This mic requires only the power provided from the line level (the 3.5mm jack). No need for batteries. Make sure you're connecting this to an output that provide that power.
I use this for making simple instructions videos and to do live commentary on my video games. I shall update this with a video review later.
This is a good value for money if you want to use 3.5mm microphones. You can step-up from here by using microphones with XLR interface, and although those are relatively cheap, you would need some sort of a sound card/audio recorder or a camcorder that has XLR input. You will also need to be wary about power requirement like Phantom Power, or battery power (some of those mics come with batteries in them!)
COMPATABILITY
Compatible out of the box with my Canon 6D. I added an extension cable ( C2G / Cables To Go 13787 3.5 mm M/F shielded Stereo Audio Extension Cable (6 Feet/1.82 Meters) to get more range!
Does not work directly with MacBook Pro. I got this to work with MacBook Pro 15 Retina by using a cheap adapter Mobile Phone Audio Splitter Cable with one 3.5mm Male (TRRS) and two 3.5mm (TRS) Female connectors, one for external 3.5mm Speaker and one for external 3.5mm Microphone by ZaxSound
UPDATE:
I have successfully used this with TASCAM DR-40 4-Track Portable Digital Recorder by using an XLR male to 3.5mm female adapter CamDesign Stereo 3.5mm Mini Female to Male XLR Audio Adaptor for Tascam recorder, Zoom H5N , Rode Videomic ,Videomic Pro , Sennheiser Mke400, Canon XA20 XA25 . However, you will have to set TASCAM DR-40 to Mic + Phantom Power. Do NOT use Phantom power with 1/4" male to 3.5mm adapter. This could damage your microphone. I think the adapter adapts phantom power to line power. Not sure.