I'm looking to get a good external mic for my xl1. I've done some research and found the following items:

Audio-Technica AT835B mic --------------$239.95
Gitzo G-1553 Boom Fishpole --------------$289.95
Beachtek DXA-4C Audio Adapter for XL1 --$169.95
-------------------------------------------------
TOTAL===========================$699.85

Anyone know if this is a good deal? Are these good times?

It's alot of money for me! Heh, $100.00 is a lot of money for me, though.

P.S. These prices were from B&H Photo

I can't say if the prices are the lowest you'll find, but I have bought many things from B and H (including my cam) and I would trust them to buy anything! I would also take a look at their USED equipment. You may find some of the same (or equivalent) for less money - and the quality is just as good!

Just one additional note: I bought an XLR adapter (for one mic) at SIGN VIDEO.

http://www.signvideo.com/xlr-pro_xlr_adapter-audio-mixer.htm#xlr_back

Their Beachtek equivalent is $149 and the single mic XLR is $99. Just for your info.

Good luck. Sounds like you'll have a good system there (no pun intended!).

Mark M
Sugar Free Productions

Why do you need such a nice fishpole if budget is an issue? For less than half the price you can get this one:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh3/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=20830&is=REG
I own it and it works great (even after someone steped on it). It isn't carbon fiber and it doesn't go quite as long as the one you're looking at, but it'll work great for ya. Plus, you're gonna need that 150 bucks to buy cables, a zepplin, a shockmount, and any other misc audio stuff.

joren

Thanks! That's what I was waiting for. Someone to tell me a cheaper sufficiant piece.

Although I haven't used that particular microphone, I used to run a recording studio, and I found that Audio Technica gave me the best bang for the buck. Although they aren't the best mics out there, they're certainly not the worst. And, although $200+ seems like a lot of money, it's really not for a decent mic. You could probably find a cheaper mic, but I wouldn't recommend it. Overall, I've been very pleased with my AT mics.

Dr D

Thanks.

This may sound risky to you, but I'd definitely check out Ebay for lower prices.

I say this, because usually the people selling specific things like camera accessories generally know what they're talking about.

I'm looking at a mic for my 950 now. Though the higher-end Sony's have pretty good microphones, you can never go wrong with having another one.

I've bought a ton of stuff off of Ebay - remote tripod, video light that attaches right to my camera, etc. just to give you some confidence if you've never considered it

Sony TRV950

I don't see why u really need to buy a boom - u can make your own really easily. And if you did that, you could add that extra 200 or so to your mic and have a really kick ass one.
Just a thought!

If you don't look I'll force you to _=_