Microphone for camera: 5 recommended microphones for the cam

An external microphone for the DSLR or the mirrorless system camera records the sound in high quality. Microphones built into the cameras are loosely surpassed by the so-called “shotgun” directional microphones and also by the compact lavalier microphones. We recommend these five models for the camera.

Hama Smart Lavalier Microphone: Inexpensive for beginners

A lapel microphone is one inexpensive and practical solution for voice recording. It is suitable for interviews, discussion groups or even monologues. That Hama Smart offers a six-meter-long cable for freedom of movement for the speaker and for a greater distance from the camera. A cable holder, a bag and a windscreen are included. The remote control on the cable, with which the microphone can be switched on and off, is also practical.

Hama Smart
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Rode Wireless Go II: Wireless clip-on microphone

That Rode Wireless Go II consists of two transmitter modules and one receiver … ideal for interviews and other situations where two sound sources are to be recorded simultaneously and separately. The highlight: the output is two-channel (stereo) either analog via the 3.5 millimeter TRS socket of the receiver or digital via its USB-C socket. In addition to being connected to a camera, the receiver can also be connected to a computer or Android or iOS device.

The transmitter and receiver have an internal battery that lasts for at least 6 hours. To operate, you only have to switch on the modules, they connect automatically. The Wireless GO II system has a range of 200 (!) meters with a clear line of sight. The scope of delivery includes three USB-C to USB-A cables, a short 3.5 mm TRS cable, three fur windscreens and a neoprene transport bag.

Rode Wireless Go II
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Rode Video Mic Rycote: Inexpensive for voice recordings

That Rode Mic Rycote is a “shotgun” or directional microphone for mounting on the camera. The right device is right there – in the eye-catching red. The microphone specifically picks up the sound from the source at which the microphone and camera are aimed, ambient noise is greatly reduced. The output level can be reduced by 10 or 20 decibels with a switch to match the signal source. A foam windscreen is fitted at the factory and the microphone can be switched on and off with the power switch including battery control LED.

Rode Video Mic Rycote
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Like the Rode Mic Rycote, this is too Sony ECM-CG60 a directional microphone, but in a slightly higher price range. Like the Rode, it has a “supercardioid” characteristic, so it specifically picks up the voice of the speaker being filmed and reduces environmental noise. A microphone holder is included and absorbs the camera zoom noise. There is also a windbreak. The ECM-CG60 can also be powered by an AAA battery or via the mains connection. It is not only suitable for Sony cameras, but for all interchangeable lens cameras and camcorders that offer a hot shoe adapter and a 3.5mm microphone input.

Sony ECM-CG60
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Nikon ME 1: Stereo microphone for Nikon cameras

That Nikon ME 1 is a stereo microphone specially designed for all Nikon cameras with stereo audio input. Pop protection and low-cut filters reduce noise such as wind. The weatherproof microphone is powered directly from the camera. It’s “unidirectional,” meaning it picks up sound from all directions. This means that not only the voice of the person standing directly in front of the camera can be heard, as with cardioid or supercardioid microphones. The result is a more spacious sound, but depending on the environment with more environmental noise.

Nikon ME 1
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Rode Pro Rycote Stereo Microphone: For concert recordings

The Rode Pro Rycote relies on two microphones with cardioid characteristics, which are arranged at a 90-degree angle to the left and right. The microphone is ideal for attaching to a camera or camcorder, for example recording concerts or to capture the atmosphere at events. There is a battery in the microphone, so the camera is not drained when recording. A foam windscreen is included.

These external camera microphones exist

• shotgun: They were named after the shotgun. Because these external microphones have an elongated shape and are mounted on the camera in the direction of the interviewee. They are good at minimizing ambient noise. In German, they are also called “shotgun microphones” or “directional microphones” in a less martial way.
• lavaliers: The lavalier or clip-on microphones are very small and are attached to the speaker’s clothing, usually their shirt. They can be connected to the camera with a cable or wirelessly via a transmitter.
• Separate recording: If you are filming at a fixed location, you can also record the sound independently of the camera and subsequently edit the audio and video tracks together in post-production. For example with a lavalier microphone attached to an audio recorder. Then the external camera microphones have to record the sound in a way that is understandable enough for the editing software to recognize the point at which it has to synchronize the tracks.