Sony ECMALST1 Alpha Compact Stereo Microphone (Black)
by Sony
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Category: Digital Camera
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Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: SonyFormat: CD-ROM
Model: ECMALST1
Color: Black
Product features:
- Compact stereo microphone for Alpha cameras with movie function
- Attaches to the flash mount and connects via 3.5mm plug
- Includes wind screen and carrying case
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Sony ECMALST1 Alpha Compact Stereo Microphone (Black)
Customer Review: Works quite well for me! So let's talk about lens noise...
Summary: 4 Stars
I recently received an ECM-ALST1 and have been doing some testing with the Sony A55 camera. Frequency response is much better than that of the built-in mics. There's smooth coverage through the middle and high end without obvious peaks or valleys. The low end is not as full as some other good mics, but that is easier to boost in post processing if needed. Some hiss is noticeable in quiet scenes.
For my big test I recorded a stage show with some pretty loud music (a live jazz band and twelve singers), and the ECM-ALST1 performed well. It handled the volume without distortion, which is something the A55's built-in mics have trouble doing. There really is a noticeable difference in stereo separation when comparing the two available settings, and the 120 degree setting sounded best for this venue.
One other thing I appreciate is the mic's small size. It's literally less than half the size of other popular models, meaning I'll be more likely to have it with me and actually use it.
Now, about the autofocusing noise discussed by the other reviewer...
This mic has a flexible (rubber?) section in the base to help reduce noise from the camera. It does significantly cut down on the noise generated by SteadyShot (caused by the camera's sensor being shifted around continuously during the clip).
Autofocusing noise - a separate thing - is also reduced, though not as much. The reason is that a lot of the noise comes directly from the lens, which is always just a couple of inches away from the mic when it's on the camera. Putting the greatest insulating material in the world between the mic and the camera shoe would not reduce that noise! It's easy to confirm this by shooting a quiet scene (with AF and SS both active), once with the mic mounted on the camera, and then again holding the mic slightly above the mounting shoe, thus eliminating any physical contact with the camera. The second clip will be better, but plenty of noise will still be audible.
That said, things like tapping on the camera, pressing buttons, etc., are a no-no. They produce sounds similar to touching and kicking a big metal mic stand. As with any mic, you would ideally use it off camera if possible to eliminate all that.
To summarize, this mic does what I hoped it would do for my purposes. Probably my only complaint is that it's somewhat more expensive than it ought to be, so I'm giving it a less than perfect rating for that. (TIP: the Sony ECM-MSD1 is actually the same except for the color, the mounting shoe (standard ISO vs. Minota/Sony iISO), and the flexible section I mentioned above, and that model is much less expensive.)
Description of Sony ECMALST1 Alpha Compact Stereo Microphone (Black)
Capture sound right from the source with the ECM-ALST1 compact stereo microphone. Connects to the Smart Accessory Terminal and has a wind screen to help eliminate wind noise.Accessories
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