Hey folks,

I am glad that so many of you found the last couple of video centric articles of value. This time, I have a short article on getting better audio without spending a bomb.

It involves using a shoe mounted directional microphone instead of the camera’s built in microphones.

Quality Audio

The good news about most in camera microphones is that they record in dual mono on a single audio track. Even better, is that your camera in all probability has a microphone input that is also dual mono, accepting a plug of the standard tip, ring, shield type aka TRS. There are true stereo microphones, but these are more expensive and between you and I, are not so hot at proper stereo separation.

Input Needs

The audio engine in your camera is already capable of using a commonly available dual mono microphone, or even a mono microphone. The input is designed for a high impedance source. This just means that the cable from the microphone to the camera cannot be overly long and that the microphone is going to be decently sensitive.

Audio Levels

Audio in cameras has come a long way. In the past you wanted to be in control of the input level and be watching the audio meters on your display. While this still works, the automatic level controls are now so good, that most people never need to do anything but use the automatic level control. Simpler is easier.

What Microphone to Choose?

While this can be confusing because there are so many options, your best bet is a directional microphone that is most sensitive in the same direction as you are pointing the camera. These microphones are often referred to as shotgun microphones and while they are not true audio professional shotgun microphones, they do what you need to do.

I have used all kinds of microphones for professional videography and audio recordings. I can tell you without any concern that a RODE microphone is going to deliver excellent quality audio, has a very well designed microphone capsule (the part that collects the sound) and are built in solid casings and use excellent shock mounts. The sound of a moving microphone is really awful and the quality of the shock mount is really important.

For the vast majority of users a dual mono shotgun microphone that plugs right into the microphone input on the camera is going to be a significant improvement on the built in microphones. Moreover, you can attach a windshield to reduce pops and wind noise, which is really important if for example you are shooting some video at the kid’s or grandkid’s soccer game.

RODE Videomic GO II with Fur Windshield

This is the microphone that I recommend to folks making videos on their interchangeable lens cameras. The link will take you to the microphone at B&H Photo Video. This kit includes a fur windshield necessary when shooting video outdoors and also very useful if you are making a simple Vlog. In addition to plugging directly into your camera, this microphone includes a USB cable for use with your smart device and when used that way, you can plug headphones into the TRS jack to monitor the audio.

Of course if you are using it on your camera, the camera also probably has a headphone jack so you can monitor audio with headphones as well.

Monitoring Audio with Headphones

You can certainly use any wired earbuds to monitor audio, but avoid noise cancelling products as they will filter out what’s happening around you, which could be a dangerous thing depending on where you are shooting. If you choose to go this route, I will always recommend a pair of over the ear open back headphones. You will hear the audio very well, without losing awareness of what is happening around you.

Since you are not recording high end music, there is no need to spend a ton on studio grade open back headphones as you would for a vocalist. The Koss UR 40 headphones are an excellent choice. They are lightweight, are of the around ear variety which is less fatiguing than on ear and have open backs for situational awareness. Click the link to be taken to them at B&H Photo Video. You do not need to spend more for this purpose.

Conclusions

Making videos on the camera you own is great fun and the quality is way better than the video from your smartphone. Adding great sound makes the video even better and you do not have to spend a lot to make a real difference.

Thank you as always for reading. Please leave a comment or post a question. If you shop at B&H Photo Video, please do so through the link on the main page. It costs you nothing and pays me a small commission. Until next time, peace