Rode SVM Stereo Condenser Microphone Review

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(More customer reviews)I have a Canon HG10 High Definition camera that I use for recording my small kids and family events. The camera's built-in sound was just poor. With my default mic, the targets could barely be heard, and whenever the cameraman spoke the sound was overly pronounced. So I researched many mics over months and decided on this one.
The sound is superb, but you have to make sure you know what you are working with. Different mics are better for different situations. I am not an expert but here are the rules of thumb I have picked up.
*Super-Cartoid Stereo Mic*
The Rode Stereo mic is a "Super Cartoid Stereo Mic". It yields high-quality sound at a close range, less than 8 feet or closer is best . It emphasizes sound in front, and de-emphasizes sound from behind (i.e. the cameraman) It does not do well at long range.
*Shotgun mics*
Shotgun mics (i.e. Rode VideoMic directional Video Condenser w/microphone) on the other hand do well at isolating sound at long ranges. However, the sound will never be as good as a well-placed Supercartoid stereo mic. Those are good for school plays, football games, and such.
*Bonus*
It also comes with a Dead-cat wind guard, and it works great! Even in very gusty wind no sound is made from the wind.
*Tips for good sound*
For absolutely super quality sound with ANY mic you must get really close! Just think of those boom mic guys who hold the mic right inches over the actors heads! You have several options.
1- Stand as close as possible
2 - Buy a wide-angle lense for your camera (Canon WD-H43 0.7x Wide Angle Converter for HV20 & HV30 Camcorders). I did this and it makes a huge difference. The lense allows you to get much closer to the subject and the sound is super.
3 - Buy an extension cable and mini-tripod. This is only practical in some situations, but is not expensive. I did this when I wanted to film thanksgiving dinner. I placed the mic close to the table, just out of shot. I placed the camera far away, and then ran a 15' cable between the mic and camera. I got a great shot and top-notch sound.
4 - Buy a boom pole (Rode Mini Boompole Microphone Boom Pole) and have a friend hold it over the subject's head when filming. This is not practical since I do not own a boom pole and I do not have any friends. But Rode does sell a boom pole for this mic that requires no adapters.
*Warranty*
My 4-year old accidentally knocked the mic off a table and broke a small aluminum part. I contacted Rode and was amazed at how incredibly kind, accommodating, and prompt they were in helping me out.
Be sure to register your mic to get a 10-year warranty!
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**UPDATE**
Since writing this post I actually got the other mic; the RODE shotgun mic: Rode VideoMic directional Video Condenser w/microphone
Since I now own and use both, I have more to add.
The SVM is of much better construction than the Video Mic. The SVM uses aluminium, while the less expensive Video Mic uses plastic.
I use them interchangeably now, and though I wish I could say that the more pricey RODE SVM is plain better than the RODE Video (shotgun) mic, they are actually different tools for different jobs.
Here are situations for using each mic:
Use the RODE SVM (Super-Cartoid Stereo Mic) for:
-The camera person is talking (the camera person comes though balanced and clear)
-Indoor quiet settings (amazing, beautiful clear sound)
-Outdoors where you want superior ambient sound (crashing of the waves, seagulls, people talking in the background, etc)
-Concerts or live performances (or other really loud settings where you want to capture the full sound)
-Voice overs (if you get inches away from the mic the sound is nearly as good as a professional DVD voice over)
Use the RODE Video Mic Shotgun Rode VideoMic directional Video Condenser w/microphone for:
-The camera person will NOT be talking much. (the camera person's voice loses clarity, and is a little muffled.)
-Indoor Parties (where you want to catch the subject talking, and exclude other sound)
-Outdoor Fairs or the beach (where you want to catch the subject talking)
Bottom line, The SVM does do a good job capturing a subjects voice in a noisy setting, but the Video Mic does it better. Otherwise the SVM is superior in all regards.

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