Also the pros and cons to using a portable mic instead of a boom. What makes life easier?

Just for clarity; a boom is a piece of equipment used to hold the mic.
You will always use a mic on a boom. The boom allows you to get the
mic close to the actors which is essential for clear dialogue tracks.

The Zoom is a nice audio recorder and is in your price range. You will
need a good shotgun mic, some cables and a boom.

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Yea sorry that was very general... I just meant using a mic on a boom as aposed to a portable. So sorry for any confusion.

Thanks!

When you say portable, you re probably thinking 'lavalier' (or lapel) microphone, as opposed to the conventional, handheld mic that you either hold in your hand, or have on a boom pole.

If you are shooting narrative film, Zoom H1 will work well. Since the two microphones of the Zoom are not exactly the best suited for the recording of audio for film/video, you'll likely need to get a shotgun mic and a boom pole, as CI had said. If you have a laptop computer, then you don't really need the Zoom, since you could plug that mic into the laptop and record sound using Audacity or some similar free software.

If I were to spend $300 US on audio gear, and already had a laptop computer, I'd to it as follows:

Alesis iO2 Express ( http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/685448-REG/Alesis_IO2_EXPRESS_iO2_Express_USB_Audio.html)
Cheap Nady shotgun mic ( http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/746730-REG/Nady_SGM_12_SGM_12_Shotgun_Electret_Condenser.html)
Cheap boom pole ( http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/770230-REG/On_Stage_56791_MBP7000_Microphone_Boom_Pole.html)
Long XLR cable

This will come to below $200, so there's money for a better mic, or more mics (or lights).

I would try and get a recorder that has XLR inputs for mics if you can stretch the budget. Mini-jacks are not that reliable by comparison. They can easily pull out when you are on the move because they don't lock, or crackle if they become loose from movement. It makes sense to try and get the best equipment you can afford. A shotgun mic is also very important to have.....again, get the best one you can afford.

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