52 http://www.amateurphotographer.co.ukTech Talk
Ask the Experts
Rode VideoMic NTG
This broadcast-grade shotgun
microphone brings high-quality
audio to any production.
Optimised for on-camera use,
it comes with a 30-hour-life
rechargeable battery, a
high-quality Rycote Lyre shock
mount and a windshield. As
well as pairing perfectly with
cameras it’s also a fully
featured USB mic that can be
plugged directly into a
computer for voiceovers, while
its 3.5mm connector doubles
as a headphone output for
seamless monitoring of audio
while using the USB output.Rode Wireless GO
Don’t let cables hold you back!
This ultra-compact wireless
microphone offers clip’n’go
versatility in an very compact
form-factor. Weighing 31g and
pairing in under three seconds,
the transmitter features an
omnidirectional condenser
capsule and can also be used
with a plug-in lavalier, sending
crystal-clear audio to the
on-camera receiver. Wireless
range is a very respectable
70m, while its inbuilt
rechargeable batteries will keep
you going for up to seven hours
of constant recording.Sennheiser MKE 200
Described as Sennheiser’s rst
step to upgrading your sound,
this features a super-cardioid
capsule that provides the
necessary focus and detail in
your audio while rejecting
unwanted background noise.
Despite its portable design that
weighs in at just 48g, the MKE
200 features integrated wind
protection and shock
absorption, ensuring clean
audio recordings while shooting
on the move. Both 3.5mm TRS
and TRRS cables are included
for maximum compatibility with
a range of devices.£239
● Inbuilt rechargeable Lithium Ion
battery
● Frequency range 20Hz to 20kHz
● 48kHz, 24-bit sampling£169
● Wireless microphone system with
70m range
● Frequency range 50Hz to 20kHz
● Inbuilt rechargeable Lithium Ion
battery£87
● No batteries required
● Frequency range 40Hz to 20kHz
● Included windshieldLooking for a new camera or accessory and need some advice? We’re here to help. Contact us at [email protected] or on Twitter at @AP_Magazine and #AskAP
Q
I’m a documentary photographer with a
Nikon Z 6II who’s just starting to record
some video clips so that I can offer
more options to clients. While I’m very happy
with the visual quality of my video les, I’d like
to increase the standard of my audio capture.
I’ve been looking at external microphones, but
I’m not really sure where to begin. I mainly just
need to record ambient sounds, but something
that might be suitable for a few basic interviews
in the future too would be great. What might you
suggest as solid starting point under £250?
William HendersonA
With most cameras now offering
high-quality video recording, you’re one
of an ever-increasing user base who are
embracing both media. One of the most obvious
differences between the two is sound, and
nothing will have your audience reaching for the
stop button faster than bad audio. The inbuilt
mics found in cameras are okay for video
snippets for personal use, but you’re right to
look at investing in an external mic if you intend
to produce work for clients. Here are three good
options within your price range that would
seriously improve your production values.Best microphones for under £250?
Best backgrounds for food
photography?
Q
This year I’ve been
combining my two big
passions of cooking and
photography to produce stylish
food images from home. I have
some nice slate tiles and
rustic-looking planks of wood
that I often place my creations
on to shoot, but they take up a
lot of space when not in use, are
heavy, and have perhaps been
over-featured in my images by
now. Are there any backgrounds
designed speci cally for this kind
of photography that I could look
to invest in? Sally WisdomA
For at lays and food
photography, vinyl
backgrounds can often be
the perfect choice. Available in a
huge range of colours and
high-resolution texture designs
such as aged wooden oorboards
and rusting iron panels, these
lightweight plastic sheets are
exible and – importantly for food
photography – wipe clean! With a
matt nish, re ections are
minimised, and they can be
quickly rolled up when not in use
for easy transportation or
storage. Sold in sizes from 30cm
up to several metres wide, they’re
also fairly inexpensive with a
60x90cm backdrop just £20
from clubbackdrops.com. The
aforementioned site even offers
vinyl printing of your own texture
images, allowing you to create a
one-off backdrop if you so desire!Our experts suggest
52 AskTheExperts Mar6 AW.indd 52 19/02/2021 16:42