Best On Camera Microphone for Vlogging and DSLR Cameras

On camera microphones are specialized microphones that are mounted with cameras for better audio. They will come in handy if you want to take videos with your camera. These mics come in many shapes and sizes and a great selection of best microphone for vlogging.

Using an on-camera microphone will definitely render better results than using the built-in ones. Most cameras lack a decent built-in microphone. These external microphones can record better quality audio with their top of the line hardware than built-in mics ever could.

It might get confusing to pick the best one as there are a lot of them out there. No worries! I’ve got you covered. Once you have finished reading, you will have extensive knowledge of what’s the best on camera microphone and how to choose the right one for you.

What Type Of On-Camera Microphone Should I Choose?

The decision mostly depends on the type of the project you want to cover and how much sound you want to record. For example, If you want to record an environment, you will need to capture sound from all directions. Omnidirectional mics are recommended for this type of work.

Then again, it has no use when recording an interview. A microphone that can pick up sound from front and back should be your best choice.

In short, at first, you will have to make sure what kind of sound you are required to capture for the clip. Then check out the polarity pattern of the microphone. It will give you a better understanding of how to choose the microphone.

7 Best On Camera Microphone Reviews

Spending 100+ hours on research and taking the experts’ opinions, I have made this list. Trust my recommendations. You won’t regret it.

1. Shure VP83 Camera-Mounted Microphone – Best Choice For All-Rounded Performance

Specifications – Polar pattern: Unidirectional | Sensitivity: 36.5 dB | Power source: Battery | Material: Faux Leather | Battery life: 125 hrs | weight:  0.73 lbs.

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This camera-mounted condenser microphone picks detailed and hi-def audio. It can perform equally well in almost all situations.

Shure VP83 Amazon Lenshopper records professional-grade sound from the desired direction. Also, its polar pattern rejects unwanted off-axis sound and captures it from the intended sound source. So, you get to capture the best possible sound from your subject.

This mic can record from 50Hz to 20000Hz, which includes the range of human hearing. So, you won’t miss a bit in your recorded clips. With 36.5 dB sensitivity, it captures audio with fine details. Makes it the best microphone for vlogging.

It has superior radio frequency immunity against cellular to RF devices. That means you can record anywhere without worry; radio signals won’t be bothering you.

The mounting system utilizes Rycote Lyre mounting structure. Its custom design provides excellent isolation for camera vibration and mechanical noise. On top of that, ~125 hours of battery life will give you worry-free recording times.

2. Movo VXR10 Universal Video Microphone – Recommended For Universal Usability

Specifications – Polar pattern: Unidirectional | Sensitivity: 76 dB | Power Source: Connected Device | Material: Aluminum | Battery life: N/A | Weight:  0.4 lbs.

Available On Amazon

Movo VXR10 comes with universal usability. It will grant you flexibility and freedom like no other microphones.

The best benefit you will enjoy is its universal usage. For example, it can work with cameras and other devices like smartphones, tabs, camcorders, laptops, etc.

The aluminum build makes sure the construction is very durable. It can handle rough situations very well. Also, a sturdy shock mount minimizes the handling noise.

With 76 dB sensitivity, it can capture audio with excellent detail. No matter what you want to film, it will ensure you get the best quality sound possible. For ease of use, it uses a 3.5 mm output cable.

You can also mount a fur coat on it for quality enhancement. The only downside of this mic, I think, is the reliability on connected device for power. It will reduce the overall longevity of the battery on a single recharge.

3. Rode VideoMicPro Compact On-Camera Microphone – Simple Yet Very Reliable Choice

Specifications – Polar pattern: Unidirectional | Sensitivity: 14 dB | Power Source: Battery | Material: Metal & Plastic | Battery life: 70hrs |  weight:  0.18 lbs.

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This on-camera microphone is very reliable with excellent audio pick up. The simplistic approach makes it even more desirable.

Rode VideoMicPro compact mic can cover all sorts of scenarios. You can use it from interviews to sporting events with reliable performance. Moreover, considering its build and sound quality, it can rival the high-end mics.

Let’s start with its Rycote Lyre mounting system. This mount is stable and sturdy; the sound will be minimal even when recording with extreme vibration. It will keep this ultra-lightweight mic in control when vlogging.

The adjustable sensitivity levels let you choose from three different levels. So, you will be picking up the best sound in almost any environment. There is an 80Hz filter built inside to prevent low-end noises like the air conditioner’s sound.

The 9V battery can provide up to 70 hrs of battery life. It is more than enough to cover any event. A drawback I would like to mentions is it only records audio in the mono output format.

4. Deity V-Mic D3 Pro Shotgun Microphone – Popular Among Vloggers

Specifications – Polar pattern: Unidirectional | Sensitivity: 84 dB | Power source: Battery| Material: Aluminum | Battery life: 51 hrs | weight:  0.31 lbs.

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Deity V-Mic D3 Pro has some unique features like Stepless Gain Knob, making it the favorite for vloggers. It also rivals the competition at generic features and quality.

The highlighting feature of this device is the Stepless Gain Knob. It allows the user to adjust sensitivity to perfection. Where a few mics offer adjustable sensitivity, they give a few static choices.

But, with this one, you can adjust the mic to your heart’s content and pick the perfect detail. This feature alone makes it the best mic for vlogging as you will be able to record the excellent audio.

When vlogging, it offers superior performance when dealing with off-axis sounds. The built-in 75Hz and 150Hz filter efficiently cut out all unnecessary sound waves. You can switch filters with the tap of the finger.

You are not limited to vlogging only with a camera as it supports a large set of devices. The standby mode automatically turns it on/off depending if it picks up sound within 15 minutes.

The 51hr of battery backup will be enough to cover whatever event or content you want to film.

5. AmazonBasics On-Camera Microphone – Most Affordable On-Camera Microphone

Specifications – Polar pattern: Bidirectional | Sensitivity: 35dB | Power source: Battery | Material: Metal & Plastic | Weight:  0.13 lbs.

Available On Amazon

This camera covers all the basics of an on-camera microphone at a very affordable price, and it does so with style. For that reason, I chose to put it on my list.

The most interesting thing about this mic is that it can work in both cardioid and hypercardioid modes. Meaning you can choose how much sound you want to record from the surrounding. The Hypercardioid mode is better when precise recording is required; the cardioid mode complements party-like surroundings.

AmazonBasics On-camera Microphone comes with great versatility. Its 3.5mm jack can be used anywhere, including point-to-shoot camera, camcorder, DSLR, etc. The operation is made very simple, just plug it in, and you are ready to shoot.

Both shooting and storing is very convenient how thanks to its lightweight and compact build. With the frequency range of 50Hz to 20000Hz, it can capture all kinds of audible sound. As it runs on battery, your camera won’t be draining charge any time soon.

6. Sennheiser MKE 400 Shotgun Microphone – Popular Choice For Long Lasting Battery

Specifications – Polar Pattern: Unidirectional| Sensitivity: Switchable | Power source: Battery| Material: Metal | Battery life: 300hrs | Weight:  0.13 lbs.

Available On Amazon

I put this on the list because it lasts a long time compared to other microphones. Also, it records audio in excellent quality.

Two most mention-worthy feature of this mic is the long battery life and switchable sensitivity. You can use it to record several long events until the battery fully drains; you will also save a few bucks on the batteries over the course. The switchable sensitivity will allow you to record sound long and short distances with ease.

You have the option to change sensitivity on the go. That means you can always suit the environment in the best possible way. The captured audio will be exactly as you intended.

It has a rugged metal housing that will allow you to use it with ease in the roughest situations. The integral shock mount considerably lowers the noise generated from movement.

7. Rode VideoMicro Compact On-Camera Microphone – Compact And Travel Friendly

Specifications – Polar pattern: Unidirectional | Sensitivity: 33 dB | Power Source: Device | Material: Aluminum| Battery life: N/A | Weight:  0.09 lbs

Available On Amazon

This mic is extremely lightweight and compact. It made a place on my list because of this travel friendliness.

The weight of this mic is less than one-tenth of a pound. Now add that to a compact design, and you will get this on-camera microphone. No matter how stuffed your bags are when traveling, this one would fit right in.

It has a cardioid polar pattern that picks up sound from a single source very efficiently. The 33dB sensitivity will be enough to record sound with great details.

This microphone comes with a Rycote Lyre mount. This mount is great at eliminating sound that comes from the stand. The mic’s all-metal build has prepared it for rugged use in all environments. You will also have the option to put a fur cover on it for better sound.

Considering Factors Before Buying the Best On Camera Microphone

You will need to hit a few right spots when getting an on-camera microphone. Keep these features in mind when getting one because they’ll make sure you get the optimal performance. Let’s take a look at those factors.

Polar Pattern

Polar pattern shows how much signal an object can pick up from different directions. In this case, it is the microphone that picks up the sound signal. Each type of mics records signals in different ways.

Depending on your interests, it might be better to check with the type of microphone suits you best. You might want to capture sound depending on what you are filming, not everything around it. Or, you might need to capture sound from every direction. That’s why it should be the top priority to pick a device that suits your need.

Impedance

It is the measure of how much a device resists the flow of electrical current. In microphones, the sound is converted into electric signals that go into the camera. These signals have to go through the wire and circuits. So, the impedance of a microphone suggests that how much signal it will resist.

The rule of thumb is ‘lower is better.’ Lower impedance will record better sound, but you will have to pay more. So, it is better to find a balance.

Sensitivity

How much detail it can record depends on its sensitivity. You will need highly sensitive mics if you want to capture delicate sound. For example, recording a musical event. Missing a few beats might not suit well in the final cut of your clip.

Suppose you don’t need to capture sound to its finest details. Think of an outdoor family trip; any average mic can comfortably pick up all the sound. So, it will be better to get a mic with the sensitivity level your line of work requires.

Max Pressure Level

It is often a measurement of how loud sound it can capture without distortion. Although this feature might not be used often, it has its usefulness. Imagine recording clips in a concert and later finding out that all the sounds are distorted. That’s why you need to check the max pressure level carefully when making the decision.

Wired/Wireless

Don’t give in to the marketing gimmicks about wireless microphones. Only buy them if they are an absolute necessity. The reason is there are so many factors in the environment that can interfere with its signal transfer. A little unnoticed interference can ruin your precious video clips. On the other hand, wired ones don’t have to deal with this external interference. So, you can record in peace knowing that the audio is being recorded as it should be.

Power Source

Battery or camera or both can be the power source of these microphones. I would recommend getting one that works on both battery and camera as a power source so that you can have the maximum amount of recording time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Bottom Line

On camera mics are a part and parcel if you want to shoot video with your camera regularly. They are a far better option than the internal microphone of these cameras. The top-quality sound from these cameras plays a significant role in making the footage enjoyable. Hopefully, my best on camera microphone review has helped you find your best match.