While you could use a long cable to get sound impulses from the microphone to the camera, where's the fun in that? Instead, many choose to go the wireless transmitter and receiver route, because it's more convenient, it transmits across areas where cable would be a nuisance or impossible, and it's a cool gadget, to boot.

You'll find there are two main types of wireless systems available: diversity and true diversity.

A diversity system uses two antennas mounted on either side of the receiver. A circuit in the box compares the signal quality and strength, then switches between the antennas, depending on which one is getting the higher-quality signal. However, this type can be less resistant to outside interference such as fluorescent lights, strong radio signals or other electronic flotsam drifting through the atmosphere.

On the other hand, a true diversity receiver uses two receivers. The receiver with the strongest signal (as opposed to the antennas) is chosen by the comparison circuit, which switches seamlessly between the two for the clearest possible signal, as a dropout or burst of static on both receivers is unlikely to happen at the same time.

Whichever one you choose, make sure to always start the shoot with fresh batteries in both the receiver and the transmitter to avoid a steady drop in signal strength and quality. Also, wireless systems can be a little fragile and should be handled carefully. Store them in a padded case or wrap in bubble wrap for longer-term storage. Don't forget to remove the batteries for storage to avoid battery-acid leakage that could damage sensitive components.

Along with a tripod, a microphone is an important step to take towards higher-quality video, better sound and a better reception from your audience. Now that my neighbor has one too, I should be better able to understand the lines from next year's play!

Randy Hansen is a television news chief photographer who uses mics every day in his travels and regularly carries at least three or four at a time.

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How do you get to better audio? Practice, practice, practice!

Like anything else, the more you do something, the better you'll be - the same thing goes for creating better audio for your productions. Use that new microphone in different and creative ways to improve your production: hide it in a vase of flowers, learn how to use a hand-held in noisy situations, etc. Shoot as often as possible with it. After all, as a wise old videographer once said, "tape is cheap!" (Most of us are still using tape, right?)

The key is to keep trying to get better, and soon creating better sound will become easier and more automatic. If you can, try out different kinds of mics and see what kind would be best for your particular situation. In other words, practice with them.

Using a mic is not second nature; it's a skill you need to learn through trial and error. You'll start out with more error, but slowly, the quality of the audio will improve to the point that the people in your audience will soon say, "that sounded great!"