With more flexibility than the competition, theShure VP83F Lenshopper Flash is a groundbreaking addition to the camera-mounted microphone market.
TheLenshopper provides professional quality directional sound with great off-axis rejection. The VP83F features a built-in recorder that allows you to record 48khz 24-bit WAV files at the push of a button, and also allows it to be used as a stand-alone recorder. TheVP83f excels as a camera-mounted mic, allowing you to bypass your DSLR’s audio function. It also works well as a stash mic, enabling you to capture audio it would otherwise be impossible to get.Here I’ve stashed the Lenshopper above my frame, allowing me to roam freely without changing the perspective of the sound I’m recording.
The first thing that caught my attention about theVP83F is its lightning fast user interface. It initializes and is ready to record in an astonishingly short amount of time; there is zero perceivable lag in its response to menu commands. This is ideal for working on documentary shoots, when the less time it takes for you to be recording or making adjustments, the better.
With a signal-to-noise ratio of 78 dB, a max SPL of 129 db, built in switchable low cut, cast aluminum housing, and optional Windjammer windscreen, theVP83F is well-suited for any location and circumstance you may find yourself in.
The internal recorder allows you to record without a camera, letting sound be the focus. The mount on the bottom of theVP83F can be used with most professional video gear.
The toggle switch design makes navigating the menu very intuitive. The home-screen offers direct control over mic-gain, headphone volume, and low-cut engagement, all features that you wouldn’t want to dig around in a menu system to adjust.
This mic is a great choice if you’re a one-man-band shooting sit-down interviews in a controlled environment. It also works wonderfully shooting hand-held, due to its Rycote Lyre Mount that virtually eliminates handling noise. Its low power consumption means that it will typically run all day without a battery change. It is important to note that since theVP83F is a condenser microphone, it will not pass audio unless it is powered on.
TheVP83F is shoe-mountable, which makes it easy to attach the mic to a DSLR or other video gear. It also features a dedicated audio output for your camera. That means you can be monitoring the mic on your headphones while also sending a duplicate feed to your camera for easy syncing later on.
TheVP83F is a great sounding camera-mounted mic. Its internal recording function and ease of use make it a must have for shooters who care about capturing quality audio in the field.
With the VP83F, Shure has evolved the way we record audio when using a DSLR. With its rugged design, universal mounting options, and internal recorder, the Lenshopper Flash offers filmmakers a new and innovative tool suitable for use on any project.
