David Lee King

social media | emerging trends | libraries

FiFine Lavalier Microphone Test

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Once in a great while, I’m asked to do a product review. I love doing them (especially when I get a microphone out of the deal). So … I said yes, and here’s my review!

The microphone in this video is the FiFine C2A Lavalier microphone. It’s a mobile-friendly lavalier mic, meaning that it’s got the TRRS connector that works for smartphones. For a newer iPhone, just use that lightning adapter that you probably have, and it will work fine.

Mostly, the product review is in the video – so watch the video and listen to the mic (you can find it about halfway through the video). The microphone comes with a long extension cable, so you can get about 6.5′ away from your phone, which is nice.

How does the microphone sound? I think it sounds pretty great, especially considering it only costs $20. I also have a Rode SmartLav+ lavalier microphone … I’ll have to make a comparison video soon.

In the video, you’ll also hear the difference between audio coming from the internal microphone on my Canon G7X Mark II point and shoot camera, and the FiFine lavalier microphone. If you just listen to the internal Canon mic, it sounds acceptable. But when you compare the two microphones, there’s a HUGE difference between them – the lavalier microphone sounds MUCH better to my ears.

Anyway, I know your organization is probably making more videos than you used to, so you might also be thinking about improving the audio quality of those videos. This mic provides a very inexpensive way to do that.

Playing with a Gimbal

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My library just purchased a handheld gimbal – the FeiyuTech G6Max handheld gimbal. Gimbals are handheld video stabilizers, so you can get smooth video as you walk around holding the camera.

It’s pretty cool! The gimbal seems to work well – me, not so much (you’ll have to watch the video to see what I mean). Once I figure out how the controls on the gimbal work, I think the G6Max will work pretty well for getting smooth clips of people as they are walking, getting those smooth, slow motion b-roll shots (there are a few of them in this video), and in general, just smoothing out all the jerkiness caused by holding a camera in your hand while walking around.

I made the video using my Canon G7X Mark II camera, and a Rode SmartLav+ lavalier microphone. The microphone was plugged into my iPhone, and was recording my voice using Rode’s Reporter app. That combination works pretty well, I think – take a listen and see if you agree.

So watch the video to see what I’m talking about (feel free to subscribe to my YouTube channel while you’re watching!).

Also – this is sorta new tech for me. What’s new for you? What have you been learning about lately? I’d love to hear what you’re learning – please share in the comments!

Making a Video is Easy!

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I was in a video-making mood last week, and created a couple of short videos. This one was really the second one … but I think I’ll share it first.

This is something I’ve said before. Video is extremely easy to make and share in today’s Youtube and smartphone driven world. Point a camera at your head and start sharing. It really IS that simple.

And … you, dear reader, most likely have a fine video camera in your purse or pocket (or book bag, or messenger bag, or in your hand, or ….).

It’s your smartphone. I also sometimes carry around a small point and shoot camera (that’s what I used to make this video). Still fits in my bag/pocket/etc!

So – what’s stopping you from creating videos for your customers, or your family and friends?

Make a video already – and share it! I’d love to see what you do 🙂

(oh, and subscribe to my Youtube channel please!)