Product Description

Gun Zoom Microphone ECM-HGZ1 This compact gun zoom microphone enables synchronization of thesound recorded by your Handycam's internal microphone with the zoompositioning. Available with three settings for use in a variety ofvideo shooting situation

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #11730 in Consumer Electronics
• Brand: Sony
• Model: ECM-HGZ1
• Dimensions: .0" h x .0" w x .0" l, .31 pounds

Manufacturer's Description
Bring the audio in your videos to life with the ECM-HGZ1 shotgun microphone from Sony. Used with a compatible Handycam camcorder, the ECM-HGZ1 synchronizes the audio to the camcorder's zoom for audio that is distinct for both modes.In telephoto mode, the microphone focuses on the audio straight ahead of it, isolating the subject matter. In wide-angle mode, the microphone broadens is recording range, so no sound occurring in frame is missed.The ECM-HGZ1 is designed to work with your camcorder's Active Interface Shoe, so it is easy to connect and simple to use. It is powered by the camcorder, so there is no need for a separate battery.

Customer Reviews

Not the best option for better sound.
I purchased this microphone hoping to get better sound, but was really disappointed. The sound quality is barely any different than that on the camera and under some conditions worse. I've now discovered reviews on the US Amazon site, which back this up. However there is hope if you want a good microphone for your Handycam. The Sony Bluetooth wireless microphone (ECM-HW1) is great and perfect for picking up sound at a distance (as long as you avoid sounds from movement of the mic). This opinion is also backed up by reviews on the US Amazon site.

In conclusion...don't try and get a bargain with this microphone, go straight for the slightly more expensive Bluetooth wireless mic.

Good directionality but poor low frequency response
I purchased this microphone to use with my Sony HDR-HC7. My main reason for buying this mic was for improved off-axis sound rejection when recording speech in noisy environments. The shotgun design of this microphone, and it's corresponding directional polar response naturally means that it's considerably better than the camcorders built in omni mic at rejecting sounds which aren't coming from directly in front of the camera. The main disappointment however, is that the ECM HGZ1 has a very poor low frequency response, to the point of sounding quite tinny. I'd say that this mic does have it's uses, but unless you're regularly recording sound in very noisy locations, or perhaps where wind noise might be causing problems, then you may well get better results with the mic in your camcorder.

Sony ECM HGZ1
I was recommended this microphone by someone who (unlike me) who has a good knowledge and experience of camcorders and microphones. The microphone works well, certainly all I need as an amateur who uses it infrequently.

My only criticism were the instructions, which were rather vague and as often is the case nowadays, take no account that some purchasers have next to no knowledge about the equipment they will be using.