Last updated on December 7th, 2023
There are many different factors to consider when it comes to on camera microphone attachment. But don’t worry, we’re here to help. In this blog post, we’ll discuss today’s seven best on camera microphone attachments on the market.
We’ll be talking to videographers about what they should look for when shopping for an on camera microphone attachment. And we’ll also give our opinion on which one is the best. So whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, read on for the best information on on camera microphone attachments!
Best Overall on Camera Microphone Attachment
Rode VideoMic Pro+
The Rode VideoMic Pro+ is a top-of-the-line on camera microphone attachment that has many great features. It has a super-cardioid directional condenser microphone and a wide frequency response range of 20Hz to 20kHz. This mic is perfect for capturing high-quality audio for your videos.
The mic also comes with selectable strength settings of -10dB, 0dB, or +20dB, so you can easily customize the sound to match your needs. Plus, it’s built tough and rugged enough to handle even the most challenging shooting environments. If you’re looking for the best on camera microphone attachment on the market today, look no further than the Rode VideoMic Pro+!
The Rode VideoMic Pro+ comes with several significant benefits that make it the perfect mic for capturing high-quality audio for your videos. For starters, it has a 2-stage high-pass filter at 75Hz or 150Hz, which helps to reduce noise and unwanted sounds from your recordings. It also comes with a removable wire, making it easy to transport and store.
And it comes with a Rycote Lyre suspension system. This system ensures that the mic remains stable and secure even in the most challenging shooting environments. If you’re looking for the best on camera microphone attachment on the market today, check out the Rode VideoMic Pro+!
What We Like/Dislike About the Rode VideoMic Pro+
Like:
- High gain, high-quality sound
- Rechargeable, replaceable batteries
- The highly directional pickup pattern
- Low self-noise (14 dBA)
- High dynamic range
Dislike:
- Expensive
What Consumers Are Saying
“This mic is clean sounding and incredible.”
“Packs a lot of features into a small package.”
“The Rode VideoMic Pro+ is the best on camera microphone attachment on the market today.”
Best Budget on Camera Microphone Attachment
Rode VideoMicro
The Rode VideoMicro is an excellent on camera microphone attachment for those on a budget. It features a cardioid condenser microphone that can capture high-quality sound and has a frequency range of 100Hz – 20kHz. Additionally, it comes with a Rycote lyre shock mount to help reduce any vibration or movement that could cause audio distortion.
The Rode VideoMicro has several benefits, making it a great on camera microphone attachment:
- It comes with a deluxe furry windshield to help reduce wind noise.
- It does not require a battery, making it more convenient.
- It is compact and lightweight, making it easy to take with you.
What We Like/Dislike About the Rode VideoMicro
Like:
- Excellent sound
- Very low noise
- Compact & lightweight
Dislike:
- No Gain control
What Consumers Are Saying
“Unbeatable for the price vs. quality.”
“I use this on my Canon 5D Mark III with great results.”
“The sound is incredible for such a small and inexpensive mic.”
Best Runner Up
Sennheiser MKE 400
The Sennheiser MKE 400 is a highly directional, super-cardioid shotgun microphone that is perfect for on camera use.
You get integrated wind protection and an internal suspension mount to minimize handling noise. You’ll find this extra great for any environment. And the built-in low-cut filter and 3-step sensitivity switch provide added flexibility and control.
Sennheiser’s MKE 400 on-camera microphone attachment is an excellent solution for capturing high-quality audio with your DSLR or mirrorless camera. The attachment features two AAA batteries that provide up to 100 hours of power. And it automatically powers on and off when connected to your camera. It also includes a 3.5 mm jack for connecting to your DSLR/M cameras.
What We Like/Dislike About the Sennheiser MKE 400
Like:
- Crisp, clean, directional shotgun signal
- Onboard headphone jack and volume controls
- Built-in gain and low-cut filters
Dislike:
- The headphone jack works only during active recordings
- The gain switch has just three positions
- Requires AAA batteries for power
What Consumers Are Saying
“I needed a mic that was more compact but surprised how good this design is, with the sound dampening built on the inside and out of the way. And this has a control for audio levels and filtering plus a headphone monitoring jack.”
“I bought this mic to use on my Canon DSLR (60D), and I have to say that I’m very impressed with the sound quality. It’s much better than the onboard mic and very easy to use.”
“The MKE 400 is a great on camera microphone that improves the audio quality of my videos. The built-in wind filter is also a nice feature.”
Honorable Mentions
Shure VP83F LensHopper
The Shure VP83F LensHopper is a high-quality on camera shotgun microphone that also doubles as a digital flash recorder. This feature-rich mic is perfect for anyone looking to improve the sound quality of their videos. The VP83F offers fully adjustable user gain, making it easy to get the ideal sound level every time.
The Shure VP83F LensHopper offers many benefits that make it ideal for anyone looking to improve the sound quality of their videos. First, the mic provides 10 hours of battery life, making it an excellent choice for on-the-go use. The back-lit LCD screen makes it easy to see what’s going on in low-light conditions. And lastly, the Rycote Lyre shock mounting system helps to reduce unwanted noise and vibration.
What We Like/Dislike About the Shure VP83F LensHopper
Like:
- Premium feel
- Adjustability
- 10-hour battery life
Dislike:
- Pricey
- LCD is small
What Consumers Are Saying
“Improved audio over using a high-end lavaliere”
“The best on-camera shotgun mic I’ve ever used.”
“This is by far the best on-camera shotgun mic I’ve ever used. The sound quality is exceptional, and the build quality is top notch.”
Rode VideoMic Pro
The Rode VideoMic Pro is a proper shotgun microphone that provides superior audio quality for on camera use. It features a two-step high pass filter to reduce noise and three gain position level control to ensure it can achieve perfect sound levels.
The Rode VideoMic Pro also features Rycote Lyre shock mounting onboard. It reduces noise from vibrations and is powered by a 9V battery – providing over 70 hours of use on a single battery. Additionally, an integrated foam windscreen helps to reduce wind noise when shooting outdoors.
What We Like/Dislike About the Rode VideoMic Pro
Like:
- Compact, lightweight, and convenient
- Good balance of price and sound quality
- Good off‑axis noise rejection
- +20dB setting helpful for noisy cameras
- Long battery life
Dislike:
- New mount less tolerant of extreme movement
- 9v battery required
What Consumers Are Saying
“It’s a great microphone for my Canon 1DX Mark II; I was videoing an event last night, and the shotgun feature of it allowed me to get great audio.”
“I’m using this on my Olympus OM-D E-M1, which gives great sound.”
“The Rode VideoMic Pro is an excellent on camera microphone. It’s well made, sounds great, and is easy to use.”
Rode VideoMic GO
The Rode VideoMic GO on camera microphone attachment is a super-cardioid microphone with a frequency range of 100Hz – 16kHz. It also features an integrated cold-shoe mount, making it easy to attach to your camera.
The Rode VideoMic GO on camera microphone attachment offers several benefits, including integrated Rycote Lyre shock mounting, no battery required, and a windshield. This makes it an excellent choice for on camera audio recording, as it ensures clear sound quality with minimal noise interference.
What We Like/Dislike About the Rode VideoMic GO
Like:
- Compact
- Consistent quality with other rode mics
- The price point is very affordable
- Super lightweight
Dislike:
- Bass quality is overall less good
- The audio doesn’t sound as good past 3 feet from the subject
- In-line power draws battery noticeably from the camera
- Limited range
What Consumers Are Saying
“I was looking to improve my camera’s mic. I record presentations and didn’t t want to spend big bucks for the nicer Rode mic. This is a great entry-level mic for the price. I like it.”
“I’m a professional filmmaker, and I use this mic on my Canon 5D Mark IV. It’s a great mic for the price and gives you much better audio than the onboard microphone on the camera.”
“The sound quality is good for the price. I would recommend this to anyone looking for an on-camera mic.”
Sennheiser MKE 200
Sennheiser MKE 200 is a directional condenser microphone perfect for enhancing in-camera audio. The built-in wind protection and shock absorption make it an excellent choice for on camera use. And the 40 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response ensures clear, accurate sound capture.
The Sennheiser MKE 200 does not require a battery, making it a convenient choice for on camera use. It also features a standard cold shoe mount, making it compatible with most cameras. Plus, the interchangeable 3.5mm (1/8″) TRS and TRRS connectivity allow you to use it with various devices.
What We Like/Dislike About the Sennheiser MKE 200
Like:
- Instantly upgrades audio capture quality
- Battery-free solution
- Smartphone and camera support
- Affordable
Dislike:
- No on-body gains control
What Consumers Are Saying
“Sound quality is evident; I can’t complain, especially for the price. It is easy to connect, lightweight and fits right on my camera rig. ”
“I have used this on a DSLR and a GoPro, and it worked great on both. The sound quality is fantastic.”
“This mic gives my videos the professional touch I was looking for without breaking the bank.”
Conclusion
If you’re looking to improve the quality of your on camera audio, any of the microphones on this list will do the trick.
While each has its strengths and weaknesses, they are a step up from the built-in microphone on most cameras. If you’re on a tight budget, we recommend starting with the Rode VideoMic GO or Sennheiser MKE 200. They offer excellent sound quality for their price points, and both are easy to use. If you have a little more money, consider upgrading to the Rode VideoMic Pro or Sennheiser MKE 400.
Capturing high-quality audio on camera can be difficult, especially on the go. Not only is capturing incredible audio important for video, but it can also be tricky to get right. You don’t want to deal with background noise or muffled sound quality. You can easily capture clear and accurate sound without fuss with a good on camera microphone attachment.
These attachments are easy to use and compatible with most cameras and smartphones. Plus, they’re affordable, so you don’t have to break the bank to get great audio for your videos.
FAQ
How do I attach a microphone to my camera?
Most on camera microphones come with a standard cold shoe mount that is compatible with most cameras. Attach the microphone to the hot shoe on your camera, plug in the mic cable, and you’re ready to go.
Can you attach a USB mic to a camera?
You can attach a USB microphone to most cameras via the USB port. However, not all USB microphones will be compatible with all cameras. It’s best to check your cameras. You will also most likely need a USB to 3.5mm adaptor.
Do all DSLRs have a microphone input?
No, not all DSLRs have a microphone input. However, many popular DSLR models do have a mic input. So check your camera’s specifications before purchasing an on camera microphone.
Do I need a battery for an on camera microphone?
No, you do not need a battery for on camera microphone. The camera powers some on camera microphones. Others do not need any power source.
