Suppose you are a videographer or filmmaker and bought a new DSLR camera, feeling gratification that now you will make out class videos; hold on. In that case, you are just thinking about the quality of the video, but what about the audio? The sound quality of the DSLR camera’s in-built microphone can ruin all of your thoughts of making a phenomenal video. Then what to do? It’s so simple; you need the best shotgun mic for DSLR camera. You’ll experience a massive difference in the audio recorded by an on-camera shotgun microphone compared to the sound quality of a DSLR’s internal mic.
You can also use your DSLR camera for professional purposes when paired with a DSLR shotgun microphone because the sound quality then reaches another level. The interviews, live music, vlogging, and videos on YouTube and Instagram will be exceptional in sound quality if you record them with a DSLR having an on-camera shotgun microphone. These microphones are compact, handy, and light-weighted that you can easily carry wherever you go.
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Why should one use the shotgun mic with a DSLR camera?
It is crucial to have an on-camera shotgun microphone that is needed when you want high-end audio results from the DSLR camera’s video. No matter which company’s DSLR you got, we have listed on-camera shotgun microphones suitable for all, including Sony, Nikon, Canon, Kodak, or another. The internal microphone of a DSLR cannot provide professional results; that is why you observe professionals using external shotgun mics with DSLR cameras.
The on-camera shotgun microphones contain a shock mount that minimizes the handling noise; thus, after recording, there is no need to edit the recorded sound because it’s quite better. Even if your subject is far from the camera, you will still get a remarkable sound that is otherwise impossible with the DSLR’s internal microphone.
It features several options for controlling and monitoring the recorded sound, so, whatever the situation or scenario is, you will get incredible and crystal-clear sound.
List of Best Shotgun Mics for DSLR:
We suggest using an on-camera shotgun microphone with a DSLR for numerous reasons. The first and essential purpose is to enhance the audio quality of your videos because sound adds meaning to the video. The shotgun microphones are so light-weighted that you will not feel overburdened or fatigued when mounted on the camera. Shotgun microphones are to be put on a camera or DSLR. They have different sound recording options like a high pass filter and sensitivity control that allow you to record the sound precisely and more clearly than you want. If you’re going to use a microphone with a boom pole, let’s look at the article, the best shotgun mic.
By doing a lot of research, I have selected this list of microphones that will be compatible with all types of DSLRs. So, go through the list and read each on-camera shotgun microphone’s review. I am sure you will find it like a wise travel guide in the desert.
Rode VideoMic Pro is a perfect professional choice for all cameras, especially DSLRs. It is light-weighted, that’s why you can easily mount it on the camera. The professionals prefer pairing its high-quality microphone capsule with other low noise electronics to get phenomenal audio recordings.
This version has more advanced properties than the original Rode and is even better. The Rycote Lyre suspension is of advanced thermal plastic with a fantastic suspension that reduces handling noises. The Lyre suspension is so firm that it will not bend or break, so you will never need to change it.
This microphone gives even higher sensitivity and low self-noise than any other competitor. That’s why you can easily record clear and splendid sounds every time.
The high pass filter at 80 Hz cuts off the surrounding unwanted noises like any sound of machines working nearby or traffic and picks up the required human voice very clearly. The +20dB level boost makes you record audio without interfering with the camera’s internal noise flow.
The 9V alkaline battery powers the microphone that lasts for over 70 hours. The standard shoe mount makes its mounting easy on the camera, while a 3/8 inch thread in the mount base ensures secure mounting on boom pole.
What do we like?
Super cardioid polar pattern picks up a highly directional voice.
If you want broadcast audio quality for your DSLR cameras, it means you need Rode NTG2. It is designed specially for film, television, video, and production industries.
The NTG2 is slightly longer than NTG1 because it contains a AA battery and phantom power, while NTG1 is the only phantom powered. NTG2 is better in those options when cameras are not providing phantom power to microphones, like for DSLR video.
The lightweight enables this microphone to mount on any camera easily. The super-cardioid polar pattern records transparent sound while rejecting the off-axis sounds for providing fabulous results.
In addition to its original frequency range, the two-step high pass filter prevents low-end recording sounds like the noise of traffic or the chirping of birds. The flat option of a high pass filter doesn’t bring any changes in the sound recording, so that you can record flat sound also.
The windshield is workable to minimize low wind noise, but you need the additional windscreen to get better results at outdoor recordings.
It reduces the handling noise to give clear and superb recorded sound. The windshield, mic clip, and zip case are available, and a warranty of ten years allows you to use it carefree.
What do we like?
Broadcast quality sound.
Low handling noise.
Super cardioid pickup pattern.
It contains a two-step high pass filter.
What don’t we like?
It lacks an integrated shock mount.
An additional furry windscreen is required for windier outdoors.
Sennheiser MKE 400 is a fantastic rugged, compact, and versatile microphone for DSLR or other cameras. You can easily mount it on your camera with its hot shock mount and external camera input. The lightning shock mount rejects the handling noise to provide perfect recorded sounds.
The super-cardioid polar pattern makes it capture beautiful sound with excellent and high directionality and rejects the sounds coming from the sides of the microphone. The Sennheiser MKE 400 is better than the camera’s internal microphone because it picks up the sound precisely where the camera is pointed and rejects the ambient noises. It accurately records the voices and speeches, and beginners would love using it. The vloggers use it for single-shot filmmaking. Even if filmmaking is your hobby, you’ll find it making your videos exceptional.
The 3.5mm jack lets it mount on any DSLR camera with ease. The short length is better at recording crystal clear sound but not sticking out in front of the camera lens.
On the left side of the microphone, there is an on/off button, battery indicator, and + and – volume button. The battery indicator blinks when you turn the microphone on while indicating a low battery. Select the – volume for normal to louder sound sources, while + volume is for distant and quiet sound sources.
What do we like?
Switchable wind noise filter.
300 hours of battery.
The shock mount rejects handling noise.
A fur windshield is also available.
What don’t we like?
Mounting it on camera is difficult because there is no room to tighten the screw.
It is the latest addition to on-camera microphones and is significant for its many advanced features. Rode VideoMic Pro+ is a great microphone designed for all cameras, especially DSLR cameras, audio recorders, and camcorders. The handling and moving around noise is an excellent issue in many on-camera microphones, but this microphone is free from interruptions. It integrates the robust shock mount that is unbreakable, so take it anywhere without fixing the shock mount firm in the bag.
All the switching arrangements are at the rear of the microphone, fixed in a tiny space. The two-stage high pass filter minimizes the low frequencies, such as the rumble of air conditions, traffic, or crowd noise. 3-stage gain control improves the sound quality with its +20 dB function. Slow the noisy preamp of your DSLR camera and adjust the microphone to a high sound pressure level to get crisp and clear sound, even using an ordinary camera.
The LB-1 lithium rechargeable battery lasts for 100 hours. It is easy to recharge the batteries even by using a micro USB or power bank. But no problem if it’s not possible to charge the battery. Put out the lithium-ion battery and put 2 AA batteries instead in the same battery door and return to your work.
The automatic power function makes the microphone turn on automatically when the camera switches on, and the microphone turns off when unplugged from the camera or turning the camera off.
What do we like?
Digital switching.
Lithium-ion rechargeable battery + 2 AA batteries.
Comica CVM-V30 is a shotgun microphone designed specifically for meetings, video shooting, and interviews. It is compatible with all devices having a 3.5mm TRS jack, so plug it with DSLR cameras, iPhone7, and above version.
The 3 AA batteries power it. The battery tray is at the rear side of the microphone. The low-cut filter and 10dB adjustment buttons are available at the very back of the battery tray, so easily use them according to your recording needs. Select low cut filter when recording videos in much noisy places. You’ll definitely record superb sound. The super-cardioid polar pattern enables it to capture fabulous sound with low self-noise. The disturbing noises will not be a part of your recordings because it only focuses on the desired sounds.
The excellent shock mount reduces the handling noise, and the cold shoe design mounts the microphone firmly on recording devices like DSLR cameras. The unique design absorbs the shock magnificently. The windscreen and wind muff available with the microphone allows you to do outdoor recordings even in windy environments and get outstanding results.
When the battery gets low, It alerts you by turning the green light into red. If you want to mount it on iPhones or devices having lightning audio input, then an original TRS-adapter cable is required.
What do we like?
Low cut filter.
Excellent shock-absorbing.
Windscreen and wind muff.
3.5mm mini-jack.
What don’t we like?
The 3.5mm jack hangs and disturbs when plugged into the camera.
It is a compact, durable and efficient shotgun microphone perfect for DSLR videography. The super-cardioid/lobar pattern only captures the intended sound while rejecting the ambient noises like people talking in the background, pets’ voices, or traffic.
The high-quality 3.5mm jack easily attaches the microphone to the cameras or other sound recording devices. The long-lasting 2 AA batteries work for 125 hours of record time.
The low-cut filter is also available at the back of the microphone, along with the three-position gain switch. The three-position gain switch allows you to choose -10 or +20 dB according to the situation for high definition and detailed audio recordings. The super RF immunity minimizes the unwanted audio artifacts of RF or cellular devices from recording. The integrated Rycote Lyre shock mount rejects vibration and mechanical or handling noises to provide a high-quality sound.
Its durable, light-weighted, and all-metal construction makes it a priority for digital filmmakers who want outstanding audio quality. The VP83 is an ultra shotgun microphone that mounts easily on any camcorder or DSLR camera and provides phenomenal results with easy-to-use controls. The windscreen reduces the disturbing noise of the wind, and an additional Rycote windjammer becomes helpful in highly windy situations.
What do we like?
Super cardioid/lobar polar pattern.
Low cut filter.
Three-position gain switch.
RF immunity.
Rycote Lyre shock mounting system.
What don’t we like?
Difficult to open the battery door when putting on a windjammer.
It needs a lightning cable connector to work with some iPhones.
If you want enhanced sound than the camera’s internal microphone, then Moukey MCM-1 is a video camera microphone that provides the sound you require. With most camcorders, DSLR cameras, audio recorders, iPhones, Android phones, laptops, and tablets, you can use it. This microphone is low in price but is fabulous for recording on-axis audio.
The cardioid condenser capsule provides remarkable audio recordings when you use it with your DSLR cameras. The unidirectional microphone records sound in front of it while reducing the background noise; that’s why it is pretty effective for vlogging and interviews.
The microphone doesn’t own any battery, plug it into the recording device and start your work. The integrated shock mount will protect your audio recordings from unwanted handling and vibration noises that often distort the sound recordings. The aluminum-made body protects the audio recordings from high radio frequency interruptions.
The plugging of the microphone is so convenient because a 3.5mm TRS cable is available for cameras, audio recorders, and camcorders, while a 3.5mm TRRS cable is for smartphones, laptops, and tablets.
The windscreen foam cover works well indoors and outdoors for less windy environments, while the furry windshield provides exceptional results in more windy situations when recording outdoors.
What do we like?
3.5mm TRS and TRRS cables are available.
Cardioid condenser capsule.
Windscreen foam cover and windshield.
It is usable with cameras, camcorders, smartphones, laptops, and tablets.
What don’t we like?
Not compatible with devices lacking a 3.5mm mic jack.
The decent plastic body of the TAKSTAR SGC-598 is light-weighted and easy to mount on DSLR cameras. The on/off button is on the left side of the microphone. When you switch on the microphone, the LED indicator lights up green and turns red when the battery is low. The +10dB gain switch is also used to increase the output level. The low-cut filter reduces the rumble or low-frequency noises that can spoil the sound recordings.
It is a cardioid condenser microphone that rejects recording the sounds coming from the sides and is directional in picking up sound from the desired sound source. The single 1.5V alkaline AA battery keeps it working for so long.
The hot shoe mount on the bottom tightly mounts it to the microphone. The shock mount is present at the front and rear of the microphone because of its uniquely featured design.
This microphone is better than the camera’s internal microphone and is perfect for interviews. You can plug this microphone easily with its 3.5mm jack into your camera and enjoy the splendid experience it will give you.
You will find it spectacular in the run-and-gun setups, and especially the beginners will have a lot of fun using it. The windscreen makes the sound better by minimizing the sound plosives and wind noises that pervert the actual sounds.
Suppose you always want to enjoy family moments by capturing them on your DSLR camera. In that case, the Emiral video mic is an impressive shotgun microphone available at a low price that dispenses terrific sound quality for videos. This microphone is better for interviews, meetings, live music, sporting events, family videos, and other professional fields.
The AAA batteries work up to 80 hours and don’t be tensed about how you will get to know that battery is low. The battery’s low indicating function shows that the battery is about to end. Turn off the microphone when not used to save the battery for more extended use. Take the battery off from the microphone if not using it for a long time because the battery can leak and damage the circuit.
The super-cardioid polar pattern efficiently reduces the off-axis sounds and picks up the crisp and clear sound from where the camera points. The Emiral video microphone features an enlarged pickup range, high-frequency response, and interference pickup technology for giving high definition and superb sound. The +20dB sensitivity is easy to adjust according to audio requirements.
The 3.5mm jack makes the microphone mounting easy on DSLR cameras, camcorders, and audio recording devices.
The cardioid polar pattern picks up the sound coming from the front of the microphone, but it is not highly directional. The low cut filter eliminates the low frequencies like room rumble from recording, and we get phenomenal desired human sound.
On the left side of the microphone, the low and high-frequency switch enables picking up the desired sound even in loud or quiet environments. If you are in a concert, switch the low sensitivity to pick up the nearby sound, while if you are sitting around the bonfire and want to hear the singer’s voice sitting at the other end, you’ll select the high frequency for better pickup.
The light-weighted TASCAM TM-2X has an incredible design that stops the handling noises from reaching the microphone and disturbing its functioning of capturing precise audio. The X-Y pattern and two microphone capsules are ideal for both situations, either capturing sound from a large area or trying to record sound only from the front of the microphone.
The vari-angle structure allows the microphone capsules to rotate 180 degrees for convenient placement. The shoe adapter mounts it firmly on any camera. You can wrap the cable around the microphone to protect it from hooking up somewhere.
The microphone has no internal battery, so it’s not giving us the tension of charging it again and again. Just plug it in the DSLR camera and set off for your recordings. The noise isolation arm available helps keep the microphone away from the camera but close to the sound source.
What do we like?
Floating structure for minimizing handling noise.
2 microphone capsules.
Low cut filter.
Shoe adapter and windscreen.
X-Y Pattern (Sonic Atmosphere)
It has a 1/8″thread for mounting on a tripod.
What don’t we like?
The shoe adapter and thread are made of plastic that can snap.
The DSLR camera is not a professional one, but you can make it a bit professional by accompanying an on-camera shotgun microphone. So what are you waiting for? The above list of microphones makes you clear in your decision, so buy the one that feels like it’s just made for you. I wish you to enjoy the experience of your videography career with a fantastic on-camera shotgun microphone that best suits your DSLR camera.
Tips for choosing the best shotgun microphone for DSLR!
First of all, choose the on-camera shotgun microphone for your DSLR that is more directional in picking up the desired sound.
The microphone’s size matters a lot, so if you want the microphone to record more precise and on-axis sound, then select the long on-camera shotgun microphone.
Choose the microphone that has an in-built battery for more prolonged use.
Don’t be worried about the price; even some cheaper on-camera DSLR shotgun microphones feature excellent properties.
The microphone must contain a hot shoe mount and thread for trouble-free mounting.
Select the on-camera shotgun microphone for DSLR camera that has an integrated shock mount.
Choose the microphone made with a high-quality structure so that it doesn’t break after a few uses.
Go with the on-camera shotgun microphone with a high pass filter for easy attenuation or boost sound frequency.
The microphone should have a 3.5mm mini-jack for instant plugging into the camera.
The microphone with an additional foam windscreen and the furry windshield are beneficial for windy environments, saving the money you might be spending on buying separately.
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.
2 thoughts on “10 Best Shotgun Microphones for DSLR Reviewed with Buying Guide 2021”
this gives me the student feels when I was studying
Rode VideoMic Pro is a perfect professional choice for all cameras, especially DSLRs. It is light-weighted, that’s why you can easily mount it on the camera. The professionals prefer pairing its high-quality microphone capsule with other low noise electronics to get phenomenal audio recordings.
If you want broadcast audio quality for your DSLR cameras, it means you need Rode NTG2. It is designed specially for film, television, video, and production industries.
In addition to its original frequency range, the two-step high pass filter prevents low-end recording sounds like the noise of traffic or the chirping of birds. The flat option of a high pass filter doesn’t bring any changes in the sound recording, so that you can record flat sound also.
Sennheiser MKE 400 is a fantastic rugged, compact, and versatile microphone for DSLR or other cameras. You can easily mount it on your camera with its hot shock mount and external camera input. The lightning shock mount rejects the handling noise to provide perfect recorded sounds.
It is the latest addition to on-camera microphones and is significant for its many advanced features. Rode VideoMic Pro+ is a great microphone designed for all cameras, especially DSLR cameras, audio recorders, and camcorders. The handling and moving around noise is an excellent issue in many on-camera microphones, but this microphone is free from interruptions. It integrates the robust shock mount that is unbreakable, so take it anywhere without fixing the shock mount firm in the bag.
Comica CVM-V30 is a shotgun microphone designed specifically for meetings, video shooting, and interviews. It is compatible with all devices having a 3.5mm TRS jack, so plug it with DSLR cameras, iPhone7, and above version.
It is a compact, durable and efficient shotgun microphone perfect for DSLR videography. The super-cardioid/lobar pattern only captures the intended sound while rejecting the ambient noises like people talking in the background, pets’ voices, or traffic.
If you want enhanced sound than the camera’s internal microphone, then Moukey MCM-1 is a video camera microphone that provides the sound you require. With most camcorders, DSLR cameras, audio recorders, iPhones, Android phones, laptops, and tablets, you can use it. This microphone is low in price but is fabulous for recording on-axis audio.
The decent plastic body of the TAKSTAR SGC-598 is light-weighted and easy to mount on DSLR cameras. The on/off button is on the left side of the microphone. When you switch on the microphone, the LED indicator lights up green and turns red when the battery is low. The +10dB gain switch is also used to increase the output level. The low-cut filter reduces the rumble or low-frequency noises that can spoil the sound recordings.
Suppose you always want to enjoy family moments by capturing them on your DSLR camera. In that case, the Emiral video mic is an impressive shotgun microphone available at a low price that dispenses terrific sound quality for videos. This microphone is better for interviews, meetings, live music, sporting events, family videos, and other professional fields.
The cardioid polar pattern picks up the sound coming from the front of the microphone, but it is not highly directional. The low cut filter eliminates the low frequencies like room rumble from recording, and we get phenomenal desired human sound.
this gives me the student feels when I was studying
Outstanding post however I was wanting to know if you could write a litte more on this subject?
I’d be very grateful if you could elaborate a little bit more.
Thanks!