OM-D or RX100 for Round the World (and other gear for such a trip)

[wanderpunk]

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

[XXX]

If audio for you "makes it or breaks it" you should not depend on the onboard sound anyways. If smallness is the main goal, I´d get a Zoom H1 and a Sennheiser MKE400 or the newer Rode Videomic Pro (I prefer the Sennheiser´s sound but the Rode overs a tad more functionality once you´ve dealt with its rubber suspension). Maybe also a MK2 lav, the MKE2 is much better, but the MK2 works better with the ZoomH1 and sometimes can be bought cheaper from people who got it with their G2/3 wireless kits...

[wanderpunk]

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...?

[XXX]

[list]
[*]Dimensions: 5.1 x 0.83 x 2.4 in. (130 x 21 x 62 mm)
[*]Weight: Approx. 2.1 oz. (60 g)
[/list]
[indent=1]I wouldn´t call that big ;) And get the deadcat for windy situations...[/indent]

[indent=1]On recording yourself, how will you hold the camera?[/indent]
[indent=1]I also mentioned the lav (Sennheiser me2), this would probably be best for recording yourself and it practically takes up no extra space...[/indent]

[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?

[XXX]

[quote name='wanderpunk' timestamp='1346466951' post='17061']
Would it work for interviews?
[/quote]
Sure, why wouldn´t it? ;)
The H1 similar in size to a wireless transmitter, it weights close to nothing, so even if your talent would (for what ever reasons) be naked, you could just tape it to the body ;o)
More practically you would set recording levels, put the bottons on "hold" and stick it in your or your talents trouser´s pocket...
So you can even make an interview in a wide shot, in your case a man behind a table, explaning a card game and you see both, him and the table and other players, whatever...
You need to sync the sound in post of course...