separate microphone mount?

[movimaker]

Hi
 
I use a Rode Video Microphone and a Rode Video Stereo Microphone with my camera (previously Pansonic GV-PS500) now HDC-SD700.
I always had the problem, that the fur of the dead-cat tended to hang into the upper border of the picture.
I felt also very uncomfortable to mount one pound of weight onto the hotshoe.
(I do not believe the camcorders are really designed to carry a weight there day in day out)
 
I finally bought a  Manfrotto Super Clamp (#035) , spigot and Manfrotto high spec accessory bracket (#143). The Rode VSM required a stainless steel bushel to convert the 3/8 thread to 1/2. (all found on ebay)
This setup is no clamped onto the handle bar of my Manfrotto tripod.
It appears to be very robust, no strain on the camcorder, no fur in sight.
(Tried acouple of cheaper options with stuff sourced via ebay from china. But was all wobbly)
  I would be pleased to hear your comments:

[Guy Bruner]

Looks good.  Nice job!

[granpa brian]

Yes, the VSM is a bit hairy on the GS500.  A careful light trim, with the aid of a hand vacuum cleaner, helped matters no end. 

[Ron Windeyer]

I did the same as you granpa brian     It is annoying when hairy bits intrude into the picture! I think I've got it licked now though - a careful trim with a shaver and make sure that the dead cat is rammed fully onto the sponge. Also I often set the mic back a tiny bit in the hotshoe - about 2-3 mm is enough.

[Digidave]

On my GS250 I used a Hama shoe extender, which raised the SVM about 1 1/4" so the fur cleared the lens. I didn't want to trim the fur in case it affected the Dead Kitten performance.

For the HF S100 I have gone a similar route to you Movimaker, using the Bracket 1 Mini and Mini Brace with an Over Camera Cold Shoe, the Bracket 1 fits between the camera and QR plate. The Canon has a proprietary hot shoe, so shoe mounting was not an option but in any case, I needed the shoe clear so I could use the lanc adaptor.

It just happens that I also use the Cokin P-series Modular Hood!

Dave

[granpa brian]

...make sure that the dead cat is rammed fully onto the sponge...

You make it sound a bit like taxidermy! 
 
The Manfrotto mount looks to be a very useful addition for tripod work.  And I like the idea of Dave's extender; I hadn't met one before. 
 
By the way, in deference to our grandchildren's cats the hairy thing is very carefully referred to as a squirrel. 

[Digidave]

And I like the idea of Dave's extender

It's properly called the Hama Adjustable Shoe Mount, made for angling flash guns but I found it perfect for keeping hairy thingies on microphones out of frame.

By the way, in deference to our grandchildren's cats the hairy thing is very carefully referred to as a squirrel. 

Not red squirrels I hope! To paraphrase Corporal Jones, I don't think they'd like it up 'em.

Dave

[Ron Windeyer]

By the way, in deference to our grandchildren's cats the hairy thing is very carefully referred to as a squirrel. 

Maybe we should be Politically Correct and call it a Follicularly Enhanced Moving Atmosphere Interceptor