Record videos with excellent sound quality using the best DSLR microphone.
I’ve collected 8 best microphones for DSLR video that differ in the frequency range, battery life, and price. Keep on reading and let me help you choose an option to record high-quality sound.
Our Choice
Polar Pattern: Lobar, Supercardioid | Frequency range: 40 Hz to 20 kHz | Battery life: No battery required | Sensitivity: -32 dB
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Rating
⊕ Great sound quality
⊕ Works fine in challenging environmental conditions
⊕ Lacks switches, buttons, dials
⊕ Windscreen reduces wind noise to the minimum
⊕ Wide frequency response
⊖ Not found
Sennheiser MKH416-P48U3 Shotgun microphone is suitable for shooting videos in any weather. Due to its moisture-resistant design, the microphone can withstand high humidity, wind or rain.
It provides clear sound direction, low noise level, and a strong output signal. Dialogs and sound effects are recorded with full dynamics and sharpness due to the wide frequency response.
MKH 416-P48U3 was developed by professionals based on their experience. Due to its low intrinsic noise of 13 dBA and high sensitivity of 32 dB, you get a clear signal as if it was recorded in a studio, without the necessity to remove noise or adjust amplification during post-production.
DSLR microphone with 3 recording modes
Polar Pattern: Monaural and Stereo | Frequency range: 50 Hz to 16 kHz | Battery life: 100 Hours | Sensitivity: -42 dB
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Rating
⊕ Can record a wide variety of sounds
⊕ 3 recording modes
⊕ Protection from wind
⊕ Has its own power source
⊕ An integrated shock mount construction
⊖ The battery indicator doesn’t always show the actual charge
Canon Directional Microphone offers several options: you can choose a shotgun setting or switch to 90° or 120° stereo mode. The microphone is suitable both for Canon cameras and for all devices with a 3.5mm jack.
This is one of the best mics for DSLR video with a windshield that helps reduce noise from wind and other surrounding sounds. Also, the built-in shock mount reduces camera and lens noise while recording.
The frequency range from 50Hz to 16kHz allows you to accurately capture a wide variety of sounds, from live music and nature sounds to dialogs. This microphone has its own power source, so it can work for up to 100 hours without charging. The device automatically turns on and off together with the camera.
Supercardioid shotgun microphone
Polar Pattern: Supercardioid | Frequency range: 40 Hz to 20 kHz | Battery life: 70 Hours | Sensitivity: -10 dB to +20 dB
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Rating
⊕ Mobile microphone
⊕ 9V battery lasts for 70 hours
⊕ Gain and bass roll-off
⊕ Easily connects to a camera
⊕ Comes with a 10-year warranty
⊖ Wind Screen helps only in light wind
Rode VideoMicPro comes with a built-in shock mount that reduces noise from various vibrations. The microphone is also protected from hits and wind noise thanks to a foam windscreen.
This Rode mic for DSLR runs on a 9V battery and can work for 70 hours. You can adjust the sound amplification and choose low frequencies in order to optimize the level and tone of the recording.
This microphone uses a super-cardioid polar diagram to focus on the sound in front of it while reducing the side and back sound. Due to this, you get a more detailed sound in comparison to standard microphones in cameras.
The compact audio system for work on the go
Polar Pattern: Omnidirectional | Frequency range: 50 Hz to 20 kHz | Battery life: 7 Hours | Sensitivity: 0 to -12 dB (6 dB Steps)
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Rating
⊕ A versatile wireless microphone system
⊕ Very compact
⊕ Low, medium, and high receiver gain settings
⊕ Automatically scans and connects to the signal
⊕ A great microphone integrated into the transmitter
⊖ The built-in battery can’t be replaced
⊖ Interference while moving the transmitter
Rode Wireless Go is an audio system that consists of a miniature transmitter with a built-in wireless omnidirectional capsule, a miniature receiver, and accessories. You get high-quality sound without using an external microphone.
The system catches sounds even if the microphone isn’t placed in the best way possible. Due to the frequency range from 50Hz to 20kHz, this DSLR camera microphone naturally attenuates low frequencies such as extraneous hum and noise.
The compact transmitter and receiver can interest journalists and vloggers, who often record video while traveling. Each device weighs just one ounce and can be attached to clothes or a pocket, installed on a camera or mobile device.
On-camera microphone with rycote lyre shock mount
Polar Pattern: Cardioid | Frequency range: 100 Hz to 20 kHz | Battery life: No battery required | Sensitivity: -33 dB +/- 2 dB
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Rating
⊕ Compact and light
⊕ Reduces distracting peripheral sounds
⊕ Aluminum body
⊕ Effectively suppresses vibrations
⊕ Comes with a windshield
⊖ Very noisy because of low output (on Canon DSLRs)
⊖ Not for all cameras
Rode VideoMicro is a compact microphone with an integrated cardioid capsule that ensures excellent sound quality and can be used with a wide range of cameras.
This Rode microphone reduces distracting peripheral sounds and focuses on the sound in front of the camera. You get more natural audio when recording indoors. This microphone is powered by the camera battery. There is also a cable with a standard 3.5mm jack to connect it to your camera.
The microphone body is made of aluminum for protection against extraneous radio frequencies and has a high-quality ceramic anti-reflective cover. VideoMicro includes a shock mount that minimizes unwanted vibrations and noise.
The cheapest DSLR microphone
Polar Pattern: Cardioid | Frequency range: 50Hz to 16KHz | Battery life: 100 Hours | Sensitivity: -32dB±3dB
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Rating
⊕ Good in removing extraneous sounds
⊕ Affordable
⊕ Lacks DSLR hiss
⊕ Great battery
⊕ Has a low power indicator
⊖ Doesn’t tighten up on some cameras
⊖ Not the biggest dynamic range
When it comes to the best microphones for interviews, this highly sensitive condenser microphone designed for vlogging and interview purposes stands out as an excellent choice. Due to its cardioid directivity characteristic, the microphone effectively reduces surrounding noise.
This camera microphone for vlogging is shockproof. It can reduce the mechanical noise of cameras and vibration. The battery lasts for up to 100 hours. When the charge is low, the low power indicator is activated.
This microphone might not provide the best sound quality but considering its affordable price, the parameters seem pretty good. The device also comes with a windscreen and shock-resistant mount.
Supercardioid shotgun mic with 200-hr run time
Polar Pattern: Supercardioid | Frequency range: 70 Hz to 16 kHz | Battery life: 200 Hours | Sensitivity: 38dB to -28dB
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Rating
⊕ Can be used with a camera, smartphone, camcorders
⊕ Low intrinsic noise
⊕ Low-frequency filter
⊕ Shock-absorbing design
⊕ You can regulate the dB level
⊖ You need to turn the microphone on before recording
⊖ Built-in cable
Comica CVM-V30 is a shotgun microphone that can be used while recording with a camera or smartphone. It has an impressive battery life - 200 hours.
I believed that a plastic body and small weight were the downsides of this microphone. However, when I was recording a video using this microphone, I had a feeling that it wasn’t attached to the camera at all.
It doesn’t distract from work, doesn’t interfere with access to the buttons and, at the same time, significantly improves the sound. So, it’s definitely one of the best DSLR microphone variants.
The mounting system does a good job at reducing camera noise. Usually, you can hear autofocus noise in the video but it doesn’t happen with V30 Pro.
Universal microphone for smartphones and DSLRs
Polar Pattern: Cardioid | Frequency range: 35 Hz to 18 kHz, +/-3dB | Battery life: No battery | Sensitivity: -42dB +/- 1dB
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Rating
⊕ Suitable for all cameras and phones
⊕ Comes with a shock mount
⊕ Has a furry windscreen
⊕ Can pick up low frequencies
⊕ Has a 1-year warranty
⊖ It’s better to use a tripod while recording
Movo VXR10 is a universal video shotgun microphone that significantly improves sound quality, no matter if you use it with a standard smartphone or a DSLR camera.
VXR10 is compatible with all iPhone and Android phones, DSLR cameras, mirrorless cameras, tablets, computers, and small action cameras such as GoPro and DJI Osmo Pockets. It perfectly captures a wide range of sounds and provides a full bass and crisp higher frequencies.
Vloggers, directors, and videographers consider it to be the best DSLR microphone as it records clear and crisp sound. The reason why it’s so good is that this microphone uses a cardioid condenser capsule that minimizes the peripheral surrounding noise and catches the sound from the object in front of the microphone.
Image | Name | Features | |
---|---|---|---|
Sennheiser MKH416-P48U3
OUR CHOICE |
Check PRICE → | ||
Rode VideoMicro
COMPACT MIC |
Check PRICE → | ||
Comica CVM-V30 PRO
SUPER BATTERY |
Check PRICE → |
Directivity. The choice of directivity characteristics depends on the environment, where you are going to record videos. The best DSLR microphone is a cardioid or super-cardioid model that minimizes noise. The hyper-cardioid pattern picks up signals from the sides and back. Such microphones are great for recording musical instruments, documentaries and can come in handy in a room with a low noise level.
The list contains a microphone with a lobar pattern - Sennheiser MKH416-P48U3. Such microphones are better than cardioids. They filter noise from the sides and pick up the least amount of noise from behind.
Size. Choose the size of the microphone according to your needs. Short microphones catch more noise from the sides and back than long ones. They are usually used to record videos indoors. Long microphones have high directivity and a wider range of frequency characteristics. With such a microphone, you can record from a bigger distance or using a tripod.
Other Parameters. Each microphone has its peculiar characteristics. The necessary functions depend on your skill level, intended use, and budget. If you record a lot of videos outdoors, you might want to use a microphone with the best battery. If you have to adapt to different environments, you need functions and settings for noise reduction.
Yes, there are excellent free audio editing software options available. Audacity is a popular choice, offering a wide range of features for both beginners and professionals. Other free options like Ardour, Wavosaur, and WavePad also provide powerful audio editing capabilities. The choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Audio editing software can work wonders in improving poorly recorded audio to some extent. You can reduce background noise, equalize sound levels, and apply effects to enhance the overall quality. However, it's essential to start with the best recording possible for optimal results.
VST (Virtual Studio Technology) plugins are add-on tools that expand the functionality of your audio editing software. They allow you to add various effects, instruments, and processing tools to your audio projects. VST plugins are crucial for achieving specific sounds and effects, making them an essential component of professional audio editing.
Absolutely! Many audio editing software options are well-suited for podcasting. You can edit and enhance your podcast episodes, remove background noise, add music, and export your final product in podcast-friendly formats. Look for features like multi-track editing and noise reduction when choosing software for podcasting.
Wind protection is crucial for outdoor recordings to minimize wind noise and unwanted distortion. Deadcat windshields or foam windscreen covers help shield the microphone from wind interference.
Ann Young
Hi there, I'm Ann Young - a professional blogger, read more