For content creators, a good on-camera shotgun microphone is an essential tool to capture high-quality audio while filming. It can eliminate background noise and capture crisp and clear audio, which can immensely improve the overall quality of your videos. However, with so many options in the market, it can be daunting to select the best one for your needs. That’s why we have compiled a list of the top 10 best on camera shotgun mics in this article, providing a detailed buying guide along with our honest reviews to help you make an informed decision. So, whether you’re vlogging, conducting interviews, or making corporate videos, you’ll find the best on camera shotgun mic to elevate your content creation game.
Editor’s Choice
Last update on 2023-11-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
On Camera Shotgun Mic: A Quick Overview
An on-camera shotgun mic is a directional microphone designed to capture audio when attached to the top of a camera. The mic is typically mounted on a shock mount to reduce handling noise and unwanted vibrations. It is commonly used in video production, such as in interviews, vlogs, and documentary filming.
The directional nature of the on-camera shotgun mic allows it to capture sound from the direction it’s aimed at. This helps to isolate the sound from the surrounding environment and reduce unwanted noise. On-camera shotgun mics typically have a pickup pattern that picks up sound in front of the mic while rejecting sound from the sides and rear. They also often have adjustable gain and filters to help adjust for different recording scenarios. Overall, an on-camera shotgun mic is an efficient, portable, and cost-effective solution for capturing high-quality audio in video production.
10 Best On Camera Shotgun Mic to Buy This Year
- Delivers clear, crisp, directional audio with incredible ease of use
- Rode designed the videomic go with a tight pickup area that focuses directly in front of the mic
- Reduces other surrounding sounds, ensuring that your subject is isolated from background noise
- The integrated Rycote lyre shock mount isolates the video mic go from bumps and vibrations
- No complicated switches or settings and is powered by your camera's external microphone input, required
- Lightweight Design - At only 73gm (2.5oz) it's RODE's lightest on-camera microphone.
- Integrated Rycote Lyre - Hard wearing and super-effective isolation from bumps and vibration.
- No Battery necessary - With the camera's plug-in power all you need to do is plug in and GO.
- Kit Includes: Rode VideoMic GO Shotgun Microphone + Rode Microphones DeadCat GO Artificial Fur Wind Shield for the VideoMic GO + TheImagingWorld Micro Fiber...
- Limited 2-Year Warranty
- Highly directional, super-cardioid shotgun microphone for isolated and enhanced in-camera audio for your video
- Integrated wind protection and internal suspension mount to minimize handling noise
- Built-in low-cut filter and 3-step sensitivity switch for added flexibility and control in any environment
- Interchangeable 3.5 mm TRS and TRRS connectivity for DSLR/M cameras or mobile devices
- Integrated headphone output jack with volume adjustment for audio monitoring
- A true shotgun microphone designed for camcorders, DSLR cameras and portable audio recorders as primary and reference audio
- The 1/2" condenser capsule provides broadcast-quality audio via a 3.5mm connector with an incredibly low self-noise of just 14db
- The Rycote Lyre based shock mounting system provides isolation from external factors that may cause unwanted rumble and vibrations
- English (Publication Language)
- 【Professional Video Microphone】Ulanzi Compact on-go camera shotgun microphone capture every moment with clear and high-quality Sound，your Perfect...
- 【Triple Noise Reduction】Built-in low-cut filter and three-step sensitivity switch, through the high-pass filter to eliminate low-frequency ambient noise...
- 【Supercardioid Pickup Pattern】The highly directional supercardioid design isolates external noisy sounds (e.g. wind, waves, traffic sounds), enhances the...
- 【Lightweight and Compact】Compact design, weighing only 135g, convenient for on-the-go use, with a top-mounted shotgun design, it can be easily mounted on a...
- 【Real-time Monitoring】Integrated headphone output jack with 7 levels of volume adjustment for audio monitoring, improve recording efficiency, and produce...
- UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY: Just switch"Camera" or"Phone" on the microphone body. Universal for iPhone, Androids, Cameras, Camcorders, Audio Recorders etc. (the...
- BATTERY-FREE DESIGN: Powered by camera/smartphone plug-in power which can minimize handling noise and help you solve the problem of insufficient battery power...
- UNIQUE SHOCK MOUNT DESIGN: Features a shock-absorption shock mount, effective at minimizing unwanted vibrational, handling noise.
- SUPER-CARDIOID MICROPHONE: CVM-V30 LITE shotgun microphone is giving excellent off-axis rejection for desired sounds, which can effectively reduce the noise of...
- CONFIDENCE TO BUY: Our products are designed to ease your technical woes, not add to them. If you encounter any issues, please contact us. (Contact the seller...
- Professional supercardioid on-camera shotgun microphone that is powered by 2x standard AA batteries and features ultra-light and sturdy ABS construction
- Full-sized shotgun with 5.5” x 0.9” interference tube, delivers a full-frequency and detailed, broadcast-quality sound with focused directionality and...
- 3-stage level control with +20dB boost switch for clean gain on cameras with noisy preamps, 0dB for high-quality preamps, and -10dB pad for loud sounds and a...
- Includes both a foam windscreen for filming indoors, and a furry windshield for filming outdoors and in higher wind conditions
- Features a lightweight integrated shock mount with camera-shoe with 1/4”-20 thread for mounting, and integrated coiled 3.5mm TRS cable
- Triple Noise Reduction for Professional Sound Quality: Shock-absorbing Windscreen---Metal construction protects the microphone capsule and reduces vibration and...
- Supercardioid Pickup Pattern: It focuses on capturing sound from the front direction, filtering out background noise and echo, greatly enhancing the sound...
- Lightweight and Compact Plug and Play: Compact in size, weighing only 135g, convenient for on-the-go use, with a top-mounted shotgun design, it can be easily...
- Powered by Batteries（not included): Powered by two AAA batteries for immediate recording without any delays, Up to 360 minutes of battery life(Blue:...
- Real-time Monitoring: Listen while recording, with 7 adjustable volume levels to have real-time control over the sound status
- Fits Smartphone, DSLR Camera Camcorder and Recorder. With 2 Cable, TRRS & TRS Cable. Compatible with Smartphones, Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, Sony DSLR...
- No battery Required ---- Do not need the battery, Just use it directly with your smartphones or DSLR cameras, quite convenniet for you.
- Compact and Light Weight ---- Only 86g/0.19lb, With a Portable Leather Case, you can take it anywhere.
- High Quality Sound ---- High-sensitivity, you can pick up clear and pure sounds, useful to YouTube/FaceBook/Podcast/ Live stream/travel/personal video...
- Sturdy Construction ---- Rugged metal construction and anti-shock mount, which can effectively reduce unwanted vibration, cable and handling noise. Also...
- 🎄If after mounting, the bracket not in line with your camera lens, please adjust it slightly by hand, the space is pre-reserved.
- 🎄2pcs CNC Aluminium Microphone Shock Mount Brackets for BOYA BY-MM1 RODE VideoMicro Movo VXR10 shotgun microphone
- 🎄Aluminium base better than plastic,very smooth than other brand
- 🎄A 1/4 screw at the bottom of the bracket which you can screw on any tripod.
- 🎄The best partern on shotgun microphone, facebook livestream, Youtube video, interview etc
Last update on 2023-11-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Why Do You Need to Buy On Camera Shotgun Mic?
An On Camera Shotgun Mic can be an excellent investment for anyone looking to improve the quality of their video and audio recordings. Here are some compelling reasons why you might want to consider purchasing one.
Improved sound quality
An on-camera shotgun mic is a valuable tool for improving the sound quality of video recordings. The built-in microphones on most cameras are often not powerful enough to capture high-quality audio, especially in busy or noisy environments. This is where an on-camera shotgun mic comes in handy.
A shotgun mic is designed to capture sound in a more directional way, isolating the audio source that is directly in front of it while reducing other background noise. As a result, the audio is much clearer and more focused, allowing for a better listening experience for viewers. The improved sound quality can make a huge difference in the final product, whether it’s a video blog, short film, or documentary. Investing in an on-camera shotgun mic is a smart choice for anyone looking to improve their audio quality and take their video production to the next level.
Noise reduction
On-Camera Shotgun Mic can be very helpful in reducing the background noise that can be present while filming. This type of mic can be mounted directly onto the camera, making it easy to use in different settings and environments. The mic is specifically designed to pick up sounds directly in front of the camera, while reducing the ambient noise that might be present around the scene.
By having an on-camera shotgun mic, you can capture audio that is clear and crisp, without any unwanted background noise. This is extremely important in situations where the audio is just as important, if not more important than the visuals. Whether you’re filming an interview, a movie, or any type of video, a good on-camera shotgun mic can make all the difference in the final product.
Directional sound recording
Directional sound recording is a technique used to capture sound from a specific direction or source while minimizing other surrounding sounds or noises. In photography and videography, directional sound recording is essential to ensure high-quality audio in a scene. Using a shotgun mic, which is an on-camera microphone that captures sound in a specific direction, you can achieve this effect easily.
A directional mic picks up sound from the direction it is facing while rejecting sounds that are coming from other sides. This is especially useful in shooting videos in noisy environments or in situations where there are many sound sources around. The mic helps to minimize unwanted sounds, such as traffic noise or wind, which can make a recording unprofessional or unusable. With a directional mic, you have control over the sound that is being recorded, which gives you the freedom to include only what you need in your video or audio recording.
Things to Consider when Choosing the Best On Camera Shotgun Mic
Before making the final decision, it’s essential to consider some crucial factors that could impact the performance of the on-camera shotgun mic.
Directionality
Directionality is an essential factor in choosing an on-camera shotgun mic. Directionality refers to the mic’s ability to capture sound from a specific direction while minimizing noise and interference from the surrounding environment. Different mics have different directionality patterns, including cardioid, supercardioid, and hypercardioid. Understanding the directionality of a mic is vital because it can help you achieve clear and concise audio recordings while avoiding unwanted background noise. Therefore, before buying an on-camera shotgun mic, you should consider its directionality pattern to ensure that it will meet your recording needs and expectations.
Directionality is particularly important when recording in noisy or crowded environments. In such environments, the mic’s directionality pattern will help you isolate your subject’s voice while reducing the sound of ambient noise. For instance, if you are recording an interview on the street, a supercardioid mic may be more appropriate because it can focus on the subject’s voice while reducing street noise. Similarly, if you are recording a podcast or a youtube video in a room with echo or reverb, a hypercardioid mic could be more suitable because it will capture sound from the front while rejecting noise from the sides and rear. Overall, directional mics provide greater precision and control in audio recording, making them ideal for studio and field use.
Sensitivity
Sensitivity is an important factor to consider before buying an on-camera shotgun mic because it determines how well the microphone can pick up sound. A mic with high sensitivity can pick up even the slightest sound, which could be useful for recording quieter sounds or voices. However, a mic with low sensitivity may struggle to pick up quieter sounds and may miss important details in the recording.
Additionally, sensitivity can affect the dynamic range of the recording. High sensitivity can capture a wider range of sounds, but may also pick up unwanted ambient noise. On the other hand, a mic with low sensitivity will have a narrower dynamic range, but can help filter out ambient noise and produce a cleaner recording. It’s important to consider the recording environment and intended use of the mic before deciding on the best sensitivity level for your needs.
Size and weight
Size and weight are important factors to consider before purchasing an on-camera shotgun mic because they can affect the overall ergonomics of your setup. A bulkier and heavier microphone can make it difficult to maneuver your camera or handle for extended periods of time, leading to fatigue and shaky shots. Additionally, a larger microphone may be more conspicuous and draw attention to your equipment, which can be an issue in certain settings. Choosing a compact and lightweight microphone, on the other hand, can give you more flexibility and control over your movements and make it easier to capture smooth footage.
Furthermore, size and weight can also impact the performance of your microphone. A larger microphone may have a longer barrel, which can help with directional sound pickup and reduce the amount of room noise in your recording. However, this can also make it more directional and limit the scope of the sound it can pick up. A smaller microphone may have a shorter barrel, but it can be more versatile and adaptable to different recording situations. So, considering the size and weight of your on-camera shotgun mic can help you determine which microphone fits your needs and preferences best.
Battery life
Battery life is an important factor to consider before buying an on-camera shotgun mic because it directly affects the performance and reliability of the microphone. If the battery life is short, the microphone may not be able to operate effectively for extended periods of time, which can be a major problem for content creators who need to record for long periods. This can also result in additional costs for constantly replacing batteries.
Furthermore, battery life can impact the quality of the audio captured by the on-camera shotgun mic. As the battery starts to wear out, the voltage and power output may decrease, resulting in weaker and noisier audio recordings. Therefore, a longer battery life will ensure that you can capture high-quality audio without any interruptions or issues. Overall, battery life is an essential consideration when selecting an on-camera shotgun mic as it affects the usability and effectiveness of the microphone.
Compatibility with camera
Considering compatibility with a camera before buying an on-camera shotgun mic is essential because different cameras have different input connections and power requirements. Some cameras may have a 3.5mm jack input, while others may have XLR inputs. This means that not all microphones will be compatible with all cameras, and choosing the wrong one can lead to poor sound quality or even damage to the equipment.
Moreover, different cameras have different power requirements, and certain microphones may require more power than the camera can provide. In such cases, an external power source may be required, which can add to the cost and complexity of the setup. Therefore, it is crucial to check the compatibility of the mic and camera before making a purchase to ensure that it will work seamlessly and produce high-quality sound.
Price
It is essential to consider the price of an on-camera shotgun mic before buying because it is an investment that can have a significant impact on the overall quality of your audio. Lower-priced mics may have poor construction, lower sensitivity, and a narrow frequency response, resulting in low-quality audio. Conversely, higher-priced mics offer better construction, better sensitivity, and a wider frequency response, resulting in high-quality audio. Determining your budget and what features you need in a mic will help you find a good balance between price and performance, ensuring you get the best audio quality for your budget.
Furthermore, it is also important to consider the price of other accessories that you may need to purchase with the on-camera shotgun mic. For instance, you may need to buy a shock mount, windscreen, or boom pole to improve the audio quality further. These additional accessories can add to the overall cost of the mic, making it important to have a complete understanding of the total investment before making a purchase decision. Ultimately, considering the price of an on-camera shotgun mic and its accessories before buying can help you find the best value for your money, and help avoid overspending or ending up with low-quality audio.
FAQ
What is an on-camera shotgun mic?
An on-camera shotgun mic is a directional microphone that is mounted on the camera and is designed to pick up sounds from a specific direction while minimizing surrounding noise. They are popular in video production, especially in documentary-style filming where the subject is moving or in an unpredictable environment.
On-camera shotgun mics have a long tube that narrows toward the front, which helps to capture sound from a specific direction without picking up unwanted ambient noise. They are commonly used for interviews, dialogues, and natural sound recordings. They are often preferred over built-in camera microphones as they provide better sound quality and are more versatile.
What are the benefits of using an on-camera shotgun mic?
On-camera shotgun microphones offer several benefits for videographers and content creators. Firstly, they provide directional sound pickup, which means they capture audio only from the direction they’re pointed at. This feature is important for minimizing unwanted background noise and improving the clarity of the audio recording. Secondly, shotgun mics can be mounted directly on the camera, making them a convenient option for on-the-go filming. They are also lightweight and easy to use, making them perfect for run-and-gun style productions or for those who work solo. Finally, on-camera shotgun mics typically offer a good balance between price and quality, making them a great option for those looking to upgrade their audio equipment without breaking the bank.
How do I connect an on-camera shotgun mic to my camera?
To connect an on-camera shotgun mic to your camera, first locate the microphone input jack on your camera. This is typically a round 3.5mm jack labeled with a microphone symbol. Next, plug one end of your microphone cable into the microphone jack on the bottom of your shotgun mic. Then plug the other end of the cable into the microphone input jack on your camera.
Once connected, turn on both your camera and microphone, and ensure that the mic is set to its desired directional setting – typically cardioid or supercardioid for on-camera use. Test the audio recording by speaking into the microphone while monitoring the levels on your camera. Adjust the microphone’s volume settings as needed to achieve optimal audio levels.
Final Verdict
Choosing the best on-camera shotgun mic is crucial for capturing high-quality audio and enhancing your video content. With this comprehensive list of the top 10 best on-camera shotgun mics, you can compare the features, pros, and cons of each product and make an informed decision based on your specific needs and budget. Whether you are a professional filmmaker or a beginner vlogger, investing in a high-quality on camera shotgun mic can take your content to the next level and make it stand out from the rest. So, choose the best on camera shotgun mic that meets your requirements and start recording your videos with crystal-clear audio today.
