From the best available options for an entry level recording kit.

It is more suitable for ENG and film/television shoots for use on a boom pole where the sound will be recorded on a separate unit.
It can be connected and operated with a DSLR camera thanks to the alternative power supply from AA batteries it has, but there are simpler and more affordable options for this use.

Its tone is great and its construction is sturdy. Its body can withstand quite a beating (e.g. falling from a first floor *cough!*).

It is moderately directional, which may not help when trying to isolate it from noise sources in the environment, but on the other hand, it performs well in both indoor and outdoor settings, and is easy to use even for a beginner boom operator.

Mine has been in active use for 5 years and works like the first day. That's why whenever a new sound engineer asks me if there is a good, reasonably priced microphone to start recording with, well. Here it is.