Canon DM-100 Review
Directional Stereo Microphone
- For Vixia Camcorders
- Includes Furry Windmuff
- Cable Free Installation
Introduction
In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 7,329 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the Canon DM-100. This analysis is performed by the RR artificial intelligence and updated daily with newly submitted reviews. The RR AI utilizes a complex algorithm to first scrutinize user reviews for credibility, filtering out unreliable ones. It then proceeds to dissect and evaluate the valuable insights within these reviews, providing users with ratings regarding the features of this product. Based on these assessments, users can make informed decisions about whether this product is suitable for them or not.
Ratings Based on Features
These results are a summary of user reviews of the Canon DM-100. For example, 96% of 533 users who have commented on the Sound quality of the Canon DM-100 have given positive feedback.
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 20 of 196 Reviews
Beats Built-ins, but compare 2 Rode SVM!
Canon DM-100 Directional Stereo Microphone
Reviewed by the Documentarist on B&H Photo Video
The built-in mics on the HF-100 / HF-10 / HF-11 are, to be blunt, incapable of good sound ( self-noise AND handling-noise ). Excellent camcorders, but good grief, are they hobbled by their sound, as ALL such camcorders are. This mic provides 3 modes, mono-Shotgun, stereo-90-degree, & stereo-120-degree. For video, you probably want the stereo-90-degree mode most of the time. It's got a built-in shock-mount, in its stem. It's got significantly less self-noise than the built-in mics. Compare, however, with the only slightly more expensive Rode Stereo VideoMic, and I *think* you'll find the Rode much better ( I haven't got both here at the same time to compare, unfortunately ). Had I the option, the resources, and the time ( before this particular project ), I'd have got both ( and a tripod-mount-to-hotshoe-bracket, to mount the Rode on, since Canon's gone over to the Dark Side with their proprietary hot-shoes ), and compared 'em directly against each other, then returned the poorer-sounding one. Do I regret spending this much money on the DM-100? No: I NEED better sound than what the camcorder mics provide, and this makes a big difference. I do have to keep the levels low ( so the background noise *just barely* nibbles at the bottom of the on-screen meter ), to minimize the self-noise, somewhat, though, and that means less signal to work with in post. Ideally? I'd have got a good UHF Wireless system with lavs, but that'd cost MUCH more. Or, I coulda got the Sony ECM-957 & just wired it to the camcorder ( stereo-mini extension cable ), and had MUCH better sound, though I'd have picked up every sound for a quarter mile, with that little gem and been stuck with the wire & the mic-stand & shock-mount, which wouldn't work in many situations... It's directional, it's selectable pattern, it fits the camcorder, it's compact, it automatically fixes a couple of menu-entries when plugged onto the camera ( no Wind Suppression setting available with it on -- use the softie it comes with ), it doesn't require extra batteries, it communicates to whom you're recording that you're serious ( worth a bit, that :), and it improves sound noticeably. Worth it, but consider the alternatives ( Rode Stereo VideoMic $, Audio-Technica Stereo Shotgun mics + shockmount + adapter $$, UHF Wireless + Lav $$$, etc ) ... More
Versatile microphone, but........
Canon DM-100 Directional Stereo Microphone
Reviewed by Rambling Sid Rumpo on B&H Photo Video
Bought the DM-100 to use with my Canon HF-G10 camcorder. In my experience, the pros and cons are: Pros:Audio quality: Moderate improvement in audio quality compared to built-in mic, with deeper/richer mid-tones in particular. Matches camcorder audio electronics well, as one would expect - so can quickly switch between the built-in mic and DM-100 without being overly concerned with manual readjustment of levels. The Shotgun and two Stereo (90/120 ) pick-up patterns make this a very versatile microphone. The close-range, off-axis rejection in the Shotgun and Stereo 90 modes is very good.Ease of Use: The convenience of being able to 'hot-connect' the DM-100 to the camcorder without concern for on-off switches, batteries, cables, shoe adapters and/or mount brackets is a major benefit. Cons: Build quality: Some parts of the all-plastic construction are a bit flimsy; in particular the part ('foot') that attaches to the mini hot shoe looks as if it wouldn't take much to break. For the price, one would have expected this to be more robust and with some means of protecting the exposed 'hot' contacts when not attached - and a protective case to go with it. Limited wind protection: Disappointed to find that the DM-100, lacking a High-Pass/Low-Cut filter option itself, also disables the built-in Low Cut filter option (along with the automatic electronic 'Wind Screen') on the HF-G10 (same with the HF-G20/30 models). Attaching any third party external microphone to the camcorders MIC/LINE-IN terminal also disables these on-board audio options, but it is puzzling why Canon could not have made them available for the DM-100, especially with it being their own brand. Although the provided fur ('fuzzy/dead-cat') cover does a reasonable job in attenuating wind-noise in mild breezes, it is inadequate for stronger, gusting winds. Again, for the price, one would have expected a better quality faux-fur (this one sheds the 'hairs' somewhat) with some means (elasticated cuff etc) of closing-up the generous aperture on underside of the fur when it has been fitted over the DM-100 to provide a better wind seal. As a resort, I've taken to attaching an elasticated, velveteen hair tie/scrunchie to help fill the gaps. Since no stock foam 'gags' are supplied for the DM-100 (as they were for the DM-50) an open-cell foam layer could have been incorporated in the fur lining for added wind protection. As such, the only recourse for superior wind protection would be a custom-made windjammer/foam combination. Still, the provided fur does at least eliminate most of the wind noise 'howl' and allows near range dialogue to be recorded quite clearly under moderately windy conditions. ... More
Useful but not pro quality
Canon DM-100 Directional Stereo Microphone
Reviewed by Robin on B&H Photo Video
The built-in microphones for the Vixia series are not really very useful for anything beyond home movies - the person holding the camera is louder than the person they are talking to on camera.. This shotgun microphone has a much better chance of picking up action in front of the camera. We use the Vixia camera in low profile documentary work where we need to just look like tourists. This shotgun is easy to attach & remove and just looks like a handle (much too fragile to use as a real handle). There must be a preamp inside the microphone as sound levels record much hotter than with the internal mic. This isn't a bad thing as we often had to bring up the gain 15 to 20 db previously. It really isn't in the sales sheets but this mic has a switch selectable pickup pattern - shotgun, 90stereo and 120 stereo. It comes with a furry windscreen so you don't need to try to find an appropriate windscreen. On the negative side - the Canon Smart Shoe is a rather flimsy design and we always feel that it might break if overstressed. Also it is not possible to use this microphone at the same time you are using the Canon LANC adapter or any other Smart Shoe device. ... More
Surprisingly good
Canon DM-100 Directional Stereo Microphone
Reviewed by Matt_David on B&H Photo Video
Even though the HF10 has no moving parts per se, the sound quality of it is at best, mediocre. So I took a gamble and bought the DM-100. The difference is stunning; Canon should package all HF10/HF100's with these - they're amazing. Although it's not on par with a boom mic, it's pretty close. The sound cone is narrow, but not too narrow, and it can handle the extremes surprisingly well. Best part, no battery is required - as it feeds off the power of the camcorder (Though you might want to consider upgrading the battery to the 819 series). Bottom line, you want something good and affordable in terms of sound, this is your answer. ... More
Must have accessory.
Canon DM-100 Directional Stereo Microphone
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I purchased the DM-100 for a recently concluded family vacation in hopes of matching quality sound with the excellent video output of my Vixea HF M31, I was not disappointed. Case in point: If you have ever travelled to Disney World you know that they spare no expense in the production of their shows. One event I didn't want to miss the recording of was Fantasmic, their evening show at Hollywood Studios. We were lucky enough to be center stage (so to speak) so lighting and sound were perfect. The DM-100 reproduced the entire 30 minute show in fantastic form and truly matched the video capabilities of the camera. Some reviews have stated that for the money you can get a better shotgun microphone, agreed. One factor I weighed when deciding on the Canon microphone was convenience of the mini-shoe and its elimination of the need to plug another type external into the input port. The ability to slide on/off the DM-100 truly adds to its value. Lastly, the dead cat wind screen did on more than one occasion get some curious looks (often by kids); I'd just smile and explain. In benefit, it did just as one would want, wind noise was successfully abated. If you truly want matching sound for your video output, as well as ease of mount/dismount, I highly recommend the DM-100. ... More
Ads
The best mic I found
Canon DM-100 Directional Stereo Microphone
Reviewed by Jim Sween on B&H Photo Video
I Bought this mic 3 years ago, The hot shoe must have gotten bump some how and I did not know it, I shot a couple of events and I noticed a small clucking sound in my videos. It only happen when I walked with the camera. So I figured it out what was wrong. I called canon. They said just buy a new one, we do not fix them, Sorry! So I bought a (Road Pro) no good, It picks up way to much unwanted noise, And vary bassy to. I called canon and they tried to help. They had me go in the settings in the hf g30 canon. And they said turn the low noise filter on. It helped but it still was not what I was needing, So to make a long story short I highly recommend buying this DM-100 all over again. Just be carful with the mount, don't bump it. It is vary fragile. Hope this helps everyone out there. ... More
Expensive but worth it
Canon DM-100 Directional Stereo Microphone
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
This mic provides three sound acceptance patterns (shotgun, 90-degree stereo and 120-degree stereo spreads), and comes with an effective windscreen. It fits the new Canon HF10 and HF100 customized hot shoe, making those hi-def cameras that much more effective and professional. Okay, semi-pro. But I like the results. The cameras have built-in stereo mics that work well, but are sensitive to the slightest breeze, which sounds like thunder. This external mic solves the wind noise problem, plus the switchable polar patterns and superb frequency response add depth and dimension not possible with the on-camera mic. Thank you, Canon, for a job well done. ... More
A rewarding investment
Canon DM-100 Directional Stereo Microphone
Reviewed by wytphilosophies on B&H Photo Video
Camcorder internal microphones are terrible (I'd give mine a 2/10), and this accessory brings it up to a 7/10. I use it with my Canon VIXIA HF M31, whenever I care about the sound recorded. It won't save you in all situations, but it will make what you're looking at sound clear, crisp and a lot closer (while the internal mic will make the person sound distant and echo-y). Where it'll really earn its weight in gold is if you want to record dialogue. It won't magically remove background noise, but it will bring what people say to the forefront (as opposed to the internal which treats sound from all directions equally), and this will make a huge difference. The windscreen is also 20x better than the 'wind attenuator' function some camcorders have for the internal mics. Keep in mind, good sound will make your videos look pro (and bad sound is the signature of the amateurish filmmaking), so for very little extra money, you can increase the quality of your videos dramatically. This is really worth the investment. ... More
Great for Live Concerts!
Canon DM-100 Directional Stereo Microphone
Reviewed by kjfinison on B&H Photo Video
I used this mic to record a live handbell concert. For those of you who are not familiar with handbells, they are a very difficult intrument to record due to the nature of the soundwaves and overtones they produce. This mic picked up all frequencies from the highest to the lowest bells and did so very accurately. The mix and balance was wonderful througout the range and had a nice, flat response. It did not distort the treble bells, which is often a problem for live recording, yet it picked up the low bass beautifully without coloration of the tone. I highly recommend this mic for anyone recording live music. I cannot find anything negative to say about this mic... it's that good! ... More
Gets great sound under many conditions
Canon DM-100 Directional Stereo Microphone
Reviewed by Marco Montedoro on B&H Photo Video
I used the DM-100 on my Canon HF10 flash-memory based HD camcorder. Initially I bought it for a tour of Israel this past summer. It attaches quicly and easily and there's no worry about battery, and works very well even in a variety of difficult conditions ranging from outdoors with wind, to a noisy interior with many background noises. Performance is on a professional par with larger more expensive shotgun mikes, despite its small size. It easily fits with camera in a small case. While it works well with the Intelligent mini-accessory shoe on this camera, there is no provision for using it off camera via cable. Since it takes up that shoe, there is no provision for using an on-cam light when the mike is connected. I would like to see an accessory cord that would allow it to be used off cam, or even with other cams via generic hookup. ... More
Good microphone
Canon DM-100 Directional Stereo Microphone
Reviewed by Dolphinstreet ... on B&H Photo Video
I got this mic for my Vixia HG-20, as I noticed the sound from the built-in mic is not that great. Lots of white noise. I produce guitar video lessons on* and I needed to improve the overall sound on my recordings.I installed the DM-100 and recorded some test videos, using all 3 sound angle options. Impressive results. I also experimented with wearing closed back headphones when walking around filming different things.My conclusion is that this is a huge improvement over the built in microphone. The sound quality is much better, there is a lot less white noise, and with the wind cover, it's possible to get good sound outside on a windy day. The shotgun setting is very nice, as it effectively captures the sound from the object you are filming, and not the sounds to the side of the camera. The other two stereo settings produce a rich stereo sound.It is very light, it's not in the way and it's very easy to use. Just attach it on top of the camera, pick a sound angle setting and away you go.Overall, a great addition to a camera like the HG-20. The only drawback is that I think it's a little bit on the expensive side, but if audio quality is important to you, I highly recommend it. ... More
Convenient upgrade for a budget mic
Canon DM-100 Directional Stereo Microphone
Reviewed by Chapel Hill Film Solutions on B&H Photo Video
*Please note: I would recommend this to a friend under the right conditions: non-professional especially* I use this mic for our consulting firm's promotion work. I've been using the onboard mic for two years and when we became more serious about promotion I decided to shop around for a mic on a budget. After my research: my preference would have been the RODE brand mic that is about the same price but unfortunately my Audio input jack does not function on my HF-100 (defective) and I was required to use the canon advanced mini shoe. I like the convenient attachment, notable improvement on close up audio, no need to setup or put the camera in a mode, and shotgun mode's reduction of background noise over the stock mic (except little things like fabric). I don't like that background noise is still present (notably air conditioning to a lesser extent and now a greater amount of fabric movement) ... More
Great Improvement over Built-in Mic
Canon DM-100 Directional Stereo Microphone
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Teststed the Canon DM-100 with wind shield on my Canon HF-M500 Camcorder. Wind during the test was average of 10 mph with gusts to 15 mph. Using the built-in mic, my voice would at times be covered during the higher gusts. I would describe the wind noise as high pitched and raspy sounding. The wind noise was worse when the camera was perpendicular the the wind. With the DM-100 installed, the wind noise was greatly reduced or eliminated. I could only detect the wind noise during the higher gusts, and the noise was only a low pitched muffled sound. My voice narration was not covered over at all. The DM-100 also produced a higher volume than the built-in mic, with more bass tones present. Natural higher end sounds such as wind chimes and birds where equally good with either mic. I had the mic set at 90 degrees for the test. ... More
Worth Every Dollar
Canon DM-100 Directional Stereo Microphone
Reviewed by R-CHECK on B&H Photo Video
I needed a good mic for my Canon M300. This mic is the difference between making my project or not. The sound quality is pro-am with the am price. The saving grace is the Canons M300 'S hot shoe. The shoe is a little delicate and so is the mic . I bought the extended warranty on the mic. The M300 video is outsanding . I mean like there is no difference between looking at the fxp mode video and seeing outside with my own eyes it is that good. Even down sampled to DVD is better than some HD MP4 I Stream on fiber optics 30megs via my 360. If you need good audio get a Canon camcorder with the hot shoe and this mic. It is worth the extra money. Just a quick note on the m300 it is a complicated camcorder. Not a just point and shoot. However if you want kicking video quality it is worth the time to learn how to use it. ... More
Suprised the difference it made
Canon DM-100 Directional Stereo Microphone
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I just had a moment to use this microphone. I generally use it to record kids band perfomances... and am usually up in the sound room for these performances (100+ feet away). I just recorded a HS jazz concert with the mic, and was shocked... it really focused in on the sound in front. I did some tests with the mic, w/o the mic... the most notable difference is that there is a huge air handler in the sound room.. and when I use just the camcorder microphone, you hear the blower cycle on and off... with th DM-100, no noise at all, and the clarity of the music was greatly improved... B&H .. what can I say, they are the best.. I would never by elsewhere. ... More
Not bad
Canon DM-100 Directional Stereo Microphone
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I have yet to try this for the main purpose I bought it for which is to video bands at live performances. I suspect it will do this well despite only having a frequency responce down to 100Hz, but I know it will do this better than the built in mics; the ideal way to do this would be a good pair of match full range mics with a unity gain out from a mixing board. I used this last weekend at a Robotic Competition and acidently stepped on it. To it's credit, it still works, but it took me a half an hour to put it back together and I feel lucky that I was able to, this convinced me that this is cheaply make especially for being made in Japan. I'm worried that someday it will break off in the hot shoe for this is the weakest link. Many have said that it's worth the expense since it performs so much better than the built in mics and I would have to agree whole hartedly. It's a 'must have' accessory. ... More
Terrible lack of directionality
Canon DM-100 Directional Stereo Microphone
Reviewed by DrDecibel on B&H Photo Video
I have only used this once and doubt I'll ever use it again. It has no detectable directionality at all despite being marketed at a premium price as a hypercardiod microphone that should have 60 Db of rejection from the sides and I find myself lucky to get a tenth of that. Frequency response is also weak at the bottom and top of the spectrum. Total waste of money! It's best use is not to be bought at all. If you are willing to carry around a little more hardware (two professional supercardiod microphones similar to the Electro-voice nd-767 or shure sm57's and a beachtek DXA-2T XLR line/mic level converter with 3.5 mm stereo mic level output. Then all you need are cables and stands and you might be able to reject unwanted noise fron the rear and sides as well as capture the entire range of sound instead of zero improvement from standard internal mics. ... More
Great product for a great price
Canon DM-100 Directional Stereo Microphone
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
This product is very easy to use. I choose it because that you do not have to connect any cables to the unit. Every connector is intergraded in the shoe due that it's a original accessory. This means that the installation time is very fast.In the tests I done you can see a slight sound improvment. It's not as good as a Rde mic but it does not cost as much eather. The included cat hear makes a night and day differens in windy conditions, you still hear that is windy but you don't get the flapping sound. I use it together with my camcorder, Canon Legria HF S10.I live in Sweden and was on vaccation i Florida when I ordered the mic. First I tried to order it from Canon USA but they did'nt accept international credit cards so after a lot of phone calls to Canon they recommended me to contact B&H.When I did it was a happy surprice that I got the products for 80 dollars cheaper ... from B&H!+ fast installation+ no cables+ affordable- the camera becomes twice as big when mic is mountedAll together it ends up as a great product in this price range. ... More
DM-100 Accessory Mike
Canon DM-100 Directional Stereo Microphone
Reviewed by Bill ... on B&H Photo Video
Ahhh... what manufacturer's accessory mike to use on a Canon Camcorder, a Vixia H10 in this case? What with Canon's custom accessory shoe one has to use an adapter shoe to use a Sennhauser or Rode mike, making them quite tall above the camcorder. The Canon DM-100 just slips on and off the accessory shoe with no external cable or power switch. Slide it on and it works. And it seems to do the job as far as my ear goes. The shotgun mode works well and the 90 degree mode works pretty much as well as the shotgun mode. And, the sound quality, perhaps not up to Sennhauser or Rode, but was certainly much better than the camcorders internal mikes. Good enough for me! And the Dead Cat really does pretty well eliminate wind noise. In really strong wind it reduces the wind noise to a very low bass rumble. pretty good in my book! ... More
Almost too good for it's own good
Canon DM-100 Directional Stereo Microphone
Reviewed by Staff of the Magi Productions Inc. on B&H Photo Video
This microphone is amazing. Simply put, it is incredibly powerful and can pick up sounds from hundreds of feet away. We used this microphone on a shoot on a windy day in the middle of a pedestrian bridge and could pick up cars from nearly a quarter mile away in the background during playback. The wind screen is a major help, but if the wind is more than about 15 mph, there will be noise recorded and there is nothing you really can do about it. Still, all in all, this microphone more than does what is required for me at least. ... More
