Is it on or off? Your video can be completely destroyed by poor sound quality. Moreover, DSLR camera microphones are known to be subpar. An external microphone can solve this issue. For high-quality audio, external mics let you move your microphone close to the sound source.
You can use this review to identify the ideal DSLR microphone for your camera bag. We will cover Three general categories of DSLR camera microphones. These include wireless lavalier microphones, shotgun microphones mounted on cameras, and handheld microphones.
Key Features to Look for in DSLR Microphones
The polar pattern of a microphone controls whether it collects sound from all directions or just one. Most of the sound that cardioid, supercardioid, and hypercardioid microphones record comes from in front of them. This pattern is also found in shotgun mics.
Lavalier microphones are omnidirectional, but since they are near the sound source, this doesn’t matter. Most of the microphones in this review will have a gain control of some sort. The signal strength sent to the camera preamp is impacted by this. Find ones that have the ability to “boost” or “cut” (or “pad”) the signal. The pad is a helpful feature in noisy environments like rock concerts. A “high-pass filter” reduces low frequencies, which is confusing. This reduces noise from air conditioners, some wind noise, and traffic.
The high frequency of human speech will be emphasized by the treble boost. Both a lavalier microphone and a handheld “reporter” style microphone will provide you with crystal-clear audio that largely cancels out background noise.
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The Best Handheld Wireless DSLR Microphone
This part of the review only includes two microphones. The first comes from Sennheiser, one of the most reputable audio manufacturers.
1. Sennheiser EW 135P
The cardioid polar pattern of the Sennheiser EW 135P’s capsule makes it a dynamic microphone. A dynamic microphone must be placed within 6″ (15 cm) of the speaker. The EW 135P utilizes an analog radio signal. To prevent interference from other devices, there are 20 channels available for selection. The receiver is attached to the hotshoe and plugs into a standard 3.5 mm TRS socket on your DSLR. For even better audio quality, use the provided XLR cable to connect it to an audio recorder.
2. Saramonic UwMic9 HU9 Kit
A microphone with a cardioid polar pattern is the Saramonic UwMic9 HU9. It offers performance and specs that are comparable to the Sennheiser when used with the RX9 receiver. The Saramonic also saves a sizable amount of money. To reduce interference, there are 16 channels. The LCD screens on the transmitter and receiver are backlit. Connect XLR for high-quality audio devices or TRS for your DSLR camera. An XLR transmitter can be connected to lavaliers using the system.
The Best Shotgun dslr Microphone
The most adaptable external microphone is most likely a shotgun microphone. Shotgun mics aren’t required to be held or to tuck neatly under your camera. Additionally, they aid in removing extraneous sound when used with a supercardioid or hypercardioid polar pattern.
Finally, you can place them on a stand or boom pole closer to the sound source with a long cable.
1. Movo VXR10 Pro
Simple and portable, the Movo VXR10 Pro is a shotgun mic. Foam, deadcat windshields, and a Rycote Lyre shockmount are included with the Movo. Cables are also included for connecting to your smartphone or DSLR. On the back of the mic are jacks for both headphones and microphone output. If your camera doesn’t have a headphone monitoring socket, this is especially helpful.
No batteries or phantom power are required because the camera itself provides power. It doesn’t get any easier than this. Mount the camera’s microphone, connect it, and press the record button. Impressive sound quality can be found at this price point. Its lower end could use some improvement when used on top of the camera. The sound is full and balanced when held 8–12″ (20–30 cm) away. However, recording in windy conditions is not recommended with the Movo VXR10 Pro.
2. Rode VideoMicro
The preferred microphone in the world of vloggers is pretty much a Rode. Some individuals believe they possess a specific, compressed sound that has come to be associated with YouTube and other social media.
The frequency response of the VideoMicro virtually eliminates sub-100 Hz sound. There is a significant reduction in background noises like airplane hum and traffic noise. Even in very windy conditions, the deadcat is very effective. This indicates that it’s a wise choice if you frequently film outside.
3. Deity D3 Pro
The Deity D3 Pro has a lot of positive qualities. The stepless gain control is the feature that has garnered the most interest. Adjustable gain is ideal for dealing with subpar camera preamps and weak signal sources and achieving the ideal sound level. There are about 50 hours of use from the rechargeable battery. The Deity adjusts the output depending on what it’s connected to, so phones, computers, and cameras don’t require different cables.
The build quality and sound are both excellent. One reviewer dubbed it “the best on-camera shotgun dslr microphone.” I was unable to distinguish the differences in a side-by-side test with the Sennheiser MKE600. And the price of this is roughly half that of the Sennheiser.
4. Rode VideoMic Pro+
The VideoMic Pro+, another powerful model from Rode, has a long list of features. Instead of the rechargeable battery, AA batteries can be used in an emergency. Additionally, it functions as a USB microphone. When you do this, the Pro+’s “mic out” port transforms into a headphone jack. This makes it possible to monitor computer and microphone audio with zero latency.
A switchable high-pass filter for 75 and 150 Hz is available, and a gain switch allows for +20 or -10 dB. A clever “safety mode” records the L and R channels separately, one at -10 dB. If you find that the audio clipped while being recorded, you can replace the problematic passages with the -10 track. But there is no dead cat included with the Rode VideoMic Pro+. The performance in windy conditions is excellent with an optional deadcat.
The audio is crisp and clear, with good clarity in the higher frequencies required for speech as well as a good low end. This is a fantastic all-arounder because it can be used as a computer mic and has boom pole mounts and XLR capability.
5. Sennheiser MKE 600
A long shotgun dslr microphone is the Sennheiser MKE 600. It is distinguished by a high level of build quality and versatility. It can draw phantom power via an XLR connector and is powered by a single AA battery when attached to a camera or phone. The hypercardioid polar pattern of the MKE 600 With the help of a high-pass filter, noise below 175 Hz is reduced. In particular, the sound is crystal clear. It comes with a foam windshield and all the necessary connections, but no deadcat.
6. Shure VP83F
The Shure VP83F is a standalone audio recorder in addition to a microphone. Camera preamps are frequently of low quality, quite noisy, and susceptible to clipping. This issue can be solved with an external recorder. The Shure VP83F offers direct recording to a flash drive by combining the microphone and audio recorder in one unit. The camera receives the audio as well.
The VP83F produces clear audio indoors and has an adjustable gain range of up to 60 dB with a high-pass filter that cuts off frequencies below 170 Hz. The sound that the Shure VP83F will record for you is perfect. It’s regarded by some as the top DSLR microphone right now. It sounds a little dull, in my opinion. However, the onboard audio recorder makes it a fascinating dslr microphone to take into account.
7. Saramonic VMIC
Another fairly large dslr microphone, the Saramonic VMIC, is used with the foam windshield. It has a solid metal body and a built-in, permanently attached shock mount. The expected high-pass filter, a +6 dB high-frequency boost, and buttons to select a gain of -10, 0 or +20 dB are all located on the rear panel. This helps speech stand out from background noise.
If your camera doesn’t have a headphone socket, you can listen to audio through a headphone jack. The Rode mics sound too trebly in my opinion after listening to side-by-side samples taken from the Vmic, a Rode Videomic Pro+, and a Rode Video Micro. However, the Saramonic sounds muddy in contrast. Although it is much better than a DSLR’s internal microphone, it doesn’t have the same clarity.
8. Rode VideoMic NTG
Another very well-liked dslr microphone among vloggers is this one. This one’s size, appearance, and features are comparable to those of the Deity D3 Pro. though it is more expensive. The stepless gain control and -20 dB button on the VideoMic NTG shotgun microphone are both included. Additionally, the parallel track at -20 dB “safety mode” that we saw on the Rode VideoMic Pro+ is present here.
There is a high-frequency boost for highlighting speech as well as a switchable high-pass filter for 75 and 150 Hz. Similar to the Deity V Mic D3 Pro, the sound indoors is perhaps a little richer. The Rode high-pass filter reduces traffic noise more effectively in some outdoor settings, but it thins out speech a little. Everything is a compromise when it comes to audio recording! A USB microphone can also be used with the Rode VideoMic NTG. Additionally, it changes the TRS or TRRS output from its recording device to correspond. This is an impressive addition to a shotgun microphone that is well equipped.
9. Boya BY-MM1
The Boya BY-MM1 is more affordable and has features that are very similar to those of the Rode VideoMicro. Both of the required cables for connecting to a phone or camera are included with the Boya shotgun mic, which draws its power from the camera. On the bottom of the hot shoe Rycote Lyre shock mount, it also has a deadcat windshield and a useful standard tripod thread.
There is not much difference between the Boya BY-MM1 and the Rode VideoMic in terms of audio comparisons. The Rode has a wider frequency response range, according to the spec sheet. In tests, this is accurate, but in actual life, it is essentially undetectable. You can understand why the Boya is a popular option for vloggers on a budget, given that it costs roughly half as much as the Rode.
The Best Lavalier Microphones for DSLRs
Shotgun microphones will enhance your sound beyond what the onboard microphone can offer. At a distance of approximately 18 feet, you will receive a clear, rich sound ” (50 cm). Additionally, they provide you with a range of off-camera placement options. Far more than that:
“You’ll struggle with many of the issues with the camera’s built-in microphone at a distance.”
There will be more background noise and a thinner sound. The wireless lavalier microphone will save the day in this situation. It provides excellent proximity and a covert presence, both of which are advantageous. The audio signal is sent from a microphone attached to the speaker’s clothing to a receiver attached to the camera.
So, which is the best lavalier dslr microphone?
1. Rode Wireless GO II
The Rode Wireless GO II’s non-mic appearance may be the first thing you notice about it. It is about half the size of a deck of cards and is glossy. Both the transmitter and the receiver share this characteristic.
But there’s a lot of clever technology packed into these two squares that could change the way your recordings sound. You can actually be certain of more than 330′ (100 m) of transmission despite the stated range of 200 m. Second, even if, for some reason, your transmission drops out, the dslr microphone or transmitter has built-in recording. Even when your transmission fails, it notifies you and flags the recording for import.
To deal with unexpected clipping, turn on safety mode and set one channel to record at -20 dB. The GO II receiver can handle two transmitters, which makes conducting interviews simple. The receiver’s extremely clear and informative LCD screen allows you to keep an eye on a variety of performance-related factors. The Rode app allows you to adjust the padding in increments of your choice, in steps of 10 dB. For use in windy conditions, the microphone includes a deadcat that locks firmly in place.
Additionally, it has a mic input, allowing you to use the transmitter as a transmitter by connecting an external microphone to it.
The use of this for wireless lavaliere microphones is a good idea.
2. Sennheiser Pro Audio EW 112P G4
The “industry standard” is sometimes referred to as the Sennheiser Pro Audio EW 112P. The most recent model is the G4 wireless lavalier dslr microphone. Given the cost, we would anticipate top-notch materials. The Sennheiser system has a traditional appearance. The transmitter and receiver are both black boxes with belt clips and protruding aerials.
The target market can tell that it is made entirely of metal. The audio is of excellent quality, as you might anticipate. The kit includes cables to connect to your camera and handheld recorders, and the range is frequently better than the stated 330 feet (100 meters).
3. The thoracic column PT set
The German online retail behemoth Thomann’s T-Bone brand may not even be familiar to you. However, their equipment frequently astounds with great value. The Sennheiser Pro Audio’s identical form factor is delivered by this UHF wireless mic set. It has a sturdy travel case, TRS and XLR cables, and an all-metal construction. and for a lot less money than Sennheiser’s price.
The audio is consistently excellent. Locking TRS plugs are included, but no deadcat. They also provide a two-transmitter option. A 30-day money-back guarantee and a three-year warranty are provided by Thomann.
4. Saramonic UwMic9S
The Saramonic UwMic9S is another lav microphone that is offered in one- or two-person versions. In terms of price, it falls somewhere between the Sennheiser and the T-Bone. The Saramonic’s audio quality is impressive.
The kit is well-rounded and housed in a durable case. You receive foam windshields, a deadcat, and all the cables you need to connect to cameras or XLR sockets. The belt packs’ locking TRS connectors and the use of rechargeable batteries rather than regular AA cells are welcome additions.
Read: 7 Best Action Camera microphone attachments (For Better Sound)
Conclusion
You need to use a different dslr microphone than the one included with your DSLR to improve the audio of your video recordings. The Boya BY-MM1 shotgun microphone is more affordable than a family dinner out.
The Deity D3 Pro is a great option for your shotgun needs, even though it is a little more expensive. The Sennheiser MKE 600 is my pick among the more expensive microphones we’ve discussed.
The T-Bone Sync 1 provides a ton of value if you’re looking for a low-cost lav mic. The Saramonic UwMic9S offers a ton of features for a higher price. On the other hand, the Rode Wireless Go II is so small and comes with a safety channel and onboard recording.
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