Getting a great shot is awesome, but if your audio quality isn’t up to snuff then the finished project won’t sound professional. So, what do you do? Upgrade your microphone, of course! Learn how to choose the best DSLR camera microphone, plus the best shotgun and lavalier microphone for video no matter the applicaition. Sweetwater carries a wide selection of mics to suit even the most ambitious setups. Without further ado, these are the top DSLR mics and video microphones in 2022.
- RODE VideoMic NTG DSLR Mic
- MicW i2265 DSLR Mic
- Shure MV88+ DSLR Mic
- RODE NTG5 Shotgun Mic
- Sennheiser MKH 416 Shotgun Mic
- Audio-Technica AT875R Shotgun Mic
- Sennheiser EW 100 G4-ME2 Lavalier Mic
- Shure BLX14/CVL Lavalier Mic
- Sennheiser EW 112P G4 Lavalier Mic
Best DSLR Camera Microphones
Many vloggers and content creators opt for a DSLR camera setup, especially for their mount-on capabilities when it comes to microphones and other audio accessories. This makes it easy for videographers to compartmentalize their setup when traveling. Here are some of Sweetwater’s top microphone picks for your DSLR camera.
RODE VideoMic NTG DSLR Mic
The VideoMic NTG from RODE is a shotgun microphone that’s optimized for use with cameras and camcorders. Its highly directional supercardioid pickup pattern rejects unwanted off-axis noise, so you hear exactly what you want and less of what you don’t. It ships with a shoemountable shockmount, which significantly reduces handling noise during moving shots. It has an infinitely variable gain control that enables you to use it with any recording device. If larger-than-life audio is your goal, go with the RODE VideoMic NTG.
MicW i2265 DSLR Mic
If you’re vlogging on your next trip, then you’ll need a MicW i2265 XY stereo microphone kit! Specially built as a rugged companion for GoPro cameras, this DSLR mic delivers clear stereo recordings in almost any environment. The i2265’s diminutive size means that it’s easy to slip into your camera bag before heading out the door. The MicW i2265 can also double as a lightweight solution for DSLR cameras and ships with all the needed accessories.
Shure MV88+ DSLR Mic
The Shure MV88+ video kit digital stereo condenser microphone makes mobile recording on iOS and Android easier than ever. True to the Shure name, this compact DSLR microphone captures pristine audio up to 24-bit/48kHz resolution. By downloading the ShurePlus MOTIV iOS app, you’ll gain access to DSP presets, polar pattern selection, gain settings, and other advanced features. The Shure MV88+ ships as a complete kit with all the accessories needed to get up and running. For an all-in-one mobile-recording setup, make sure to consider the Shure MV88+.
Best Shotgun Microphones for Video
Shotgun microphones are the ultimate option when wanting to mike up a film shot from above the scene, or when you’re shooting outdoors and need an incredibly tight polar pattern to reject outside noise. These shotgun microphone picks do an excellent job at getting professional audio, even in the most unpredictable shooting enviroments.
RODE NTG5 Shotgun Mic
As one of the shortest and lightest shotgun microphones on the market, the RODE NTG5 represents the next step in shotgun evolution. Its supercardioid pickup pattern has an incredibly smooth off-axis response that’s ideal for precision miking. And, since it weighs less than three ounces, the NTG5 makes an excellent, lightweight boom mic. The RODE NTG5 shotgun condenser microphone kit includes a pistol grip, windshield, and other accessories. For broadcast-quality sound, choose the RODE NTG5.
Sennheiser MKH 416 Shotgun Mic
Boasting excellent directivity and feedback rejection, the Sennheiser MKH 416 is an industry standard for outdoor shoots. It has a hypercardioid polar pattern that facilitates pinpoint placement. The MKH 416 exhibits minimal self-noise, which is critical for professional projects. Its RF condenser design makes it great for recording in humid locations, too. Simply put, the Sennheiser MKH 416 shotgun condenser microphone is a great option for creators who regularly film outdoors.
Audio-Technica AT875R Shotgun Mic
The Audio-Technica AT875R is a compact, durable shotgun microphone. Its line + gradient polar pattern and narrow acceptance angle make it ideal for long-distance sound pickup. Unlike supercardioid shotgun mics, the AT875R’s unique polar pattern rejects noise from the sides and rear of the microphone. The result is a smooth on-axis response with very little camera or handling noise. It’s important to note that the AT875R requires phantom power to operate, so don’t forget to bring the right interface! Those that require broadcast-quality audio from longer distances will love the Audio-Technica AT875R.
Best Lavalier Microphones for Video
Lavalier mics are a popular choice for unobtrusive mic placement in television studios and other professional settings. Whether you’re recording a sit-down interview or the shot calls for keeping the mic hidden, lavalier microphone systems empower you to do just that. Consider these top wireless microphone systems for your next project.
Sennheiser EW 100 G4-ME2 Lavalier Mic
The EW 100 G4-ME2 from Sennheiser is a rackmountable wireless lavalier microphone system for daily use on set. You get a compact and unobtrusive omnidirectional lav mic that’s paired with an ultra-lightweight bodypack transmitter. The rackmountable EM 100 G4 true diversity, half-rack receiver’s high-contrast display provides intuitive operation and at-a-glance monitoring. If you’re planning to shoot exclusively in a studio and need a discreet system, the Sennheiser EW 100 G4-ME2 wireless lavalier microphone system should be on the top of your list.
Shure BLX14/CVL Lavalier Mic
The sheer reliability and sound quality of Shure BLX Series microphone systems have made them the go-to for houses of worship, conference halls, and other venues. The BLX14/CVL wireless lavalier microphone system makes user-friendly operation and BLX quality available for video applications. This wireless system features a cardioid lavalier mic, a bodypack transmitter, and a single-channel receiver. This system is incredibly easy to use, thanks to the one-touch setup and QuickScan technology, and available in a wide range of frequencies. The Shure BLX14/CVL is an excellent option for those looking for a system that’s easy to use, that sounds good, and that will stand up to punishment.
Sennheiser EW 112P G4 Lavalier Mic
Sennheiser’s EW 112P G4 portable wireless lavalier microphone system is ideal for shoots where bulky, complex gear can become impractical. This complete wireless system keeps it simple by including just three components: a lav mic, a bodypack transmitter, and a bodypack receiver. The entire setup is compact and discreet while offering impressive sound quality up to 300 feet away. The included ME 2-II omnidirectional mic captures your voice and enables a natural-sounding recording. The whole system clips to your belt for unmatched portability in hectic environments.
Choosing the best mic for your video setup
We hope this article helped you make a decision! Choosing the best mic for your DSLR or other video application is easier when you’ve done the research. Choose from one of our recommendations or shop all camera microphones at Sweetwater. If you’re still undecided, however, give our Sales Engineers a call at (800) 222-4700, and your personal representative will help to find a mic for your specific application. Your Sales Engineer can even design an entire sound system for your upcoming project. From cables to microphones and interfaces, they’ll make sure you’re completely taken care of. That’s the Sweetwater difference!
