FZ-300 external mic issues, questions

[awhispersecho]

So I have ended up getting the FZ-300 and the GX85 set to replace my FZ-150 and GX7. I am regretting both honestly but 1 thing I could use help with is the external mic on the 300. I have used a Rode video micro, a Takstar shotgun mic, and a Boya lav mic. Of the 3,the only 1 that makes a difference at all is the lav mic. The others are just like I am talking into the camera mic. I plug them in, the mic icon shows up on the display indicating an external mic. I have even clicked FN on the display and changed the db levels but I think that is just for the internal. The mic display is on, the special mic shows stereo but seems to be greyed out. What stupid thing am I doing wrong? I know it's me so what is it

 

[bill pasuquin]

I think the Rode mic is mono,check photos below on my fz300,Azden smx-5,2 photo Savage

Savage

smx-5

 

[awhispersecho]

I think the Rode mic is mono,check photos below on my fz300,Azden smx-5,2 photo Savage

Savage

smx-5

Thanks for the response but I have 3 external mics here. Is it really possible that all of them are Mono? Is there something I need to do to make it switch to external or turn off the internal? Do I adjust the mic DB level in the camera? I should be hearing some improvement.

 

[bill pasuquin]

look at the 3.5 plug if it has 1 ring around it ,it mono

 

[svbspace]

Hi. I found this thread when looking for a related answer. I am using a rode stereo mic with an fz300. My setup definitely shows a big difference from the internal microphone. Sound is clearer and a lot of background and camera noise is eliminated. On screen audio display shows left and right channels acting independently. However i have the same problem in that mic type option in camera settings is greyed out at stereo and the resulting video sound feels mono and lacking 3d soundscape.

 

[Dak on cam]

Hi. I found this thread when looking for a related answer. I am using a rode stereo mic with an fz300. My setup definitely shows a big difference from the internal microphone. Sound is clearer and a lot of background and camera noise is eliminated. On screen audio display shows left and right channels acting independently. However i have the same problem in that mic type option in camera settings is greyed out at stereo and the resulting video sound feels mono and lacking 3d soundscape.

Those compact stereo microphones are not very strong regarding the stereo effect. Try making a recording where you lightly tap the left or right side of the microphone, or snap fingers close to its left and right alternatingly.

Also the chosen video format might make a difference.

There also might be a connector problem: the FZ300 I think takes a stereo plug and provides plugin power on both channels (I have an FZ200 myself but that one shares the microphone input with the remote trigger and thus is not likely representative). I've seen images of Røde mics both with a stereo plug (TRS, 3 contacts on tip, ring, shield) and TRRS plug (4 contacts on tip, ring, another ring, and shield).

It would be my guess that the FZ300 requires a 3-contact plug version. Be sure to push it in completely!

 

[svbspace]

Thank you. The connector which came with the microphone was the problem. Rhode support were extremely helpful. I finally sorted it.

 

[edd11]

Hi i have a wireless go 2 microphone with FZ300 and the Rec is in mono.... rode give you the solution for the cable ?? i need it because i dont want to change the caméra for microphone issue ....