| 1.
The lower end, or consumer/prosumer grade with a range of
price from 120 dollars, to about 300 dollars. Usually sold
as packages including microphone (lavaliere, stationary, or
handheld), transmitter with battery (on mic, or belt pack),
receiver with battery (or camera battery powered) with camera
mount, or belt pack.
This category is, IMO most appropriate
for the video enthusiast, as such, I would strongly recommend
this category, the next level may end up costing more than
the camera itself, and is really for the professional level
videography/film-maker/broadcaster.
2. The high end, or professional
grade, with a range of price from about 1500 dollars, up to
4500 (or more) dollars. These systems are generally sold "ala
cart" with a need to choose the above mentioned components
individually to assemble your own package. Again, I cannot
imagine anyone less than a professional videographer, or studio
investing this much money, as such, the cameras being used
are likely full professional level (not prosumer) as well.
Some of the major manufacturers with appropriate
wireless microphone package offerings are:
1. Sony: The WCS-999 model, at a MSRP of about
120 dollars, is a good prosumer package. Other, higher priced
products are also available.
2. Azden: Offers the WLX-Pro and WDR-Pro (VHF) at 150 - 200
dollars. Other models also available.
3. Shure: Has the most extensive list of products ranging
from about 250 up into the thousands. They also have an extremely
informative, and helpful interactive website.
4. Sennheiser: Nearly as many options as Shure has, but tiered
into the 2 price categories as described above. A top manufacturer
of very high quality products.
5. Nady: Products tend towards the economy end of the spectrum,
starting at as little as 70 dollars.
6. Audio Technica: Also a good selection of numerous products
to choose from. Prices tend to be in the lower to middle range.
7. Polycom: With a smaller selection of camcorder specific
products in the middle price range, they have a small town
feeling, and seem to have very strong customer support.
To be certain, this is far from a comprehensive list of manufacturers,
but covers the mainstream of popular products currently available.
Happy hunting (it is a big field).
Conclusion
Today's wireless audio input technology has brought truly
professional quality audio to the amateur or semi-professional
videographer. However, this luxury currently comes at a fairly
hefty cost, both financial, and ergonomic.
However, it is certainly an accomplishable
task for the enthusiast with modest too deep pockets today.
It is also safe to assume that, in time, as with most consumer
electronic technologies, price will come down, quality with
come up, and size will come down. Before too long, we may
see this level of audio performance in camcorders off the
shelf.
Marry this to the inevitable (if not distant
future) advent of high definition personal digital video camcorders,
and Videography utopia will have arrived. I, for one, can't
wait.
How
to buy a Wireless microphone | Microphone
Buying Guide | Types
of microphones and their applications
|
Microphones
positioning tips | What
is a tie clip microphone? |
