Digital photography is more widely available today than it was in the past. Despite the familiarity a buyer may have with these cameras, it is still crucial to understand your camera options before spending a lot of money on your photography equipment.
A digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera is only one type of digital camera, although many use the term DSLR to refer to any digital camera.
DSLR cameras are likely to be well-known to most individuals, but some may not be as aware of the video recording version. This kind of camera has completely changed video recording, going well beyond the capability of the camcorder.
As any videographer knows, exciting visuals can lose their impact without clear, crisp sound to let the viewer know what’s happening.
This guide will discuss the top DSLR microphones to use with your DSLR camera.
Advantages, Drawbacks of DSLR Cameras
DSLRs are excellent for producing still images and video due to their low light performance and high-resolution sensors. Unfortunately, the built-in microphones on most DSLRs are not very effective at producing high-quality audio.
If you wish to record audio with your camera, you must use the built-in microphone or built-in quick shoe mount because some cameras don’t have a 3.5mm audio connector. Various microphones are available, including lavalier mics, handheld microphones, dynamic microphones, a wireless mic, etc.
You will also need high-quality audio to produce high-quality pictures and videos. For that, you will need an excellent audio recording tool.
Most of these devices will be “shotgun microphones,” so named because their oblong tube resembles a shotgun barrel. They should not be confused with “boom mics,” in which the boom is simply the moniker for the microphone stand.
There could be a problem with using external mics because very few are compatible with cameras that do not have a 3.5mm audio connector.
Let’s examine some of the best microphones for DSLR video cameras.
Rode VideoMicro Compact On-Camera Microphone
Rode created the VideoMicro Compact Microphone. It is a compact but powerful microphone for smartphones, DSLRs, and camcorders. The VideoMicro Compact is perfect for vlogging, filmmaking, photography, and live streaming.
Its premium cardioid condenser capsule produces clear audio recordings with little handling noise. The VideoMicro Compact is the ideal smartphone accessory for recording crystal-clear audio to accompany your video. A DSLR camera or camcorder with an auxiliary microphone input jack can also use the microphone.
An added benefit is a 3.5mm output jack that you may use to connect to your camera or recorder’s input.
A designed 80Hz high pass filter and soft-touch design make the microphone easy to carry while reducing low-frequency noise, such as a breeze or road rumble, when shooting outside.
The portable microphone records crisp, clear sound with little interference when used alone or with a lens or recorder. Because of its comprehensive frequency, the mic captures even the most minor subtleties in your subject’s voice while minimizing low-frequency rumble caused by handling noise and the wind.
The camera’s super-cardioid microphone picks up only the noises directly in front of the mic and eliminates any unwanted background noises. The super-cardioid is a unidirectional condenser microphone with a significantly smaller pickup area than an omnidirectional mic. This difference allows the super-cardioid mic to filter out sound from the direction the capsule is pointed, allowing the audio to be free from interference and background noise.
The microphone is called “cardioid” because its shape resembles a heart.
The Videomic is packaged in a robust, foam-lined aluminum casing that will help shield it from any knocks, bumps, and scrapes that may happen during shipment. The microphone is protected while not in use by the accompanying zip-up carrying pouch and comes with a fuzzy luxury windshield and a Rycote lyre shock mounting.
Photo source: Amazon.com
Movo VXR10 Universal Video Microphone
The Movo VXR10 Universal is a lightweight, small cardioid condenser microphone for cameras and cell phones. It features wires that allow it to be attached to a camera or a phone and includes a shock mount that fits into a hot shoe.
Although the microphone with most cameras and smartphones is handy, the audio quality isn’t the finest. It is susceptible to picking up handling and operational noises, and there is no wind protection. While this occasionally works well, it is not ideal.
Adding an extra mic to the gear can be intimidating, even if you merely want to capture ambient sound. However, doing so can significantly enhance the sound you shoot with your movies.
The process doesn’t have to be complicated. Two cables — one optimized for use with a smartphone and the other suitable with the 3.5mm mic ports on many cameras — are included with the Movo VXR10 shotgun microphone. It is host-powered, so there is no need for a rechargeable power source.
You can start recording as soon as the mic is attached to the camera. The microphone automatically turns on when you select video mode and start recording. There is no need to toggle on or off. It is ideal for whenever you want to record a video quickly.
Movo included a shock mount for the VXR10 shotgun mic that fits into a camera’s hot shoe and windscreen for shooting outside. The Movo VXR10 Universal is a dimensional microphone but still catches some ambient noise, making it excellent for recording raw audio.
For example, if you speak to the camera, the background chatter will still be audible but won’t overshadow or dominate your voice.
The Movo VXR10 shotgun mic costs less than $40 and comes with all the essentials. In addition, it significantly improves audio quality in windy settings compared to a camera’s onboard mic.
The Movo VXR10 Universal is an obvious choice for your equipment if you’re beginning to capture video.
Photo source: Amazon.com
Rode VideoMic GO
The VideoMic GO is designed to be lightweight and small. It produces directional audio that is crystal clear and sharp. Its close pickup pattern will shield your subject from distracting ambient noise because it concentrates on the region immediately next to the mic and mutes extraneous sounds.
The incorporated Rycote Lyre shock clamp protects your microphone by isolating it from shocks and vibrations that would otherwise affect your sound. The Lyre offers superior acoustic suspension than conventional elastic solutions and won’t wear out, sag, or snap because it is made from a single piece of durable thermoplastic.
To ensure you never miss a brilliant shot, the Rode VideoMic GO has no confusing switches or configurations and is powered by the external microphone input of your camera.
Photo source: Amazon.com
Moukey Video Microphone
Most DSLR cameras, video recorders, audio recorders, cellphones, tablets, and laptops are compatible with the Moukey Video Microphone. Note: A 3.5mm mic jack should be on all compatible devices.
The installed high-class cardioid condenser pod produces the best audio recording and restores the purest sound when used with different DSLR cameras and two large transmission cables.
The unidirectional microphone is ideal for conversations, vlogging, filming on YouTube, Tik Tok, family holidays, live music, outdoor events, lessons, etc., because it is primarily sensitive to noises in front of the lens and can eliminate background noise.
It has very low interference. An aluminum body protects the audio recording quality from radio frequency interference at high levels. Because it is small, you can easily transport it.
It has a shock-absorption bumper mount that effectively reduces undesirable handling noise and vibration. A 3.5mm TRS Output Wire (For DSLR, Video recorders, Tapes), 3.5mm TRRS Output Cable, Mic Windshield, Foam Cover, Soft Carrying Bag, and other professional accessories (For Cellphones, Tablets, and Mac) comes with Moukey Video Microphone.
Photo source: Amazon.com
Rode VideoMic Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
The Rode VideoMic Shotgun Microphone costs more than a USB microphone, yet it is inexpensive for a professional microphone. It is intended to function with video cameras and portable devices and blends the style and sounds of a Rode mic with the small, on-camera construction of a Rode VideoMic.
A shotgun microphone is a high-frequency microphone that primarily rejects audio in the area around it while recording. As a result, it is perfect for many video-focused applications, such as capturing conversations or meetings, especially in loud or outdoor settings.
The VideoMic Shotgun is small and lightweight, comprising 6.7 by 0.8 inches (HW) and weighing 3.3 oz, so it won’t add a lot of extra bulk to your camera setup. The lightweight shock mount is made from the aforementioned Rycote Lyre and has a stylish red suspension. It has cable threading clamps to manage cable slack, and its base attaches to a camera by the cold shoe. You can also precisely change how far forward or backward the mic body is positioned thanks to an adjustable sliding rail.
A 3-inch thread is included at the base of the shoe mount’s standard size for simple mounting on boom poles or stands. The VideoMic uses a super-cardioid polar design to focus on what is in front of the camera, thus reducing background noise.
A configurable high-pass filter of 80Hz is provided in contrast to the microphone’s natural 40Hz-20kHz response, which will stop low-end noise like air conditioning units and automobiles from being captured. Loud sounds, such as musical performances or motorsports, can be recorded using a -10dB and -20dB frequency range and can be configurable from within the battery compartment.
Photo source: Amazon.com
Comica CVM-V30 Pro Camera Microphone
The Comica CVM-V30 Pro is a welcome affordable addition to the selection of small, portable camera shotgun mics made for vloggers. A sizable portion of this market is occupied by brands like Rode and Sennheiser, while Comica also has some good products.
The microphone is expertly displayed in a reliable, professional retail box, with the mic visible through the packaging. You receive a dead cat windscreen and a microphone (with a 3.5mm wire attached). The windscreen’s name comes from the fact that it is made of artificial fur designed to minimize wind noise while recording.
The shock mount for the microphone is permanently fastened to it. There are no batteries supplied.
The Comica V30 Pro costs $47 as of this writing. The package is comparable to the Rode VideoMicPro, which costs $108 on Amazon. However, you may add some additional bucks if you want to have a dead cat with the Rode. Thus, the Comica is $60 less expensive than the Rode.
The Comica coexists peacefully with its competitors, Sennheiser and Rode video mic NTG. The output is clear, bright, and noise-free. The sound is a little thin, a common issue with budget microphones, including the VideoMic line. Still, it is ideal for news gathering, mobile YouTube content creation, and vlogging.
The CVM-V30 Pro has a straightforward feature set. The position of the three-way power switch features a 10 dB increase. You can lower your mic volume on camera and lessen the hiss created onboard by the Comica if the signal is louder.
The power supply is manual, so it does not automatically switch on when plugged in or turn off when unplugged. This disadvantage has been a concern of some camera owners because they might accidentally leave it on after using it.
The shock mount appears to lack clearance at first, but its clever design makes it more condensed than most others while still performing the same as any shock mount — other than Rycote’s.
You also receive a dead cat windscreen that fits firmly over the permanently placed foam protection, keeping only the settings and cable accessible. The dead cat is an excellent inclusion because most buyers of a mic of this sort require it.
This kind of custom design has an advantage over a poorly fitted product from a third party because it is snug, compact, and blocks airflow from more angles.
Photo source: Amazon.com
Rode VideoMic Pro Compact Directional Microphone
A prominent microphone with many applications is the Rode Videomic Pro — one of the top mounts for big cellphones, camcorders, and DSLRs. This premium directional shotgun microphone has a removable directional capsule for the best recording in any setting.
It is ideal for producing cinematic sound for your films or capturing live music. The Videomic Pro is a high-end shotgun microphone that offers professional audio quality, making it suitable for use in movies, television shows, and other media. The frequency response customization minimizes off-axis noise pickup while delivering precise, crisp audio. The microphone also has a low-cut feature to reduce undesirable low-end frequencies like wind noise.
When a DSLR camera is used to record video, the Videomic Pro also incorporates a high pass filter that lowers turbulence and other low frequencies. With its adaptability in mind, the Rode Videomic Pro is the best DSLR microphone and is perfect to be used with camcorders and even sizable smartphone gadgets.
The ultra-low mass capsule delivers enhanced frequency response and an incorporated Rycote Lyre shock mount mechanism to eliminate handling noise and record crystal clear music from all angles.
Photo source: Amazon.com
Comica CVM-V30 Lite
The Comica CVM-V30 Lite is a worldwide shotgun microphone for a DSLR video camera and a cellphone with a 3.5 mm audio input. In addition, you can create directed records using the super-cardioid recording pattern, which is ideal for YouTube, vloggers, and filmmakers.
You can quickly install the microphone to a phone holder, tablet holder, or camera using the cold shoe mount. The microphone has a 1/4″ thread for mounting straight to a handle or tripod and weighs only 1.8 oz. (52 grams).
No batteries are needed for the directional microphone to avoid having an open mic while filming or recording a vlog (outdoors). You may take advantage of crystal clear sound thanks to the CVM-V30 Lite shotgun microphone.
Super cardioid polarization is excellent for directed recording because it effectively blocks undesired ambient noise. The microphone also incorporates a pop cover and a low-noise filter to eliminate low sounds.
There is a reliable shock mount for the directional microphone. If the sturdy design absorbs impacts and contact noises, such as those from the floor, the microphone will barely vibrate, maintaining a high-quality audio output.
The CVM-V30 Lite can use almost any camera or smartphone. You may switch between smartphone and camera modes using a slider on the microphone.
Photo source: Amazon.com
Conclusion
The most delicate DSLR microphone should generate superb sound and be easy to attach and use. While effective noise reduction is crucial, it can also be used in various settings. With a movement of the audio fields that will offer fascinating sound possibilities, it is well-built, easy to operate, and simple to set up.
We hope that the information on DSLR microphones and the specific product reviews in this article will help you choose a DSLR microphone that suits your preferences and meets your video recording needs.
