Rode SM3 - On-Camera Shock Mount for Shotgun Microphones

Comments about Rode SM3 - On-Camera Shock Mount for Shotgun Microphones:

I've been a fan of Rode products for years - stable - dependable - long lasting - Dingos. I use this particular shock mount atop my dSLR camera and it provides enough stability to handle the heaviest of shotgun mics in the most extreme of circumstances. Bears. Ice Fishing. Rio. I own about 50 of these but one camera - that's how awesome they are to have around. It LOCKS in wonderfully and has an adjustable tilt mechanism to point the gun in any number of directions. Well....really up and down - but what's the point of shooting your subject and recording the audio from a completely different angle?! No idea - still a nice option I guess. The device came with extra mount bands for when I get drunk and start shooting them at people. Very important. In closing - Rode is great and since this device is pretty straight forward they can't really screw this one up. Okay - where's my $1,000 B&H?

Comments about Rode SM3 - On-Camera Shock Mount for Shotgun Microphones:

this mic mount is works well in all respects though it's a bit difficult to fit the zoom h1 in through the bands, owing to the fat, rectangular shape of the zoom. i imagine it works brilliantly for conventionally-sized and -shaped mics. the bands are quite durable, the tilt adjusts easily and holds well, the mount goes on the camera easily and fairly quickly; it's a good piece of equipment. it doesn't collapse in any dimension though, so be prepared for it to take up some space in your bag. i do wish rode would lower the price a bit.

Comments about Rode SM3 - On-Camera Shock Mount for Shotgun Microphones:

It definitely does the job. If anyone was looking for a shock mount for a zoom H1, it fits perfectly.

I noticed an immediate decrease in mechanical noise from the camera and it looks good too.

My only complaint is that it's a little spendy for a shock mount.

Comments about Rode SM3 - On-Camera Shock Mount for Shotgun Microphones:

Great all around, mounted on boom pole or camera. Granted you could probably make your own from hardware store components for $5, but this is a professional product that gets the job done well.

Comments about Rode SM3 - On-Camera Shock Mount for Shotgun Microphones:

Rode is just good at everything they do. Perfect for a light weight boom setup.

Comments about Rode SM3 - On-Camera Shock Mount for Shotgun Microphones:

I use it with my DLSR, it is very sturdy and keeps the mic in place. I would recommend it to anyone who wants there mic to stay put and not move.

Comments about Rode SM3 - On-Camera Shock Mount for Shotgun Microphones:

I'm working on a low-budget documentary film, using a Zoom H1 for audio recording. I quickly learned that the Zoom H1 is very sensitive to handling noise and purchased this Rode SM3 Shockmount to reduce it. After a week of constant use, I find that it works very well.

The SM3 is designed for "shotgun" microphones, but it accomodates the small H1 just fine, holding it very snugly and securely. It can be a little awkward reaching the H1's controls, because they're all on the H1 body, but after using the SM3 for a few days, I've found I can adjust the H1's position in the SM3 to reach various controls. I only need to remove the H1 from the SM3 to replace the battery. And with practice, removing and then re-mounting the H1 in the SM3 has gotten easier.

The SM3 is made of plastic, with rubber (or silicone) bands, but feels rugged enough. Rode has been kind enough to provide a set of replacement rubber bands. The adjustment knobs are well sized and placed. The base of the unit also has a threaded hole, for attatching to a boom pole. Unfortunately, this is a larger-threaded receptacle than the standard tripod or light stand mount.

Overall, a well-designed and worthwhile product that works well with my Zoom H1, and will prove useful when I can afford to buy a Shotgun microphone.

Comments about Rode SM3 - On-Camera Shock Mount for Shotgun Microphones:

various sized microphones will fit easily so if you get a new mic you can still use this RODE (and also come along when you upgrade your DSLR) so I'm happy with it. And it's a great price

Comments about Rode SM3 - On-Camera Shock Mount for Shotgun Microphones:

I'm sure it's fine for some, but the build quality just want' up to par for me and wouldn't haven lasted long in my bag.

Comments about Rode SM3 - On-Camera Shock Mount for Shotgun Microphones:

Excellent product, it's not very clear on the description but it will fit most shotgun mics and also fits perfectly the new zoom H1 recorder. By the way, if you own one, this shock mount is almost a mandatory accessory because it eliminates practically all undesired noise of handling the camera (for other noises, windscreen will do the job).

Comments about Rode SM3 - On-Camera Shock Mount for Shotgun Microphones:

Protects the Rode ntg 2 from shocks. Isolates the mic from the camera body and thereby from the motor noise. I am using it with my Canon XHA1.

Comments about Rode SM3 - On-Camera Shock Mount for Shotgun Microphones:

Good build. Perfect for my NTG-1, and I imagine it will work well for quite a few other boom mics. It fits perfectly on my camera shoe and at the end of my boom. It absorbs boom and handling noise well.

Comments about Rode SM3 - On-Camera Shock Mount for Shotgun Microphones:

I use this on my Halo Rig (like a Fig Rig) and it has performed well. The mic stays inside the bands, doesn't make a noise when shaken, and most importantly, doesn't move thanks to the solid adjustment bolt. The only downside is that it's pretty expensive for what it is: a hunk of plastic with some rubber bands. Sometimes B&H has them used so look for them. They are much cheaper.

Comments about Rode SM3 - On-Camera Shock Mount for Shotgun Microphones:

I had purchased this mount for a senniheiser mic. Works perfect with the power module and mic hooked up. I mostly shooting off the tripod, hand held so this mount is really getting put to use. I had no problems with the mount it rubber braces hold strong on mic and come with backup replacement rubber braces. It is easy to remove the mic from the mount. The only feature id like it to have is a ball joint for full movement not just vertical but horizontal movement.

Comments about Rode SM3 - On-Camera Shock Mount for Shotgun Microphones:

I purchased this shock mount because I borrowed it from a friend as it was attached to his homemade boom pole that he designed that was very well made. The mic attaches to it and it holds the mic in place while the boom pole brings it in as close as possible. So I used it lfor shooting a film and it broke and I had to replace it. On the previous shoot I worked on and had used the same style shockmount it also broke and had to be replaced. Nobody man handled it or was unprofessional with it. I'm very disappointed with the product but do not know of anything that has been better designed. Thankfully it's not overly expensive to replace as far as the cost of equipment goes but it should be more durable.

Comments about Rode SM3 - On-Camera Shock Mount for Shotgun Microphones:

Simple, great price , awesome for indie film makers budget. Works with just about any shotgun, and sounds small but comes with 4 extra rubber band mounts( which boom guys seem to lose daily ) sorry sound dept. I have used Rode studio gear and now using their products for small film projects.

Comments about Rode SM3 - On-Camera Shock Mount for Shotgun Microphones:

I've had two of these. The second was a warranty replacement on the first when the plastic housing around the thumbscrew broke and the head wouldn't tighten anymore.

The second started doing the same thing within two uses after getting it. I've babied it super careful now for a year and the second finally fell to pieces while I was on a shoot the other night.

If you own one of these, save yourself a potential nightmare and buy two. Then always keep one in reserve for when (not if) the first one breaks.

Comments about Rode SM3 - On-Camera Shock Mount for Shotgun Microphones:

I've removed the OEM shock mounts from my Panasonic HVX200 and Sony EX1 as these OEM mounts stick up beyond the normal profile of the camera and are susceptible to cracking or breaking when in a backpack, case or similar.

This is an easy solution and goes on quickly and does a better job of sound isolation from camera movements/handling than the OEM mounts imho.

Used a friend's a couple times and had to buy my own. I use it every shoot

I do think it could be better manufactured. It seems to have some potential weak points if one was rough with their camera gear.

Comments about Rode SM3 - On-Camera Shock Mount for Shotgun Microphones:

It's a bit awkward, but holds a Panasonic shotgun mic like a champ.

Comments about Rode SM3 - On-Camera Shock Mount for Shotgun Microphones:

I found this unit performed exactly like it was advertised. I use a sony ex3 with the letus elite adapter which makes it impossible to use the sony's built in mic holder because of vibration from the letus unit.

The SM3 allows me to get my Rode NTG-2 up and away from the letus unit. I have no trouble tightening or loosening the SM3 to adjust the angle of the mic and I find it holds the mic securely.

I find it hard to believe posts here that describe the SM3 as easily breakable. Any reasonable person should have no difficulty taking the unit on and off.

I would recommend the unit without any reservations.