TAKSTAR SGC-598 Camera Microphone, Professional Video Recording Microphone, Universal Shotgun Microphone for Canon/Nikon/Sony Camera&Camcorder, Video Mic with Shock Mount, Windscreen and 3.5mm Jack

It has always seemed to be a bit of a toss-up between the Polsen and Takstar microphones as far as low cost DSLR mics has been concerned. I went with the Polsen CS-88A a while ago as I respected a particular YouTube reviewer. I have always struggled with it as it was a fight to get loud enough recordings while still being able to drop out the background noises. When the Takstar SGC-598 and SGC-600 both came available for review, I jumped at the chance. The difference is night and day.I give the 3 mics a quick run on my ancient Zoom H1. Up front, I'll say that the voice quality variations are minimal (my choice would be the 598 for natural sounding) and there are many better controlled comparisons out there, so I'll leave the sound quality choice up to others. I'll speak to volume as that has always been my issue. Hands down, the loudest, by a large margin over the Polsen was the 600, the 598 not far behind. On the 10dB cut, the 600 was still easy to hear at a 50% setting on the H1. I felt the 600 was a bit boomy at the 10db boost, the 598 much better, but for now, I haven't taken the time to kick in the low pass filter-again, consider other opinions on the recording quality for your personal use scenario.The 600 advertises a feature of light weight, and that is immediately noticeable. I threw it on the scale with the battery in place and it came in at 99.9 grams. The 598 at 187.6g. The Polsen a bit lighter at 185.0g.Annoyances:The Takstar 598 switch labels are small enough, but the 600's are downright microscopic. You'll also need fingernails to throw the switches on the 600-they are micro mini also. The 598 has a boost, but no volume cut, so is not a versatile. These came with a nice draw string bag, EXCEPT the 600. It does come with a phone mic/headphone splitter which the others do not, so for some that may make up for the omission.If you want to use a pair of these for stereo/dual recording, you'll probably need a matched pair. I think there is enough difference between the 598 and 600 that you'll not want to use them together or even interchangeably.While the 600 is the new "replacement" for the 598, I think some will still find the 598 has its place. Other than the 10dB cut, there are no real additional features for the 600. Understand that there still might be a place for the Polsen-I'm thinking a (high volume) band concert for example. There are times when a low volume mic might be an advantage, but for me, I'll take the Takstars.

The media could not be loaded.  This is so much better in audio quality compared to the microphone on my Canon 5D IV DSLR camera! It is pretty easy to use, has one AA battery included, and is great for windy conditions. I would recommend this for anyone doing interviews or video recording. It's great for the price range and quality! I would highly recommend this for any amateur videographer on a budget!

This is my preferred shotgun mic I use with my Nikon's. Easy to attach and completely compatible.