Customer Reviews
Exceptional Consumer MIC 
2008-06-20
This microphone is adequate for close to mid range pickup depending on the noise level. It has three settings, one that emulates a shotgun Mic and the other two are for stereo wide and narrow. I own the Canon HV-20 and this MIC virtually eliminates the tape mechanism sound!!! It comes with a wind screen that works well under still to mildly windy conditions. The DM-50 runs of off the camcorder battery which eliminates the weight of having two AA batteries.
Canon cam mike 2008-05-13
only used it once so far for a live music event at a bar and it seems to have worked just fine so far as I can tell.
Perfect All Around Mike For Everyday Use 2008-05-10
I recently bought a Canon HV30, and after reading the reviews, I determined that I would need some sort of external mike. It's too easy to pick up the sound of jiggling controls with the lightweight plastic housing on Canon camcorders. I had trouble picking a mike from the various candidates at first, but after doing a little research, I realized that the Canon DM-50 is the best choice. Here's why...
First and foremost, this mike doesn't add much size to the camcorder itself. The other mikes I looked at were as big or bigger than the camera. With a camera like the HV30, size is important. If you put a giant furry mike on top of it, you'll never get away with casual shooting in a public place. Everyone will see your camera from a mile away and either hide or mug for the camera. I like to keep my camera tucked in a big pocket in my jacket, so I can pull it out to shoot inconspicuously. This is the only mike that comes close to allowing me to do that.
Secondly, one type of mike doesn't cut it for all purposes. For dialogue, you need a mono shotgun. For ambient sound, you need a stereo wide dispersion mike. It makes no sense at all to get a mike that only serves one purpose. You just need to carry two mikes around with you and switch all the time. The Canon DM50 does either or both with a simple flick of a switch.
Thirdly, this mike is self powered. No need for an additional battery. This mike puts very minimal drain on the camera's battery. That is much better than carrying around the added weight of a bunch of AAs or a 9 volt.
When I got this mike, I did some tests, shooting in difficult situations... I shot music at a loud piano bar, ambient sounds at a quiet coffee house, and dialogue above the clatter of dishes at a busy restaurant. The Canon DM50 performed well under all of these conditions. There isn't a terrific amount of bass in this mike, but that is to be expected for a microphone of this type. It's enough, however, to put across music well without sounding too tinny. I experienced no camera noise in any of my tests. This mike does the job.
If I was a pro shooting movies for theaters, I'd want a really good mike on a boom. But I'm not a pro, and the Canon HV30, good as it is, isn't a pro camera. I'm shooting off the cuff vacation movies and documenting panel discussions for my work. This mike is perfect for that. No need to hesitate to get this mike if you can afford it. It's all you need.
Excellent Mic 
2008-05-02
I used this mic on my Canon GL2 to videotape a choir. At first I was worried about the noise around. It turned out greater than I expected ! It eliminated most of my unwanted sound and noises in the background. Sound quality is also excellent to me. Highly recommended item.
Canon Directional Mic 2008-04-26
One feature it doesn't have is an off switch which would then activate the camera's built-in mic. Sony has this feature.
Nice Shotgun Mic for the money. 2008-04-21
A shotgun microphone that is designed for the Canon Optura Pi & ZR30MC camcorders / Attaches to camcorder's hot shoe
Great entry level mic 2008-04-05
This mic is very easy to install on to your camera. It works for my needs, which are basic. Seems to eliminate most background noise.
Camcorder stereo mike 2008-04-05
DM50 Directional Stereo Mike works exceptionally well when you need to obtain audio in a large area and cannot use, or don't have, a wireless mike available. Improves quality of video substantially. The Canon version works well and has no compatability problems. Worth the investment.
A little quiet. 2008-01-04
The mic seems to be working wells, my only complaint is that it is a lot quieter than the camera's mic. So you have to make sure the volume is turned up.
easy to use, small, not too expensive...good microphone for Canons 2007-12-11
I have had this mike for a month now, and have used it quite a bit. It is small enough to carry in a small bag, doesn't use a battery or extra cords, and works well at picking up sounds at a distance.
I was able to use it to mostly eliminate distracting sounds in a classroom, though it works best picking up amplified sound.
All in all, a good alternative to using the onboard mike. My HV20 has a mike that is simply too sensitive to surrounding noises.
