: I am just starting out as a documentary producer and I need advice on what sort of external mics would be the best and most affordable for me to use for my VX2000. I need a mic that records in-field inerviews with high quality (that focus as much as possible directly at the person talking), with a minimum of background noise. I'm assuming shotgun mics fill this purpose, and I tried to buy the Sony ECM-HSI "Zoom" accessory at a local store, but was upsold to the ECM-MS908C "Electret Condensor Stereo Microphone" for $30 more. Problem is, I'm not happy with this mic. It records sound in great stereo, but seemingly picks up every single background noise going on whether it's in its 90 or 120-degree setting. The person I'm interviewing is competeing with tons of very clear background noise. Would a shotgun mic eliminate this problem? What are some good shotgun mics...I've heard good things about the Sennheiser MK300 shotgun.. Or, should I be looking for a boom mic or even just a handheld mic? Any advice would be appreciated. I just want good, direct interview sound recording!

You were "mis-sold" an MS908c, a good stereo mic, but, as you found, not directional. The Sennheiser MK-300 is a good cheap short shotgun (good sound, though a little "saddle-backed" in its balance - a little EQ in post helps [and it is reasonably wind-resistent - and a little wrapping with cheap air-conditioner filter foam improves that]), but it is mono, and it will still pick up sound to the side, and especially behind, the speaker. Cheapest good solution: a hard-wired lavalier mic, often well under $50 (also may need EQ). BTW, you can use mono mics in pairs for both safety and some sense of stereo sound...