If you are a filmmaker, news reporter, or vlogger, you must be aware of the importance of the best on-camera shotgun microphone. But if you are new to video making, don’t worry; this article will make you understand the significance of an on-camera shotgun microphone. The on-camera shotgun microphones are better to use than another off-camera mic because of easiness in the shooting. While using an on-camera mic, no one needs to hold both camera and mic separately. As the microphone is attached to the camera, it is compact and easy to handle.
Because it is light-weighted so it will not increase your fatigue. Instead, it will make you relax by reducing the number of equipment like boom poles and wires. Furthermore, the microphone mounts on the camera, so the microphone (receiver) will pick that source sound correctly wherever you point the camera.
The on-camera shotgun microphones are easily adjusted in your handbag to take along with you for road trips, news reporting, filmmaking, and wildlife recordings. After recording, you can keep it in any small space or cabinet.
Table of Contents
List of 10 Best On-Camera shotgun mic:
I know it’s difficult for you to choose among the several on-camera shotgun microphones on the market. But after a lot of research, we have listed and reviewed the best on-camera shotgun microphones for your ease.
Now let me tell you why I chose these on-camera shotgun microphones? Most of these microphones are easily attachable to cameras with a single 3.5mm plug, so there is no need for extra extensions. These microphones have fabulous and more advanced features than competitors like long hour batteries, headphone jack for sound monitoring, durable shock mount, and high pass filter.
Most of these microphones are suitable for all kinds of cameras and camcorders. If you don’t have a camera and are fond of making videos, no problem, some of them are compatible with smartphones, laptops, and tablets. Check this article if you want to learn about all types of microphones.
I don’t want to bring all the suspense to an end here; go down the article and carefully read all the reviews about on-camera shotgun microphones. I am sure you will find this article helpful in clarifying which one is best for you.
Are you looking for an on-camera shotgun microphone that provides broadcast-quality audio? So you are in the right place. Rode VideoMicPro is a light-weighted on-camera shotgun microphone exclusively made for DSLR cameras, portable audio recorders, and camcorders. It is perfect for professional setups. Its 1/2″ condenser capsule records fantastic sound with low self-noise to get more natural sound.
No one likes the vibration sounds in recordings, don’t worry, its shock mount separates all the vibrating external factors to provide the excellent desired sound. Do you want to mount this microphone on the boom pole? The good news, a 3/8-inch thread under the shock mount is entirely helpful in mounting VideoMicPro on a boom pole.
It has a single 9V alkaline battery that provides over 70 hours of use. At the rear of the microphone, filter, power, and level controls are available for your convenience. Switch on and off the microphone with just one click using the power button. The high-pass filter doesn’t let the irritating sounds of surroundings like the noise of air conditioners and traffic disrupt the sound recording.
Below the power and filter buttons are the level settings, where you can boost or lessen the recording levels according to the requirement. Use -10dB level attenuation for recording live music, dialogues, interviews, and motorsport. While the +20dB level boost is specially made for DSLR cameras to reduce their preamp level, it effectively cuts down the noise of cameras. With all the fantastic features specially tailored for cameras, this model is considered one of the best on-camera shotgun mics.
What do we like?
It provides different settings for recording sound.
3/8- inch thread helps in mounting it on a boom pole.
If you always try to use the new and modern features of different equipment, you would love to try this one. It is the advanced version of the original Rode VideoMic Pro. This version has some latest features and changes in size. It has a super-cardioid polar pattern that provides exceptional voice recordings for DSLR cameras, audio recorders, and camcorders.
The microphone gets power from an in-built lithium-ion rechargeable battery and 2 AA batteries. Charge it with a micro USB, and that charge will last for hours. It doesn’t consist of an attached cable for plugging in the camera, so that you can use a long or short cable according to your need.
All the features are at the rear of the microphone. One of the features is a 2-stage high pass filter that reduces the low-frequency sounds, so choose according to your need. Selecting 75 Hz is better when recording outside, while choosing 150 Hz when recording interviews to get a crispier and desired sound. The 3-stage gain control with +20dB improves sound quality. The digital switching arrangement allows getting additional features by pressing two buttons simultaneously. So, get the high-frequency boost by pressing two bottom buttons simultaneously. By pressing the power and level button, you will get a safety channel feature that is best for busy run-and-gun filmmakers.
What do we like?
High-quality shock mount.
Digital switching.
The windshield design is according to the exact shape of the capsule.
3-stage gain control.
2 AA batteries, one rechargeable battery, and charge through micro USB.
What don’t we like?
It has a bulkier shape than the original Rode VideoMic Pro.
Are you looking for an on-camera microphone that records sound with much clarity? The BOYA BY-BM3030 will satisfy you because it is highly directional in recording clear and crisp sounds. This super-cardioid condenser microphone provides a more natural and magnificent sound for your recordings. It does it by minimizing the surrounding noises.
The BOYA BY-BM3030 contains a 3.5mm plug that easily connects it with your DSLR cameras, audio recorders, and camcorders that has 3.5mm microphone input. The 3.5mm plug has brought convenience by giving release from extra wires for connecting.
With its integrated shout mount, you can comfortably mount this microphone on a boom pole, camcorder or camera and get the fantastic results of your recorded interviews. One of its exciting features is that it doesn’t touch your head during recordings when mounted on the DSLR camera.
The 3.5mm headphone jack allows you to monitor what you are recording. People are always concerned about the batteries of any electronic equipment. However, this microphone will relax you in this regard. It is powered by 2 AA batteries (not included). That’s why it consumes low power and lasts for almost 150 hours.
You will be glad to have some additional equipment with this great microphone. These include a foam windscreen, fur windscreen, and a microphone carry pouch. The foam windscreen and fur windscreen decrease the wind sound—also, it vocal plosives during the recording of interviews or film dialogues.
What do we like?
On/off button with light indicator.
In-built shock mount.
3.5mm headphone jack.
Additional foam windscreen and fur windscreen are available.
You own light and a small camera and searching for an on-camera shotgun microphone that your camera can bear, so the DR-10SG is as per your need.
It is an incredible microphone with a professional digital recorder. You can use the recorder either separately or with a camera. The DR-10SG addresses various issues of DSLR videographers by adding sound to their recordings.
It is a directional super-cardioid on-camera shotgun microphone that captures the on-axis sound efficiently. This microphone exceptionally rejects unnecessary ambient noise and any physical sounds.
The integrated shock-resistant mounting foot reduces vibrations and other noises. You get incredible results because the noise isolation arm keeps the recorder away from the camera and other noise sources.
The recorder has several superb features, including 4 EQ modes named natural, standard, interview, and field. Select among the four EQ options according to the recording conditions. The other two features include an onboard audio slate and passing sound signals to the camera for making post-production convenient.
See the generosity of Tascam DR-10SG that automatically records sound as a “safety take” by its unique Dual Recording mode. The Alkaline AAA battery continuously powers it for 8.5 hours to complete your recording without any hurdle.
What do we like?
Better for light and small cameras.
Dual recording mode.
4 EQ modes.
A recorder is available with the microphone.
On-board audio slate.
What don’t we like?
It lacks an additional windshield. Provided one is not enough.
The vloggers, filmmakers, or podcasters don’t want to carry heavy-weighted microphones and their cameras. So, this on-camera shotgun microphone is the ideal one for them. You will be glad to know that you can’t use it only with your camera but also with iPhones, Android phones, tablets, laptops, camcorders, and audio recorders. The users will find it surprising in their filmmaking or vlogging or making videos for YouTube, Tik Tok, or road trips and outdoor events. It is also fabulous for indoor recordings, i.e., podcasting, interviews, tutorials, and live streaming.
Its cardioid polar pattern reduces the background noise and focuses on picking up perfect clear audio of the subject in front of the microphone.
Simply connect your camera or smartphone with its 3.5mm input jack and start using it. It features a cold shoe mount with 1/4″ thread on the base. Also, a shock mount is attached to it that reduces vibration and handling noises. Thus, an integrated shock mount helps you get accurate and undistorted sound.
Movo VXR10 has a standard aluminum construction and battery-free design. It is available with a one-year warranty. Using this microphone with DSLR cameras may produce noise, so use manual audio levels by your camera to get magnificent sound. In our opinion, it is the cheap and best on-camera shotgun mic for beginners.
What do we like?
Usable with cameras and smartphones.
Use for both indoor and outdoor recordings.
Furry windscreen and output cables are additionally available.
For those who are always busy with outdoor shootings and are irritated by the hassle of picking different equipment, the CMG-50 is perfect for them. It is a 10.2-inch long on-camera shotgun microphone with a super-cardioid polar pattern. The longevity of the capsule and the super-cardioid polar pattern are responsible for high directionality towards the sound source. At the same time, it rejects the side and rear noises.
This professional microphone is made especially for video cameras. It is useful for outdoor recordings, studio, and broadcast purposes. The professionals prefer CMG-50 for their films and TV programs to get phenomenal sound.
The hot shoe adapter, tripod adapter, and 5/8″ adapter are the three ways of mounting this microphone. So you can choose according to your need. You will mount it on a camera, microphone mount, or boom pole effortlessly in these three ways.
The CMG-50 is phantom-powered and battery-powered. So the dual options finish your voice recordings without any disturbance. There is a “low battery” indicator that alerts you when the battery is getting low.
The shock mount minimizes the handling and vibration noises to prevent ruining your recordings. The switchable high pass filter cuts off the low-frequency noise you do not intend to record. The foam windscreen prevents wind interference in recordings when making videos of road trips, wildlife, musical concerts, documentaries, and news reporting.
What do we like?
Highly directional in picking sound.
Three ways of mounting.
Phantom or battery powered.
Convenient bass adjustment for outdoors.
It works indoors and outdoors efficiently.
What don’t we like?
Not compatible with DSLR cameras using cables for mounting any microphone.
Shure VP83 Lenshopper on-camera shotgun microphone is light and durable microphone with true-to-life audio quality. Your search for an on-camera shotgun microphone will end when you get to know its features. This all-metal construction microphone captures high-definition sounds. Also, it features a full low-end response for extraordinary professional results.
The super-cardioid/lobar polar pattern enables it to record highly directional sounds, rejecting the unwanted off-axis sounds like traffic, crowd noise, and noise of fans and other machines. It precisely picks up the intended sound. You will enjoy recording sound with this marvelous microphone specially designed for your ease.
The RF immunity enables it to avoid the undesired sound effects of RF and cellular devices. Mount it on your DSLR cameras and camcorders without any effort. The Rycote Lyre shock mounting system is terrific in isolating the microphone from any mechanical and vibration noises.
The 3.5mm coiled audio cable quickly attaches it to any camera or recording device. The standard shoe mount with a 1/4″ thread base allows easy mounting on a camera or standard camera tripod.
The single AA alkaline battery lasts for up to 125 hours. The three-position gain and low-cut filter switches are available at the rear of the microphone. You can adjust them according to different recording situations.
What do we like?
Standard RF immunity.
Super cardioid/lobar polar pattern.
Light-weighted.
Three-position gain and low-cut filters are available.
Rycote Lyre shock mount.
What don’t we like?
The battery can be hard to open when using the windscreen.
When you want to enhance the sound of videos you make with your camera or camcorder, choose the TAKSTAR SGC-598 on-camera shotgun microphone. Because it records better sound than your camera’s internal microphone.
It fulfills the requirements of different fields with its 200 Hz low-frequency attenuation and 10dB sensitivity enhancement. It boosts up the recording quality of your cameras, camcorder, and high-sensitivity condenser microphones.
The all-plastic body of this microphone makes it lightweight. Also, it is easy to carry and efficiently protects electromagnetic intrusions. The 1.5V AA alkaline battery will last for up to 100 hours (no battery included).
There are three buttons on the left side of the microphone, an on/off button, a low-cut filter, and a 10 dB switch. When you turn on the camera, the light indicator lights up in green and turns red when the battery is low.
The TAKSTAR SGC-598 minimizes the possibility of picking up unnecessary sounds from surroundings due to its heart-shaped single-point pickup feature. Thus, it tries to record incredible sounds without any unwanted noise like the noise of people talking or traffic.
The structural design of the microphone is shock resistant. That’s why it reduces the mechanical and vibration noises to affect the recorded sound. Consequently, you will receive a natural and enhanced voice for your recordings.
Imagine yourself just getting ready to record video and finding your microphone has a low battery. What will you do? If you have Deity V-Mic D3 Pro, you will not be worried. The reason is that it fully charges in 2 hours and works for four days. Then charging only for 10 minutes can keep it alive for hours. Even it works during charging too. However, safety measures are essential.
It features intelligent on/off power because once you install the battery, it will remain in the standby position. And it automatically goes into a run mode when the camera or any other recording device starts. When the recording device turns off, the microphone will also turn off after 15 minutes of standby. As a result, it saves power for the next use.
The Deity V-MIC D3 Pro is famous for its modern features. It is considered the world’s only smart microphone with a step-less gain knob. The gain adjustment knob is a step-less gain dial that allows you to alter the microphone gain according to your need. The circular knob has a subdivision marking from 0 to 10. You can also dial any gain increase from 0 to +20dB rather than restricted among preset options. A bump guard on each side of the microphone prevents the dial from rotating accidentally.
The super-cardioid polar pattern makes it highly directional in picking up the pointed source sound with the maximum rejection of unwanted noise. Use it with DSLR cameras, handy recorders, laptops, bodypack transmitters, tablets, and smartphones. The easy button two-step high-pass filter provides fabulous sound.
What do we like?
World’s only smart microphone with a step-less gain knob.
The people who give more importance to the recorded sound than the video would love to add this microphone to their collection. Because it captures the precise sound in front of the camera while ignoring the ambient noises, it is perfect for situations when you can’t go too near the subject, as it catches the ideal sound. The Zoom F1 is the best on-camera microphone for field recordings and is suitable for run-and-gun filmmakers.
On the right side, an on/off button is available. Along with it, there is the door for a micro SD Card. On the left side of the microphone, you can insert batteries.
The recorder is available with the mic that can also work independently without the microphone. So, it can record sounds in micro SD and SDHC cards directly. When using the recorder and microphone with a camera, the sound is transmitted to the camera and recorded in the recorder too. So, this is a better way to keep a backup of recorded sound.
When you make outdoor videos, and your subject is far away, you can monitor the recorded sound through headphones. Adjust it through the F1 field recorder and get the perfect sound if the recorded sound is low.
When used on the go, the SMF-1 shock mount rejects the thumping sounds caused by vibrations. The F1’s bright display is easily visible in bright sunlight and helps monitor the sound levels.
What do we like?
Foam windscreen and shock mount.
Records sound in micro SD.
Bright display.
2 AAA batteries.
F1 field recorder.
What don’t we like?
Difficult to see the display when using it with tripods.
Always select a light-weighted on-camera shotgun microphone for convenient handling.
Choose the microphone with a standard shock mount.
The battery life of the microphone matters a lot. So, get the one having a long-lasting battery or more than one battery option.
Select the mic that picks up directional sound and rejects the ambient noises to get a crystal clear sound.
Buy a microphone that easily mounts to the camera.
Must check the frequency response of the microphone before buying. Choose the one that gives more options for your needs.
Choose the mic with an excellent high-pass filter to cut down the hiss and handling noises.
Microphones with accessories like fur windshields and cables should be your foremost choice.
Conclusion
The videos without a dynamic and precise sound are of no use. We have unfolded all their essential aspects in this article by keeping the importance of on-camera shotgun microphones in mind. Now, when you have an idea of the different on-camera microphones’ features. So choose the best among them that fulfills your requirements.
I am audio engineer by profession and worked with many renowned brands. I spend most of my life in audio technology. Testing different microphones and doing research on them is my passion. I am here to spread my knowledge with readers.
https://waterfallmagazine.com
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I truly appreciate your efforts and I am waiting for
your further post thank you once again.
Hi my loved one! I wish to say that this
article is awesome, great written and come with
almost all important infos. I’d like to see more posts like this .
Are you looking for an on-camera shotgun microphone that provides broadcast-quality audio? So you are in the right place. Rode VideoMicPro is a light-weighted on-camera shotgun microphone exclusively made for DSLR cameras, portable audio recorders, and camcorders. It is perfect for professional setups. Its 1/2″ condenser capsule records fantastic sound with low self-noise to get more natural sound.
If you always try to use the new and modern features of different equipment, you would love to try this one. It is the advanced version of the original Rode VideoMic Pro. This version has some latest features and changes in size. It has a super-cardioid polar pattern that provides exceptional voice recordings for DSLR cameras, audio recorders, and camcorders.
Are you looking for an on-camera microphone that records sound with much clarity? The BOYA BY-BM3030 will satisfy you because it is highly directional in recording clear and crisp sounds. This super-cardioid condenser microphone provides a more natural and magnificent sound for your recordings. It does it by minimizing the surrounding noises.
You own light and a small camera and searching for an on-camera shotgun microphone that your camera can bear, so the DR-10SG is as per your need.
The vloggers, filmmakers, or podcasters don’t want to carry heavy-weighted microphones and their cameras. So, this on-camera shotgun microphone is the ideal one for them. You will be glad to know that you can’t use it only with your camera but also with iPhones, Android phones, tablets, laptops, camcorders, and audio recorders. The users will find it surprising in their filmmaking or vlogging or making videos for YouTube, Tik Tok, or road trips and outdoor events. It is also fabulous for indoor recordings, i.e., podcasting, interviews, tutorials, and live streaming.
For those who are always busy with outdoor shootings and are irritated by the hassle of picking different equipment, the CMG-50 is perfect for them. It is a 10.2-inch long on-camera shotgun microphone with a super-cardioid polar pattern. The longevity of the capsule and the super-cardioid polar pattern are responsible for high directionality towards the sound source. At the same time, it rejects the side and rear noises.
Shure VP83 Lenshopper on-camera shotgun microphone is light and durable microphone with true-to-life audio quality. Your search for an on-camera shotgun microphone will end when you get to know its features. This all-metal construction microphone captures high-definition sounds. Also, it features a full low-end response for extraordinary professional results.
When you want to enhance the sound of videos you make with your camera or camcorder, choose the TAKSTAR SGC-598 on-camera shotgun microphone. Because it records better sound than your camera’s internal microphone.
Imagine yourself just getting ready to record video and finding your microphone has a low battery. What will you do? If you have Deity V-Mic D3 Pro, you will not be worried. The reason is that it fully charges in 2 hours and works for four days. Then charging only for 10 minutes can keep it alive for hours. Even it works during charging too. However, safety measures are essential.
The people who give more importance to the recorded sound than the video would love to add this microphone to their collection. Because it captures the precise sound in front of the camera while ignoring the ambient noises, it is perfect for situations when you can’t go too near the subject, as it catches the ideal sound. The Zoom F1 is the best on-camera microphone for field recordings and is suitable for run-and-gun filmmakers.
https://waterfallmagazine.com
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I truly appreciate your efforts and I am waiting for
your further post thank you once again.
Hi my loved one! I wish to say that this
article is awesome, great written and come with
almost all important infos. I’d like to see more posts like this .