DSLR Microphone Buying Guide: How to Choose | 10 Best Recommendations

DSLR camera microphones are crucial for capturing high-quality audio when recording video with cameras or camcorders. Without a qualified microphone, your video will likely suffer from poor sound quality, which may be a disaster to deter your subscribers. 

However, what dose a DSLR camera microphone do? How to choose the best DSLR camera microphone for video recording or vlogging? Here are the details and 10 best recommendations.

What Is a DSLR Video Camera Microphone?

A DSLR video camera microphone is a type of microphone that is designed to be used with a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera. DSLR cameras are becoming increasingly popular for video production, as they offer high-quality video at a relatively low cost. DSLR video camera mics are designed to provide high-quality, even broadcast quality audio for these cameras.

Why You Should Buy a DSLR Camera Microphone?

1. Onboard Mic vs. External Mic

There are two main DSLR microphones: onboard microphones and external microphones. Onboard microphones are usually of poor quality and pick up a lot of unwanted noise, such as the sound of the camera's autofocus motor. For this reason, many videographers use an external microphone with their DSLR camera.

Photo by Christian Wiediger on Unsplash

External microphones are not built into the camera and must be plugged into the camera's microphone input. External microphones are usually much higher quality than onboard microphones and are a better choice for videographers or vloggers who want to capture high-quality audio.

2. Audio Quality

When recording video with your DSLR cameras or camcorders, it's important to remember that audio is just as important as video. Many videographers believe that audio is even more important than video.

Poor audio quality can make a video very difficult to watch, even if it is high quality. For this reason, choosing a DSLR microphone capable of capturing high-quality audio is important.

3. Portability

You'll likely be doing a lot of moving when recording video with your DSLR camera. This means you'll need a microphone that is easy to carry.

Some microphones, such as shotgun microphones, can be huge and bulky. This can make them difficult to carry with you, especially if you're recording video in a crowded area. For this reason, choosing a small, portable microphone is important.

Types of External Microphone

1. Handheld Microphone

A handheld microphone is a microphone held in the hand while recording. Handheld microphones are a popular choice for videographers because they are relatively small and easy to carry. Handheld microphones are relatively inexpensive, making them a good choice for budget-conscious videographers.

Photo by KAL VISUALS on Unsplash

Handheld microphones are typically lower quality than other microphones, such as shotgun microphones. These microphones are also common for live comedy performances or award ceremonies.

If you're attempting to replicate that look, handheld microphones are recommended for these situations. Voiceovers and the collection of sound effects are two additional frequent off-camera uses.

2. Lavalier microphone

A lavalier microphone is a small microphone that is typically clipped to the clothing of the person who is being recorded. Lavalier microphones are popular for videographers and vloggers because they are small and unobtrusive.

They are also inexpensive, making them a good choice for budget-conscious videographers who frequently go overlooked due to their diminutive size, making them a favorite among news anchors and interview guests.

When using a lavalier mic outside, you might need a windshield to reduce wind noise. The benefit of the tiny size may be lost, and the mic's profile will increase.

A piece of gaffer's tape is frequently used for this purpose. As long as there aren't too many layers of clothes covering the microphone, the garment serves as a basic windshield, and the sound quality should be good. Before and while recording, make sure to listen for any garments rustling.

3. Shotgun Microphone

A shotgun microphone is a type of microphone that is typically mounted on the hot shoe of a DSLR camera. Picking up sound from a distance is one of the main advantages of shotgun mics.

Photo by Ricky Kharawala on Unsplash

They are ideal for recording lectures, speeches, and other situations where the subject is some distance away from the camera. The long, narrow shape of the microphone helps reduce ambient noise, making it easier to hear the person being recorded.

You must utilize a windshield while using a shotgun microphone outside. Look at a blimp or zeppelin instead of the foam model that came with the microphone because it is useless for anything more than a little wind.

These cages for your shotgun mic resemble tubes and typically have fur-like material on the exterior. This diffuses the wind before it reaches the microphone, so shooting outside in a strong wind shouldn't be a problem.

How to Choose the Best Microphone

1. Type

The type of microphone is one of the most important factors to consider. There are many different microphone systems, each with advantages and disadvantages. The most popular types of microphones for DSLR cameras are shotgun microphones and lav microphones.

Shotgun microphones are more expensive than lav microphones but offer better audio quality. They are also more directional, meaning they can be more easily aimed at the subject of the video. However, shotgun microphones can be more difficult to use and are not as versatile as lav mics.

Photo by Chase Fade on Unsplash

Lav microphones are less expensive than shotgun microphones and more versatile. They can be used in a variety of different situations, and they offer good audio quality. However, lav microphones are not as directional as shotgun microphones and can be more difficult to use.

2. Size & Weight

When choosing a DSLR microphone, it's important to consider the size and weight of the microphone. If you plan on recording video in a small space, such as an interview, you'll need a small and easy-to-carphone microphone. If you plan on recording video in a large space, such as a lecture hall, you'll need a larger and more powerful microphone.

3. Power/ Battery life

Phantom power is a method of supplying power to microphones that have active electronics. The power is supplied through the microphone cable, and the voltage is typically between 12 and 48 volts. Phantom power is typically used with condenser microphones with active electronics requiring power.

Not all microphones require phantom power. If you're using a dynamic microphone, you won't need phantom power. This is because dynamic microphones don't have active electronics and don't require power to operate. Batteries can power some microphones. If you're using a battery-powered microphone, you'll need to ensure that the batteries are fresh and have enough power to last the duration of your recording.

4. Polar Pattern

The polar pattern of a microphone is the shape of the area that the microphone is sensitive to. The three most common polar patterns are cardioid, supercardioid, bidirectional, and omnidirectional.

Photo by Christian Wiediger on Unsplash

Cardioid microphones are the most common type of microphone. They are designed to pick up sound from the front of the microphone while rejecting sound from the sides and rear. Cardioid microphones are a good choice for most applications, such as interviews, lectures, and speeches.

Supercardioid can provide more rejection to abient sounds than cardioid, due to a narrower and tighter pickup pattern. By blocking the environmental voices, it works best for a single sound source, like vloggers or broadcast quality recording.

Bidirectional microphones are designed to pick up sound from the front and rear of the microphone while rejecting sound from the sides. Bidirectional microphones are a good choice for applications where you need to pick up sound from two people, such as interviews.

Omnidirectional microphones are designed to pick up sound from all directions. Omnidirectional microphones are a good choice for applications where you need to pick up sound from multiple people, such as conferences and meetings.

5. Sensitivity

The sensitivity of a microphone is the amount of sound that the microphone can pick up. The two main types of microphones are condenser microphones and dynamic microphones.

Condenser microphones are more sensitive than dynamic microphones and are a good choice for applications where you need to pick up a lot of sounds, such as lectures and speeches. However, condenser microphones require phantom power and are more expensive than dynamic microphones.

Dynamic microphones are less sensitive than condenser microphones and are a good choice for applications where you don't need to pick up a lot of sounds, such as interviews. Dynamic microphones are less expensive than condenser microphones and don't require phantom power.

10 Best Video Microphone for DSLR Cameras

1. Shure VP83F

Image Credit: amazon.com

Specifications

• Price: $329.00
• Weight & Size: 1.14 pounds and 10 x 5.2 x 4.2 inches
• Power source: Phantom power
• Type of mic: Condenser
• Frequency range/Frequency response: 50Hz to 20kHz
• Polar pattern: Lobar, Supercardioid polar pattern
• Connectivity: 3.5 mm TRS

Pros

• Excellent sound quality
• Has a good external mic
• Compact and lightweight
• Easy to use

Cons

• Expensive
• No USB interface
• Detects sounds from the image stabilizer and the lens

2. Rode Videomic Pro+

Image Credit: amazon.com

Specifications

• Price: $232.00
• Weight & Size: 4.3 ounces and 4.3 x 6.69 x 2.59 inches
• Power source: Rechargeable, Corded Electric, Battery Powered
• Type of mic: Condenser
• Frequency range/Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz
• Polar pattern: Supercardioid
• Connectivity: 3.5mm TRS

Pros

• Rechargeable batteries that last longer
• Variable gain control with selective options
• Best for YouTube videos
• Has a high-quality sound
• Durable and easy to use

Cons

• Too much background noise
• Expensive

3.Sennheiser MKE 600

 

Image Credit: amazon.com

Specifications

• Price: $318.00
• Weight & Size: 15.2 ounces and 10.08 x 0.79 x 4.02 inches
• Power source: AA batteries, Phantom power
• Type of mic: Condenser
• Frequency range/Frequency response: 40Hz to 20kHz
• Polar pattern: Lobar, Supercardioid
• Connectivity: XLR

Pros

• Exceptional in voiceovers
• Can be self-powered with a battery or powered by phantom power
• Amazing sound quality
• Excellent noise rejection skills

Cons

• XLR cable is heavily

4. Saramonic Vmic Recorder

Image Credit: amazon.com

 

Specifications

• Price: $63.95
• Weight & Size: 1.17 ounces and 10.2 x 2.59 x 3.1 inches
• Power source: AA batteries
• Type of mic: Condenser
• Frequency range/Frequency response: 50Hz to 20kHz
• Polar pattern: Supercardioid
• Connectivity: 3.5 mm Jack

Pros

• Affordable
• Lightweight and portable
• Audio recorders to a camera and SD card
• LCD screen for battery life and level monitoring
• Good construction

 Cons

• It had a larger polar pattern than anticipated
• Compressed tone or sound

5. Tascam TM-2X

Image Credit: amazon.com

Specifications

• Price: $99.00
• Weight & Size:  8.8 ounces and 6.06 x 3.19 x 8.5 inches
• Power source: Corded Electric
• Type of mic: Condenser
• Frequency range/Frequency response: 50Hz to 20kHz
• Polar pattern: Cardioid
• Connectivity: 3.5 mm TRS

Pros

• Small and lightweight
• Affordable
• Does not need additional batteries

Cons

• Phantom power is not available

6.Sennheiser AVX-ME2 

 Image Credit: amazon.com

Specifications

• Price: $749.00
• Weight & Size:  1.72 pounds and 12.6 x 6.7 x 2.9 inches
• Power source: AA batteries and Phantom Power.
• Type of mic: Condenser
• Frequency range/Frequency response: 50Hz to 18kHz
• Polar pattern:  Omnidirectional
• Connectivity: XLR

 Pros

• The sound quality is excellent
• Simple to use
• Nicely constructed
• Good automation and wifi range

Cons

• Battery life on receivers is poor
• The receiver's blue antenna cap is rattling and is loose

7. Rode Videomicro RodeLink

Image Credit: amazon.com

Specifications

• Price: $299.00
• Weight & Size: 1 pounds and 5 x 2 x 3 inches
• Power source: AA batteries
• Type of mic: Condenser
• Frequency range/Frequency response: 60Hz to 18kHz
• Polar pattern:  Omnidirectional
• Connectivity: wireless USB

Pros

• Excellent audio
• Continuous frequency hopping and a strong wireless microphone signal
• Prolonged battery life

Cons

• The construction quality may be better
• Each receiver and transmitter may only be used once

8. Canon Directional Microphone DM-E1

Image Credit: amazon.com

Specifications

• Price: $245.13
• Weight & Size:  0.45 Pounds and 3.8 x 5.3 x 3.2 inches
• Power source: AA batteries
• Type of mic: Condenser
• Frequency range/Frequency response: 50Hz to 16kHz
• Polar pattern: Cardioid (Directional)
• Connectivity: 3.5mm plug

 Pros

• Shotgun, 90°, and 120° are the three modes.
• Includes a windscreen
• Good sound quality

Cons

• Expensive
• The battery status cannot be viewed while the device is in use.

9. Sennheiser MKE 400

Image Credit: amazon.com

Specifications

• Price: $199.95
• Weight & Size:  2.08 ounces and 0.83 x 5.12 x 2.44 inches
• Power source: AA batteries
• Type of mic: Condenser
• Frequency range/Frequency response: 50Hz to 20kHz
• Polar pattern: Supercardioid polar pattern
• Connectivity: 3.5 mm TRS

Pros

• Won't make your rig heavier
• Sturdy metal casing
• Flexible phone clamp
• Captures focused, clear sounds

Cons

• The mic mount is not tunable
• Lack of bubble-level on the tripod

10. Sennheiser EW 112

Image Credit: amazon.com

Specifications

• Price: $649.00
• Weight & Size:  8.8 ounces and 15.94 x 6.77 x 2.87 inches
• Power source: AA batteries
• Type of mic: Condenser
• Frequency range/Frequency response: 50Hz - 18kHz
• Polar pattern: Omnidirectional
• Connectivity: Wireless

Pros

• Excellent audio quality
• Simple to set up and operate

Cons

• Quite a harsh-sounding voice

Bonus: Practical Accessories You may Need for Vlogging or Video Recording

1. Headphone Jack

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A headphone jack is a type of connector used to connect headphones to a DSLR camera. Headphone jacks are typically located on the side or bottom of the camera and allow you to monitor the audio while recording.

2. Shoe Mount

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A shoe mount, also known as a shoe adapter, is a small metal plate used to mount a microphone or other accessory to the hot shoe of a DSLR camera. Shoe mounts are popular for videographers, vloggers, or filmmakers because they are small and easy to use.

3. Deadcat Windscreen

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A dead cat windscreen is a type of windscreen that is designed to reduce wind noise. Deadcat windscreens are typically made of furry material and placed over the microphone's top to minimize wind noise.

4. Shock Mount 

 

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A shock mount is a type of mount that is used to reduce vibration and noise from the camera. Shock mounts are typically made of metal or plastic and are placed between the microphone and the camera. If you have no idea, you can try the Rycote Lyre shock mount first.

Conclusion

There are many different types of DSLR microphones available on the market, so choosing the right one is important. This guide has discussed the different types of DSLR microphones and how to choose the best one for your needs. We've also provided a list of the 10 best DSLR microphones on the market to choose the right one for your budget and needs.

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