Panasonic DMW-MS2 Review
Stereo Shotgun Microphone
- Selectable Shotgun and Stereo Microphone
- Condenser Mic Operates on Plug-In Power
- Frequency Response: 80 Hz to 20 kHz
- Vibration Absorption Mechanism
- Metal Housing
- Compatible with DMC-GH3 Digital Camera
- Includes Windjammer
- Microphone Mode Selected Via Camera Menu
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 20 of 20 Reviews
Not impressed
Panasonic DMW-MS2 Stereo Shotgun Microphone for Panasonic DMC-GH3
Reviewed by Dreamline on B&H Photo Video
I bought this to use to beef up the audio capture of my GH3. I really liked the mic itself, solid construction, nice windsock, integrates well with the camera. I also like that it comes with an extension cable for remote use. Heck I even like the sound of the mic, it's a pretty solid shotgun mic. Except for the fatal flaw, the noise floor is way too high. I was in a number of *quiet* rooms, and had a separate Rode NTG-2 nearby recording into a Zoom H4N, and difference is night and day. Even when adjusting the level on the GH3 (recording as low as a 7 which was a low-ish level for the volume of their voice and distance) it picked up significant noise while the Rode picked up very little. Stereo mode was even worse for me. I'm not sure if I got a bad unit or what, but I'm returning it as this audio isn't going to cut it. ... More
The Ideal DSLR Microphone
Panasonic DMW-MS2 Stereo Shotgun Microphone for Panasonic DMC-GH3
Reviewed by Steven on B&H Photo Video
I purchased this microphone with my new Lumix GH3. This mic was designed and built for this particular camera but would work well with a wide variety of DSLRs. It is a phantom powered mic through the 3.5mm plug. It is switchable between a shotgun and omni stereo modes as it has elements for both built into the same unit. It is well constructed and will be durable. It comes with its own dead cat cover to help buffer wind noise. I chose this over a variety of other mics designed for DSLRs due to phantom power system which negates the use and frustration of battery management for on-board power. Performance wise it specs out equal or better than other comparable mics. I have found the audio to be excellent with low noise and great dynamic range. ... More
It's all about the AGC!
Panasonic DMW-MS2 Stereo Shotgun Microphone for Panasonic DMC-GH3
Reviewed by Rick on B&H Photo Video
I was certainly surprised to find out that the GH3 has an AGC turned on full time. This is very important for people to know in order to figure out the noise problem. If your level is set to 1 the camera will boost your quietest passages by 3db. If you set yuor level to 19, the camera will boost your quietest passages by 20db. Why Panasonic would have full time AGC on a Prosumer camera and not explain it anywhere is beyond me. I guess it's for convenience and portability for those who dont want to carry around a separate sound recorder. So if your camera/mic system is confusing you, it may be because you are expecting it to be acting like a digital recorder without AGC. Hope this helps! ... More
good value for the money
Panasonic DMW-MS2 Stereo Shotgun Microphone for Panasonic DMC-GH3
Reviewed by Paul on B&H Photo Video
Bought this microphone as it was an obviously good partner for my Panasonic GH3. It's procing was competitive with other quality mikes out there and the clincher for me was that it comprises both a directional shotgun mike and a wide stereo mike and comes with a useful though tight fitting wind cutter. Having put it though its paces it performs well and picks up strong signals without much interference. One area of concern is its poor isolation of camera noises, knocks and vibration. Despite it saying it has a vibration absorption mechanism I couldn't see how this works. It's screwed fairly tightly to the camera hotshoe with no obvious dampening features compared to some other mikes. ... More
Dedicated Mic for GH3
Panasonic DMW-MS2 Stereo Shotgun Microphone for Panasonic DMC-GH3
Reviewed by Ron H on B&H Photo Video
I spent some time looking for comparison reviews of this mic. I ended up purchasing it and then making a YouTube video comparing it to the camera mic (Panasonic MS2 Microphone Comparison). As this is my first external mic, I can't really compare it to Rode, or other brands. Not sure this would work on cameras other then the GH3, as there are no controls on the mic. Switching from Stereo to Shotgun is done by the camera menu. Easy to use and seems rugged. You can listen to the video and make your own decision as to sound quality.
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If you own a GH3, you should have this.
Panasonic DMW-MS2 Stereo Shotgun Microphone for Panasonic DMC-GH3
Reviewed by Jay on B&H Photo Video
I think that no GH3 is complete without this microphone. It is perfectly matched to the camera (designed just for the GH3), is very compact, has excellent audio quality, is very fairly priced, and is selectable from shotgun to a very spacious stereo field from the camera's menu. Some have complained of not enough noise coupling in the mount, but I use it exclusively on a tripod, and unlike video cameras, there is no motor (like old tape cameras) or power zoom to generate a lot of noise, so I don't see the problem there. Summary: if you own a GH3, get this microphone! ... More
Stereo or shotgun this mic hits the mark
Panasonic DMW-MS2 Stereo Shotgun Microphone for Panasonic DMC-GH3
Reviewed by Carnavalpix on B&H Photo Video
Purchased one as a package with a Lumix GH3 and right out of the box this tool was effortless to use. With default camera and mic settings it captured a live band event with clean stereo sound and no overmodulation. The unit is light, the telescoping mount is useful, and I can't wait to try it on a boom pole with cable.
A Must Have for serious Videography
Panasonic DMW-MS2 Stereo Shotgun Microphone for Panasonic DMC-GH3
Reviewed by Anthony on B&H Photo Video
If I only had a dollar for every time someone walked up to me and asked what I was doing while I was videoing an event. Which the camera's built-in microphones always picks up. With the MS2 one can use eliminate unwanted audio pickup with both the GH3 and GH4.
Great mic
Panasonic DMW-MS2 Stereo Shotgun Microphone for Panasonic DMC-GH3
Reviewed by Q the eskimo on B&H Photo Video
The sound from this mic is a substantial improvement over that of the cameras. Its ability to pick up music at a live performance far exceeded my expectations
No Battery, No Problem
Panasonic DMW-MS2 Stereo Shotgun Microphone for Panasonic DMC-GH3
Reviewed by Keith on B&H Photo Video
Descent sound but the best part is no battery for me to have to worry about turning on or leaving on. Plugs right in the the GH4 and gives me descent sound and is great to help me sync sound from multiple cams in post.
Excellent shotgun mic
Panasonic DMW-MS2 Stereo Shotgun Microphone for Panasonic DMC-GH3
Reviewed by Phil on B&H Photo Video
This microphone works perfectly with the GH4. The different settings it unlocks in the gh4's menu are very helpful. This mic is doing a great job being my sole source of audio while I save up for wireless lavs. For the price, this thing can't be beat.
By far better than I expected
Panasonic DMW-MS2 Stereo Shotgun Microphone for Panasonic DMC-GH3
Reviewed by Marc on B&H Photo Video
The pick up pf the mic is astounding, but you do have to set the GH3 controls properly. The fact that it came packed with a wind sock was an added bonus. Meets the performance of some XLR based microphones.
Best video mic I've ever had!
Panasonic DMW-MS2 Stereo Shotgun Microphone for Panasonic DMC-GH3
Reviewed by Brenchard on B&H Photo Video
Perfect fit for the GH-3. Easy setup all on menu. No batteries gets power from camera. I use it at Church and interviews. Records music and voice with great results. Good investment.
Does the trick
Panasonic DMW-MS2 Stereo Shotgun Microphone for Panasonic DMC-GH3
Reviewed by JG in MT on B&H Photo Video
I am new to video with that said the mic works great with my GH4. Sound is crisp and clear. It would be nice to have more manual controls.
Useful microphone!
Panasonic DMW-MS2 Stereo Shotgun Microphone for Panasonic DMC-GH3
Reviewed by JoTrGr on B&H Photo Video
I really enjoy the different features that this microphone provides. Sounds come in very clear for a non-XLR mic. I haven't found anything bad about it, it's wonderful!
Works well
Panasonic DMW-MS2 Stereo Shotgun Microphone for Panasonic DMC-GH3
Reviewed by Newsrocket on B&H Photo Video
I'm a professional news writer and videographer. Audio quality is excellent. Side cancelling characteristics are good but not great. Overpriced but what isn't these days.
better than the built in mic...i guess
Panasonic DMW-MS2 Stereo Shotgun Microphone for Panasonic DMC-GH3
Reviewed by Kerro on B&H Photo Video
got this as a free item when i bought my GH3...its really only useful to me for reference audio...self noise is really high.
Great for the Lumix Gh4
Panasonic DMW-MS2 Stereo Shotgun Microphone for Panasonic DMC-GH3
Reviewed by John on B&H Photo Video
Great mic. Had to actually turn it down a bit.
I would buy this product again.
Panasonic DMW-MS2 Stereo Shotgun Microphone for Panasonic DMC-GH3
Reviewed by T. L. Man on B&H Photo Video
Works nicely on the Panasonic GH4. Stereo feature is great to have.
Great Quality Mic!
Panasonic DMW-MS2 Stereo Shotgun Microphone for Panasonic DMC-GH3
Reviewed by Christopher on B&H Photo Video
Purchased this for my Panasonic GH4. Works great! Quality audio.
