kids sport activities and very helpful.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
Comments about Sony ECM-HGZ1 Shotgun Zoom Mic:
We record video testimonials in office and it works great and captures the speakers voice very well. So far, happy!
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Looks sorta cool wo wire
- Uses Sony hotshoe
Cons
- Breaks Easily
- Cheap Plastic
- Limited Functions
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Kids Sports
Comments about Sony ECM-HGZ1 Shotgun Zoom Mic:
I use this shotgun mic for sports. In "on" and "off" tests, I have found it to work slightly better than the standard on-camera mic. I suspect that the reason it is a little more directional than the camera mic is that the shotgun mic is monaural, so it by definition only allows one direction in shotgun mode. Don't bother with the zoom setting. You are better off using your camera mic. If you want a real workable solution, and have an extra $100, you should take a look at the Rhode VideoMic also sold by B&H. It is rated highly, but does cost 3x's as much.
If you want a marginal improvement in directional pickup (but not much better sound quality), and want to use the Sony hotshoe, this is really your only alternative.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Events
- Home Studio
- Professional Recording
Comments about Sony ECM-HGZ1 Shotgun Zoom Mic:
I just love the way this mic focuses the speech pattern from picking up all sound wide angle to specifically two people talking at distance on zoom.
I have use this at weddings & parties where speeches are made and it work really well; particularly given it's size!
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
Comments about Sony ECM-HGZ1 Shotgun Zoom Mic:
It's enough of an improvement over the built-in mic and it's portable enough to be worth it at its low price.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Limited Functions
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Student Films
Comments about Sony ECM-HGZ1 Shotgun Zoom Mic:
This mic is used on a SONY Handicam by students in a video class in the making of short films. We find that the "Zoom" setting is virtually the same as the cameras built-in mic. However, the "Gun" setting works reasonably well in focusing the mic and provides an alternative to the built-in. The mic is easily attached to the cameras hot-shoe.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Performances
Comments about Sony ECM-HGZ1 Shotgun Zoom Mic:
Very good microphone, it's functional e not so expensive.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
Comments about Sony ECM-HGZ1 Shotgun Zoom Mic:
I'm using it with hdr-ux5 and it isn't a ton better than the integrated mic. Improvement is marginal and not worth [$].
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
- Limited Functions
- Zoom audio not great
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
Comments about Sony ECM-HGZ1 Shotgun Zoom Mic:
I was on a Navy warship shooting video of the ship and informal interviews of personnel. I used the zoom for the interviews and it just didn't deliver like I expected. Maybe I expected too much. It just didn't seem to focus and give me that great audio I hoped for.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Events
- Home Studio
- Performances
Comments about Sony ECM-HGZ1 Shotgun Zoom Mic:
I've tested with my Sony HDR-XR200v camcorder and it's really work.Intended to use of my daughter's graduation to record her voice clearly while she's performing graduation song up on the stage.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
- Poor Sound Quality
Best Uses
Comments about Sony ECM-HGZ1 Shotgun Zoom Mic:
This mic works somewhat as described. I'm using it with a HDR-SR12 camcorder. It has a noticeable low frequency roll-off. When using the zoom feature the camcorder cross fades between the built in and ext mic. When you do so, the high-pass filter cuts everything below ~ 400 hz. Very annoying, evidently done to lessen wind rumble / noise which this mic has. Makes audio tracks unusable. I had better luck making a foam windscreen for the built in mics.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
Comments about Sony ECM-HGZ1 Shotgun Zoom Mic:
Picks up sound well and works seamlessly with the zoom function on the camera
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
Comments about Sony ECM-HGZ1 Shotgun Zoom Mic:
Simple to attach and use. I like the gun setting that captures sound directly in front to the camera.
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