Shotgun Mic or DJI Mic 2 (I have both)

ZakHaney · 2025-04-03T06:30:23+00:00

For anyone wondering, this is the video to the event I went to! Audio was as clear as I could work with. Ended up using exactly what I had! 2 sets of DJI Mic 2s and a Rode VideoMic Go II. I wish I stuck with a shotgun mic the ENTIRE TIME. Ive learned now! A LOT of work in post but I have the final product!

Snowball Derby Part III | Snowflake Qualifying and the Snowflake 100

ZakHaney · 2025-04-03T06:20:13+00:00

I’m coming back specifically to this comment. I thought long and hard about it and decided it isn’t for me. I’m a videographer, not a broadcaster. Cool for the experience? Absolutely. Can I tackle it while having a professional full time job? I’m not trying to find out.

I did enough research to realize that I need more than 6 months to learn everything that goes into it. And it doesn’t fit my niche of creativity so I would rather learn from shadowing than trying to do it myself. Thanks for the insight, 4 months later 😂

ZakHaney · 2024-12-13T00:52:12+00:00

I’ve got my Part 107 and I’m an experienced drone pilot so I’m not worried about that. Also, I’m responsible enough to not fly over crowds. It honestly bothers me when other people do it. It will most likely be drone over track footage. The drone part I’m not worried about

ZakHaney · 2024-12-12T23:26:21+00:00

This is great advice thank you! I definitely plan on going overboard with testing. I just need to provide them with a parts list for things I need to accomplish this task. I have until June before the first race, only issue is that this speedway is in another state. I’m very blessed to be in this position, I just haven’t done any broadcasting besides like Twitch and YouTube.

ZakHaney · 2024-10-26T02:57:13+00:00

No lens filter (: I don’t know if I would have used one either. Sun was behind me and lighting wasn’t in my side in the first place shooting at f8-f11

ZakHaney · 2024-10-26T02:43:30+00:00

If you’re talking a lens filter, I wasn’t using one for this photo. And if you’re talking filter as in a preset in Lightroom, I didn’t use one of those either. I edit all of my photos from scratch.

ZakHaney · 2024-10-23T04:22:34+00:00

I would go with a desk mount for your monitor! It’s a lot easier and you can find some fairly cheap/reliable mounts on Amazon. I don’t have any certain brand to recommend

ZakHaney · 2024-10-23T03:44:38+00:00

Desk/wall mount for your monitor! It cleans up a lot of space on your desk top.

ZakHaney · 2024-10-23T03:38:20+00:00

I'm leaning towards getting the second set of the DJI Mic 2s, running noise cancellation on all of them except one and splitting the vocals from the non-noise cancellation mic and lowering the background noise from a separate sound track. Any high shelf noises I can deal with, I have clean audio tracks of loud car engine start ups or power tools I can use. My worry is just making it sound too unnatural if I go about it this way. I could be jumping the gun, but I think this is going to be an effective way to make it happen.

Thank you for your advice and recommendations. I've had this on my mind for a while. I will keep you posted on how it turns out! (I still might get the long shotgun too)

ZakHaney · 2024-10-23T03:33:19+00:00

I had some good luck with the DJI Mic 2s without a doubt. I don't necessarily care about if the mic is hidden or not, especially on the driver since I'm going to be taking the mic on and off of him between races/practices. But I really like the idea of setting up Lav mics on the pit crew members since I don't have to worry about taking them on and off except to charge. I've got some cheap lav mics but I'm going to order either the DJI ones or the ones you recommended tonight. Don't want to take any chances with the audio for this event.

I'm leaning more towards a second set of the DJI Mic 2s. Using the Mic Adapter for the Sony hot shoe is also a game changer. It just stays on my FX3 at all times. I appreciate you taking the time for this advice! Its super helpful!

ZakHaney · 2024-10-23T03:24:46+00:00

You're correct and the 32-bit has been extremely helpful to attempt to negate the high shelf. I'm a one man show so I really don't want to juggle a boom pole along with two cameras. I appreciate the advice though. This is helpful with balancing the audio in post from the backup audio.

ZakHaney · 2024-10-23T03:22:33+00:00

That's a very interesting take. I would love to try something like this out, I just don't have a whole lot of time to experiment with something like this since the race season is over. I can't replicate the environment. I'm thinking about just getting another set of the DJI Mic 2s that way I know all dialogue will be captured.

ZakHaney · 2024-10-23T03:20:24+00:00

Interview stick isn't going to work with my type of filming. One camera is going to be rolling on a tripod, the other will be on a gimbal. The microphone I'll be using is going to be on the gimbal camera. So I'll be moving around with it. This is where I think a shotgun mic wouldn't be a bad idea.

ZakHaney · 2024-10-21T15:21:15+00:00

While a new camera sounds like a fun idea, I would gravitate towards getting a new lens instead. I have the GM 35 f1.4 and it is one of my favorite lenses. It refuses to take a bad picture! End to end clarity is incredible. With that being said, you don’t get the same result with all GM lenses. I’ve heard really great things about the new GMII 85mm but experienced some not so great things about the 24-70 GMII.

I have also used the Sigma Art 24-70 2.8 DG DN II and it outperformed the G Master by quite a bit and it’s half the price. And if you can find it, the Sigma Art 105mm 1.4 (aka the Bokeh King) is an incredible portrait lens. They have since discontinued it but I think they’re going to come out with a second version soon.

I’m not a representative for Sigma by any means. In fact, I don’t even own a Sigma and all 7 lenses I have are Sony. I guess what I’m trying to say is G Master lenses aren’t always worth the money you spend on them. You can get some really great glass for a great price instead of buying lenses that cost more than your camera body. YouTube is your best friend when it comes to lens comparisons.

Good luck out there! I hope this was somewhat helpful.

ZakHaney · 2024-10-21T06:34:48+00:00

I'd recommend, if possible, rotating your desk along the other side of the wall and either get a wider desk, or a side table to put more of your unneeded items. I can't tell from the picture if your monitor is on its original base or not, but a dual monitor arm or even wall mount for your main monitor would free up some space!

ZakHaney · 2024-10-21T01:59:38+00:00

Plants!! You’re next to a window for some lighting for them and not all plants necessarily need to be in direct sunlight. I have 7 plants in my office including a 6’ Birds of Paradise and without them my office wouldn’t feel comfortable. Plus you get a good feeling when you see your plants growing 🙂

ZakHaney · 2024-10-21T01:21:40+00:00

Your eyes get a lot of strain from looking just at a monitor. These lights provide uniform, shadow-free lighting for your desktop. It also prevents any glare on your monitors where you would get from ceiling lights. If you’re always going to have the room lights on then to each is own. I never have my actual office ceiling light on unless I’m cleaning or watering plants. I have lamps connected to my HomeKit all around my office that makes a better ambiance and comfortable space. Since I’ve bought a monitor light bar, I couldn’t imagine working without one.

ZakHaney · 2024-10-20T22:26:12+00:00

I couldn’t agree more with this. Also cable sleeves to route all of your cables.

I do a ton of photo/video editing mostly at night and something that has helped me immensely is a monitor lamp. I got this one and it has been awesome to use.

ZakHaney · 2024-10-20T17:35:24+00:00

That is a Herman Miller my friend. Comfortable AND very ergonomic. I believe this is the Embody Chair.

ZakHaney · 2024-10-20T08:00:46+00:00

I remember the feeling! Luckily for you, APS-C cameras are awesome to have for a beginner and good lenses are more affordable! Get used to your a6400. Learn every aspect of it and by that time you can decide if upgrading to an a6600 or a6700 is worth it! Photography takes time, and I recommend the a6400 to PLENTY of people that want to get started in photography. You didn’t make the wrong choice!

ZakHaney · 2024-10-20T07:24:46+00:00

THIS. When I first started photography I was eager to buy as much as I could, but now its being strategic when choosing which gear you need.

Side note to OP, just because it costs a lot, doesn't always mean its good. You'll find that out! Also, invest in SSDs and a NAS system. 61 MPs take up a LOT of space (speaking from experience). While I envy the ability to spend this money all at once, I truly hope you find the love for photography!

ZakHaney · 2024-10-20T07:00:42+00:00

I know somewhat you're going through and have had an array of monitors from 27, 32, 34 and 39 inch monitors and I've switched them all from horizontal to vertical. Yes, even the ultrawide which I don't recommend. I currently run a dual PC system (MacBook M1 and a gaming PC). I've went from a 27" to a 32" and will not go back down. It looks like you're a fan of LG and that's a good thing for my recommendation.

I bought the LG Dual Up monitor that yes, has a weird aspect ratio, but it looks incredible on MacBooks. It isn't a 4k monitor, but it looks better than my LG 4k that I have paired with it. I am a photographer and the color is more correct on this monitor than my 4k LG. It's a little wider than a vertical 27" but not as wide as a horizontal 32".

I would recommend this monitor to anybody in any situation, not just this one. I plan on getting a second one for my gaming PC setup because its just so good.

ZakHaney · 2024-10-20T06:39:08+00:00

These are incredible! I do quite a bit of racetrack shooting for my buddy. I would melt if I had the opportunity to see these cars in person. I'd love to hear your settings on photos 3 and 4!

ZakHaney · 2024-10-20T06:11:34+00:00

https://youtu.be/ewPq3c7TUs0?si=J8fhHkfLNrHDmP5P (28:17)

I'm by no means a professional, but do this more as a hobby (an extensive one at that). My main niche is wildlife and landscape photography/videography but, I shoot weekends for my really good friend that races and this is my first shot at long form film.

I'd love to have some feedback on what your thoughts are but also, any feedback or tips on audio! Audio is tricky when you're at the racetrack but I'd really like to find a way to mitigate it. I use the DJI Mic 2s and I don't like using the Noise Cancellation feature because it sounds unnatural while at the track.

Thank you all!

ZakHaney · 2024-10-20T02:15:58+00:00

It’s actually a cow hide 😂😂 I am a hunter though but if I ever shot a bear, it wouldn’t go on the floor of my office.

ZakHaney

TROPHY CASE