Is it better to go for an External Mic or Sound recorder device?(HDSLR)?

Hi

I can't actually decide here.
in my case the two that i chose are Rode on-camera Vid mic VS Zoom H1
Both are the same price available for me and i'm stuck here.
The pick-up pattern of the rode is very good and useful
but more control on the voice from the Zoom like level meters or the size of it.
the reason that i don't think that buying the rode mic is that much useful is because
i'm using Nikon D5100 which doesn't have Audio metering bars or Level control
so a Dual system recording for more control is useful here.

It's a bit more difficult to 'sync' the audio with external recorders… If you don't mind the extra effort… The Zoom is the best way to go…

It really depends on what you are doing… If you are tech 'savvy' then go with the Zoom just for that extra level of control… It's not a bad idea to carry a external mic though… I'd invest in both.