Photoethnography.com suggests the Sony ECM-T6 Omni-Directional Lav Condenser Mic as a good, cheap mic for audio and video interviews. The T6 is available for $12.95 at everyone’s favorite source, Bimi and Herschel Photo/Video.

I’ve used the Azden 503 Mics for some time now, and have been very satisfied with how they perform. They are $22.95 at B&H.

Another mic I’ve personally used is the Giant Squid Audio Lab Omni Mono lapel mic. It’s currently on sale until Sept 24th, you can get it at Giant Squid for $24.50. This microphone can also be wired with the special iRiver modification that when used in mono mode, doubles the line-in recording capacity of iRiver 700 and 800 series MP3 recorders. (The iRiver doesn’t detect normal mono mics as such, and requires a specially wired plug to enable double recording capacity.) My only small complaint with the GS Mono mic is that the clip isn’t as well-designed as the Azden 503. But it performs flawlessly in all other aspects.

Another nice thing about Giant Squid is that Darren can also custom-wire just about any configuration, plug or cord that you might ever need. He’s a real pro, and charges very fair prices for excellent quality equipment and work.