Ok, so before buying this product I made my research on it based on youtube reviews. These were comparing this TAKSTAR mike with the "Rode" ($250+) mike, and at first I was skeptical... Nonetheless upon opening the box I was already pleased. It comes in a nice box with all the items listed plus a cover bag for the mike. When I finally tested it on the camera it had a really snug fit, really nice pro look. Ok, so everything seems too perfect... when I did some test shots and put on my headphones to listen to the sound quality, well it was the cherry on top. I had just probably made the best mike investment for under $40. And as you guys know this mike is being compared to one of the best on camera mikes out there, the rode. Really good product and price. Just buy it

This was my first DSLR Microphone I bought and I am satisfied with my purchase based on the price.

I watched a YouTube review comparing this to a RODE mic, and with the price difference, there was not a vast drop in quality (from what I interpreted) from the RODE to this guy, so I trusted the video and got it.

As described and pictured, there are three switches on the device, a 3.5mm jack, a battery cover, and the removable dead-cat/wind resistor.
The switches are well built and you know when they are on.
This takes 1 AA battery and I haven't needed to change it yet.
You plug the mic jack into your camera (mine being a Nikon D3200) and make sure the POWER switch on the mic itself is on, and you're in business.

There is a bass filter switch that can try and reduce ambient noise (if you want an audio test video I can whip one up if you're unable to find someone on YouTube who has already done it). I just leave that one on.
The other switch raises the dB level by 10, boosting it. I leave this off because sometimes my talent can blow or spike the audio, but it can be useful for shooting from afar. Then the last switch is power, which must be on in order to use it.
IF THE MIC IS PLUGGED INTO THE CAMERA BUT NOT SWITCHED ON (At least on my camera), it will NOT record ANY audio, not even the on-board mic on the DSLR/whatever camera you use. So either unplug the Shotgun mic and use on-board, or don't forget to switch it ON (And there's a green LED that tells you it is on/battery life when red).

The coiled 3.5mm cord is not long so don't expect to be stretching it very far. It works perfect for a DSLR and still has some slack which is nice.

There is a shoe/hot mount to attach to your DLSR with a spinning ring that secures it in place, very useful.

The mic itself is slightly suspended from the apparatus connecting it to the camera, for shock resistance I assume, but I notice nothing incredible about this.

The windproof "sock" over the mic itself is decent at best, so if you have a better one, just throw it on there since the factory one is removable.

The one thing I noticed about the mic is that despite it having its own power source (the AA battery), it DOES drain your camera's battery quite a bit, so be careful and bring your charger/extra batteries for the camera.

For a starter shotgun mic, it's fantastic and does the job. I've used it in short films, professional interviews and filming a comedy stage show. If you want a cheap, good quality mic and are not looking to dish the $200 for a RODE, this is very good and worth the price.

If you have any questions, let me know! I've had this since Feb. and I've run into no other problems but will list any if I do!

Let me start out by saying I'm not an audiophile. However to the naked ear? I feel like this mic does a good job. I attached a sample video that allows you to hear the result. I shoot with a Canon 6d with the microphone attached to the hot shoe.

Functionality seems nice and the fact it has a green light telling you that it's on is good.

Excellent audio quality for the money. You can hear it in my maybe last 10 VLOGS or so I've used it www.youtube.com/martinmoorejr

The delivery was early and the microphone works better than expected. Very high quality sound, especially compared to the factory mic.
I have it attached to a Canon Rebel SL1 as seen in image.