External Mic for Canon Vixia HF r800

[BibleWarrior]

Is there a good microphone that is also affordable for the vixia hf r800? I tried the Comica v30 Light, but it did not work because it doesn't supply phantom power. Is there similar mic that is affordable?

[AtticusLake · Accepted solution]

"Phantom power" is a term that goes with balanced, XLR connections, which your camera doesn't have.  The equivalent for unbalanced, 3.5mm connections is called "Plug-in power".  It's worth knowing that these two systems (balanced and unbalanced) are very different, and really not compatible; for example the voltages they use are very different.  So for your camera, make sure to get an unbalanced mic with a 3.5mm plug.

Most cameras supply plug-in power.  Looking at the manual for the r800, it seems that it does not, which is a little unusual.  So you need a mic with a built-in battery.  The manual actually says this.

Good news, there are such mics.  I haven't used any of them myself, so I really can't give any recommendation.  But for example the Rode VideoMic Pro and Deity V-Mic D4 say they take batteries.

If you want to know more about mic connections, I made a video about that: https://moonblink.info/FieldRecording/content/course#Connections

[Meesh]

Good evening,

I'm new to using a camcorder. I tried a Movo VXR10 Universal Shotgun Mic on my (refurbished) Canon Vixia HF R800 but it didn't work. There was absolutely no audio. Even the Audio section that allows you to choose an Audio Scene was grayed out. Any suggestions? I'd really appreciate your help. Thanks.

[WCETECH]

I would suggest you look into the AZDEN SGM-DSLR, small size with great audio and never forget video without excellent audio is a fail.  

[BibleWarrior]

Yeah, I looked up that mic, that particular one does not run on batteries, which is the problem. It needs power from the camera that the particular model doesn't provide. I made the same mistake before with a different model mic. I have a comica CVM-V30 Pro that works great, and takes batteries. [link removed per forum guidelines]

[Meesh]

Thank you so much for responding. I made a mistake and ordered the Comica VM-10 Pro which definitely does NOT work with the Vixia HF R800; so I'll be returning it tomorrow & will try the Comica CVM-V30 Pro next.

I had already purchased a Takstar SGC-598 (which arrived today) and so far it sounds great! Much better than the camcorder's mic. So, if the next Comica doesn't work, I'll be satisfied with the Takstar.

Thanks again for your help! 👍