Sanken - CS-M1

Never looked into the DPA 2017 until now. I'm surprised by the specs. It has more dynamic range and significantly higher maximum spl than the 4017. Seems like a bargain. I have the Sanken CS-M1. Love it. But I think of it as an on-camera mic.

I have one more comment about the CS-M1. I'm guessing you're like me and need an on camera mic frequently and a boom occasionally. Most of the better shotgun mics are much larger and heavier than the CS-M1. Better for dialog in a controlled setting, but worse on camera. The CS-M1 can wear both hats and is cheaper. The question is do you want a great boom mic that you can also use on a camera or a great camera mic you can also use on a boom? You could get the DPA and probably do both. Or you could get the CS-M1 and get a dedicated boom mic later. When you finally get a full sized shotgun mic you'll then have a dedicated scratch mic. I have a DPA 4018 for use on a boom in addition to my CS-M1 for on camera. I would like to add a DPA 4017 but just haven't been able to justify the expense. The MKH8060 is another option. But when I listen to comparisons I rarely prefer its sound to other mics. But it's probably the most reliable option and also compact. It's also extremely sensitive and I think you'll have handling/camera noise issues. I started writing this comment thinking it would help but now I'm not sure if I'm helping or muddying the waters more :) tldr: you can't go wrong with the little Sanken.

On documentary I strongly recommend using a on camera microphone as well, like the sanken CS M1 or the like

Might not be exactly what you're looking for because I work in dialog recording but the Sanken CSM-1 is my favorite boom mic. It's cheaper than most, and super light weight. In a world where everyone is still stuck on a mkh50 it's really great.

Decided to get this one since I shoot wide quite often and the size is perfect. Thanks for the recommendation!

Sanken cs-m1 is very good. I am using it for features for 3 years maybe even more. Never heard anything from the postproduction. They are satisfied even if that mic is the only source at some moments

I’ve got a Sanken CS-M1 that a lot of camera guys have bought as on board mics because of its size (small) and weight (light).

I have the CS-M1 and I use it as my main indoor mic. Pros: Small, light, good reach, wide angle, good rear rejection, smooth sound for dialogue (I prefer it to the mkh8050, which I used for a bit before this), sensitive so it doesn't need much gain, sounds good in a car and handles small verby spaces like bathrooms well too. Con: Very sensitive to wind. I use it indoors with a radius nimbus and I have to be more careful with my boom swings. I can pull off faster and more aggressive swings and cue more aggressively with a 416 and Bubblebee Spacer (just spacer, no fur) indoors than I can with the CS-M1 and Nimbus indoors. The CS-M1 has a wider pattern so it's not always a problem, but for certain shots inside it's a disadvantage. Outdoors it's totally unusable with the Nimbus. It doesn't hold up to even the slightest breeze, so I'd be prepared to get some serious wind protection like a Cinela Cosi or a full blimp like a Radius Mini-Alto. I'll be upgrading to something like that when I can.