wanderpunk

The plan is to use the monopod and hold it in my left hand with the camera lens facing me. That's why focus is a challenge. So if I used the MKE and recorder it'd be a bit odd to set up. the xShot only holds about 1.5 pounds too. But yes the lav could work! Would it work for interviews?

Thanks for the tip on the zoom, but that mic looks huge. How would I use it in a situation where I am recording myself, using a monopod, etc...?

I'm headed off on an around the world adventure where I'll be taking lots of photos and making a series of short videos about game traditions around the world (card games, board games, gambling games, etc...).

I picked up an OM-D+Panasonc 20mm for this trip thinking that the durability, size, audio input (w SEMA-1), and IBIS were fantastic features for my trip. I love the photo I'm taking. I also think the video IBIS is pretty wonderful for my purposes of on-the-go shooting, but have some concerns with the video:

-the SEMA-1 mic pics up incredible wind noise and even the IBIS system itself can be heart. It's unclear if there is a better mic to mount on the camera using the SEMA-1 input
-I have struggled with focus using the panasonic lens. Manual works but I'm not good at it and I can't be confident when shooting myself via xShot monopod.
-I also appear to look "like a tourist" even in my own town with this thing around my neck when I'm just wearing it casually.
-I already feel like I need a wider lens for monopod use.
-I'm a light traveler so the camera, charger, battery, lenses, etc... end up being a significant portion of my whole trip gear.

So, I've been eyeing the RX100 along with a separate audio recorder. It is wider, more frame rate options, TINY, charges via USB, and I was impressed by the video I saw. I know the IS isn't as effective, but I hope it would work for me.

I'd love some thoughts about this decision and also about general gear to bring (current plan with OM-D is small tripod, xShot monopod, one of those sport rapid straps, some mic solution I haven't figured out, 3-4 batteries, macbook air, maybe another lens or two, and a couple filters.

As for quality. I'm not expecting national geographic, but I want good quality. Especially audio since I think that makes or breaks it. For the video I want to to be beautiful enough to be visually touching to watch at times, but with a kit light enough to go anywhere and not limit me. I believe less is more in many things and would like to carry that through in my photography/videography.

Thanks very much for your advice!

Jordan