A good microphone is a must these days. Whether you need a voice recorder, a podcast, or a tool to record instrumentals, a good microphone is a must. Unfortunately, there are a ton of microphones on the market, but not all of them are good. In this article, we will be covering some of the best microphones for your camera. From the style and design to the quality and functionality, we will cover it all. So if you are looking for the best camera microphone, this is the article for you!
Why do you need a microphone?
A camera microphone is very useful for any photographer. It allows you to record high-quality audio and video, which gives you a much better chance of capturing the perfect shot. If you are a hobbyist or even a professional photographer, you will find a camera microphone to be very useful. It will also help you to create better videos and photos. There are many camera microphones out there, so it is important to choose the one that is best for you. Here are some things to consider when choosing your camera microphone.
What are the different types of microphones?
There are many different types of microphones, each with its unique features and benefits. However, two types are often considered to be the best. The first type is the cardioid microphone, which is the most common type of microphone. This type of microphone is designed to pick up sound directly in front of the microphone. The second type is the shotgun microphone, which is designed to pick up sound from a wider area. The shotgun microphone is often used in noisy environments, such as concerts.
The best camera microphone
The best camera microphone to get the best audio with your camera is the Rode Stereo VideoMic Pro. This camera mic is a professional-grade microphone that is great for both personal and professional use. It is a condenser microphone that is great for capturing high-quality audio that is distortion-free. It also features a shock mount, a pop filter, and a windshield. It is a professional-grade microphone that is great for both personal and professional use.
Conclusion
There are many different types of microphones out there for cameras, but the best type of microphone to use with your camera depends on what you are recording.
If you are recording something that is going to be a live performance, then you will want to use a large-diaphragm condenser microphone. This type of microphone is going to capture the best audio.
If you are recording a voiceover, then you'll want to use a small diaphragm condenser microphone. This type of microphone will give you the best audio quality.
If you are recording a music video, then you'll want to use a dynamic microphone. This type of microphone will give you the best audio quality and will be able to handle the loudest sound levels.
If you are recording a video that has a lot of sounds, then you'll want to use a shotgun microphone. This type of microphone will be able to capture the sound of everything in the room.
Need help? We've done the research for you and found the Best Camera Microphone on Amazon. Every day, we read hundreds of reviews and try the highest-rated products we have on our list.
Best Camera Microphone - Reviews
The Best
Product information
Elevate your audio game with the VideoMic Pro, featuring the renowned Rycote Lyre suspension system for top-notch sound quality. This microphone enhances the existing VideoMic Pro capsule/line tube and windshield while introducing a range of innovative features to take your recordings to the next level.
Benefit from the Automatic Power Function, ideal for on-the-go shooters, as it automatically powers off the microphone when unplugged from the DSLR cameras, conserving energy for extended use. Additionally, the convenient Built-in Battery Door simplifies battery replacement and ensures you never misplace it, keeping your workflow seamless and uninterrupted.
Power versatility is key with the VideoMic Pro, as it can be powered by the included RØDE LB-1 Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery, 2 x AA Batteries, or continuously via Micro USB for added convenience. The incorporation of Digital Switching guarantees optimal audio signal capture at the source, reducing the need for extensive post-production work and streamlining your editing process for efficient content creation. Elevate your audio recordings with the VideoMic Pro's cutting-edge features and versatile power options, setting a new standard in audio excellence for your projects.
These camera microphones, for content creation purposes, are great. There are alternatives out there now, but you know what you’re getting with Rode. Great for filmmaking and vlogging.
Some customers mentioned that they received a bad batch. Issues like hissing, turning off randomly, and green light on when it should be blue. Others said that they received used microphones. A bit expensive.
Our Thoughts - No more worries about batteries or forgetting to turn the mic on anymore. The switches are so nice now. Also, the safety channel is a huge plus. The Rycote suspension is night and day over the original pro.
Very Good
Product information
Enhance your video production with the highly directional super-cardioid shotgun microphone, designed to deliver isolated and superior in-camera audio quality. This microphone's focused pickup pattern ensures precise sound capture, perfect for creating professional-grade videos with clear and immersive audio.
Experience minimized handling noise and wind interference with the integrated wind protection and internal suspension mount, allowing you to focus on capturing pristine audio in any environment. The microphone features a built-in low-cut filter and a 3-step sensitivity switch, providing added flexibility and control over your audio recordings, ensuring optimal sound quality in various settings.
Enjoy seamless connectivity with the interchangeable 3.5mm TRS and TRRS connections, catering to both M/DSLR cameras and mobile devices. Whether you're shooting with a professional camera or a smartphone, these camera microphones offer versatile compatibility to suit your recording needs. Additionally, benefit from the integrated headphone output jack with volume adjustment, enabling real-time audio monitoring for precise control over your sound recordings. Elevate your audio production with this advanced shotgun microphone, equipped with essential features for capturing high-quality, professional audio for your film, and video projects.
The sound quality of these camera microphones offer is amazing. The cage it’s in does a great job of blocking a lot of windy situations and then the dead cat goes on when you need extra protection.
Customers mentioned that this is a very good microphone but the package was not sealed and was opened. Others mentioned that some items were missing and received the wrong microphone.
Our Thoughts - However, this is not Sennheiser's problem. Whoever is doing the packaging and handling is substandard.
The good part is that the audio is amazing. The bad part is that it needs batteries. But the good part is that batteries will last almost forever.
Very Good
Product information
Elevate your audio recording experience with the VideoMic GO II, a compact and lightweight shotgun microphone that ensures effortless capture of professional-quality audio. This user-friendly microphone is designed for simplicity, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced content creators looking to enhance their audio production effortlessly.
Equipped with a 3.5mm TRS output for camera use and a digital USB output for seamless connectivity with smartphones, tablets, and computers, the VideoMic GO II offers versatility across various recording devices. By simply connecting this microphone, you can instantly enhance the audio quality of your recordings, ensuring clear and crisp sound reproduction.
Experience the convenience of a microphone that requires no battery and features no complicated switches or controls, simplifying the setup process significantly. The VideoMic GO II comes with a high-quality windshield and shock mount included, further optimizing sound quality by minimizing unwanted noise and vibrations for pristine audio results.
For added functionality, this microphone is compatible with RØDE Connect podcasting and streaming software as well as RØDE Central, offering access to advanced features like a high-pass filter, high-frequency boost, and pad options. Unlock the full potential of your audio recordings with the VideoMic GO II, a versatile and user-friendly tool designed to enhance your content creation journey effortlessly.
Solid microphone for the price. Great sound quality and it is directional.
Some customers mentioned niggly issues like it doesn't connect to the iPhone out of the box, poor audio quality, and hissing noise.
Our Thoughts - Connecting to iPhone? Make sure you buy the USB-C cable! Don't use a 3mm cable, the USB-C cable is so worth it.
Good
Product information
Achieve professional-grade audio results with detailed, high-definition sound and a full low-end response that adds depth and richness to your recordings. The microphone features a highly directional super-cardioid/lobar polar pattern, which effectively rejects off-axis noise while capturing the intended sound source accurately, ensuring pristine audio quality in every recording.
Experience superior RF immunity with this microphone, designed to prevent unwanted audio artifacts caused by cellular and RF devices, maintaining clean and clear sound reproduction. The integrated Rycote Lyre shock mounting system offers superior isolation from vibration and mechanical noise, thanks to its robust design developed exclusively for the VP83 model in collaboration with Rycote, ensuring optimal audio capture in any environment.
Enjoy extended recording sessions with 125 hours of battery life from a single AA alkaline battery (included), providing long-lasting power for uninterrupted use. The microphone is equipped with a 0.125-inch dual mono, unbalanced connector type, offering versatility in connection options. With a frequency response ranging from 50 to 20,000 Hz and a sensitivity of -36.5 dBV per pa, this microphone delivers exceptional audio performance across a wide range of frequencies, ideal for professional audio applications. Elevate your audio recording capabilities with this advanced microphone, designed to deliver exceptional sound quality and reliability for your projects.
A good microphone that has perfect design, functionality, build, and durability.
Worked great the two times we used it. The plastic part where you plug the mic into the camera broke on our third usage so we are disappointed in the ROI of this item.
Our Thoughts - We were surprised at how brittle and weak the plastic is and how it snapped. The sound quality was not bad at all, but durability may be lacking. On the other hand, other customers had much better luck saying that is superior in natural sound, low cut filter engagement, more gain, lower noise level, lower handling noise, etc., etc.
Good The
Product information
Enhance your on-the-go content creation with the Mobile Kit, featuring the renowned Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod and a versatile Sennheiser Smartphone Clamp. This essential package is designed to cater to the needs of mobile content creators, providing them with a convenient and professional setup for capturing content anytime, anywhere.
Improve your audio recording quality with the included directional microphone, ensuring isolated and enhanced in-camera audio for your videos. The microphone features integrated wind protection and an internal suspension mount to minimize handling noise, allowing you to capture clear and crisp sound without interference.
Experience seamless connectivity with the interchangeable 3.5mm (1/8") TRS and TRRS connections, enabling you to use the microphone with DSLR, mirrorless cameras, or mobile devices effortlessly. The compact design of the kit, coupled with its sleek and stylish finish, adds a touch of professionalism to your setup while offering portability and ease of use. Elevate your mobile content creation with this all-in-one kit, designed to streamline your recording process and enhance the quality of your content.
Can be a bit too sensitive. High-quality materials and construction of the mic, phone adapter, and tripod. Makes for an easy-to-set-up and easy-to-maneuver rig. As far as the mic goes: We think it sounds really good, and we have listened to many competing reviews.
Some customers mentioned that the microphone is very good but the package was not sealed and was opened, used, and damaged. The microphone works fine but it's supposed to be new. This is very annoying that Amazon allows these practices. Shame on quality control and whoever packages the products.
Our Thoughts - Sennheiser is a German company that produces very
high-quality audio and electronic components. What is happening with this product is beyond our comprehension. Whether Amazon's quality control is failing or shipping and handling don't care. Whatever it is something is failing.
Good
Product information
Experience superior audio capture with the dual cardioid pickup patterns of this microphone, allowing for precise and focused sound recording. The microphone features low noise circuitry, ensuring clear and high-quality audio output with minimal background interference, perfect for professional recordings in any environment.
Benefit from the AUX input that accommodates lavalier microphones or wireless receivers, providing versatility in your audio setups. The microphone is equipped with a Rycote Lyre shock mount for enhanced vibration isolation, alongside 1/4" and 3/8" threaded mounting options for flexible and secure attachment to a variety of recording setups. Elevate your audio recording capabilities with this advanced microphone, designed to deliver exceptional sound quality and reliability for your projects.
The microphone is great, wish it came with regular foam covering along with the dead cat cover. We love that it records from both front and back with crisp sound.
Too sensitive, even light wind is picked up (maybe a bad batch). Some customers mentioned that it arrived slightly damaged.
Our Thoughts - If you want to use this with an iPhone there are several things they don't tell you about this microphone. It can only be used on one side. Also, you'll need a TRS and TRRS adapter for it, which doesn't come with the kit.
Well constructed and easy to use. This microphone is good for interviews in quiet locations. It does pick up a bit of background noise outside and the provided wind blocks do not perform as well as other products. Adding a slip over the microphone eliminates the problem.
FAQs
What is a polar pattern?
This is the direction where a mic can get audio easily called its polar pattern, and this differs according to its design and intended usage. In numerous ways, a mic's polar pattern is a little bit like the audio equivalent of a lens's focal length, as it informs you exactly how broad or narrow the pick-up angle will be.
What is an omnidirectional microphone?
Omnidirectional microphones get sound from all over the place, and also this polar pattern is prominent on Lavalier microphones clipped to a speaker's clothing, as the user is most likely to look up and down and turn their head back and forth while talking. With Omni lavs, it's likewise usual to install them upside-down. This guards the capsule's top against plosives and nasal exhales, with just a little decrease in high-frequency feedback and audio level.
What is a cardioid microphone?
Cardioid (heart-shaped) polar patterns prevail on several kinds of microphones. This pick-up audio from the front and also the sides of the microphone, and also diminishes at the back. Cardioid patterns are normally seen on handheld vocal as well as instrument microphones, where the absence of back response makes them much less vulnerable to responses.
What is a super-cardioid microphone?
Super-cardioid polar patterns provide a narrower pick-up area than routine cardioids, so they reject audio coming in from the sides a lot more. They are much more conscious to sound from the back than a cardioid though, so you require silence behind the mic when utilizing them.
