So you finally found a DSLR camera and now it’s time to start shooting video. Only one problem. How does the sound come out? …Not as good as you hoped? Most built-in camera microphones pick up minimal sound. So for professional grade audio to go along with your professional grade video footage, it might be time to look into buying a microphone for your DSLR. We’ve laid out our top 10 picks for the best DSLR microphones out now.
But first, a few things to consider…
Different Types of Camera Microphones
Choosing your DSLR microphone
The first thing you’ll want to determine is your budget. The majority of quality DSLR microphones won’t require an expensive budget. A range between $30- $300 is more than enough and that will be the majority of what we’ll cover on this list. But, of course there are some microphones priced much higher.
Before we get to the list of our top picks, it’s probably best to quickly go over the types of microphones available.
Shotgun microphones
These microphones are the most common and preferred for attaching to DSLRs. They’re very effective and super easy to use. Shotguns are considered to be “highly-directional” microphones. Their long shape can help pick up sounds from far away that are hard to get to.
But their main function is to reject unwanted noises to get the clearer sound you’re looking for. They can be added on top of boom poles or, most commonly, attached on top of your camera.
Lavalier microphones
These are small mics that are usually clip-ons, body or collar mics, often used in interviews, product reviews, film and TV — any situation where the sound needs to be close to the speaker, and is very helpful in those instances as it results in a hands-free operation.
These are often called “lav mics” and are best suited for situations controlled with no ambient noise. If you’re recording a lot of footage outside, they’re not always the best for that reason.
Headset microphones
These are of course helpful if you’re recording in a setting where there is a lot of noise around. It can help isolate the voice of your subject, or any other sound you may want to capture in the midst of the noise. But we wouldn’t recommend them otherwise for DSLRs.
Handheld microphones
Handheld microphones are the ones most people are most familiar with when they hear the word microphone! These are most common for reporters and journalists, or anyone in the business of broadcasting.
But in order to hook these up to your DSLR, you’ll need a few more pieces of equipment, which makes these not the best suited compared to shotgun microphones. But again, it will depend on what you’re recording.
Let’s jump in.
On-camera Shotgun Microphones
Rode VideoMic Pro+ ($299)
Best DSLR microphone for vloggers
Designed for DSLR cameras and other portable audio recorders, this Rode is the winner among winners. It is the most dynamic, high quality and easy-to-use mic on the market and it is a go-to for most professional vloggers. Due to its supercardioid polar pattern, any surrounding sound is minimized and there is just very low noise.
In addition to the superb sound quality, it is one of the best DSLR microphones available for its charging power. It has a lithium ion battery that lasts nearly 100 hours. When attached to a DSLR, whenever your camera turns on, it turns on, and vice-versa. This is a real help on your already awesome battery life.
And if for some reason you do need to switch it to a boom and take it off your DSLR, you’re able to plug an extension cord right in and make that happen. All in all, if you’re a YouTuber, or in the vlogging game, this one is your best bet.
DSLR Microphone • Rode VideoMic Pro+
Key Specs
- Great gain control features
- Selectable gain options -10dB, 0dB, or +20dB
- Has safety channel — records at lower gain in case sound spikes
- 2 stage high pass filter at 75 and 150Hz
- Low noise
- 3.5mm stereo mini jack output
- Low-end pickup range increase from 40 to 20Hz
- Integrated windscreen
On-camera Microphones
Tascam TM-2X ($99)
Best microphone for DSLRs
Design, design, design. The Tascam’s two-mic-in-one creates an X-Y stereo pattern to really add to your audio quality’s depth.
Their design also helps with noise isolation as they’ve included a switchable low-cut filter to eliminate unwanted sound from low frequencies. The windscreen helps this. Additionally, there is a noise isolation arm to prevent any sound picked up from the lens or other camera activity.
You can also adjust each mic on their shock mount which can both swivel 180 degrees. An interesting feature too is that it doesn’t require external batteries. It takes power directly from your camera, for better or for worse.
DSLR MICROPHONE • Tascam TM-2X
Key Specs
- Noise isolation options
- Turn mics 180 degrees
- Windscreen
- Two state output level adjustment (compatible with most cameras)
- Floating support structure under mics absorbs unwanted noise as well as noise isolation arm
On-camera Shotgun Microphones
Sennheiser MKE 600 ($330)
Best DSLR Microphones
Another solid shotgun option is the Sennheiser MKE 600. It’s on the expensive side for beginner users, but it does have incredible sound recording capabilities, with great audio recording levels.
Its high directivity reduces noise coming from the sides and the rear. The professional quality of sound is stellar for the price.
DSLR MICROPHONE • Sennheiser MKE 600
Key Specs
- Switchable low-cut filter limits unwanted noise
- Shock mount and foam windshield
- Battery or phantom powering
On-camera Shotgun Microphones
Rode VideoMicro Compact ($59)
Best DSLR microphone for travel
This is a great value for the quality. It’s the smallest Rode shotgun microphone, making it perfect for travel. It comes with a windscreen to limit noise and includes a two-step high pass filter with a three position level control. These are on the back of the mic and can be easily accessed when shooting.
DSLR MICROPHONE • Rode VideoMicro Compact
Key Specs
- Long battery life
- Great quality for the price
- Small and compact
- Built-in shock mount
On-camera Shotgun Microphones
Zoom SSH-6 ($150)
Best Shotgun Microphone
This shotgun microphone design stands out against the others. It has a multidirectional range and it picks up sound not only from the source but also from the left and the right.
However, it’s important to note that you will need a Zoom recorder (H5, H6 or Q8) in order for it to work with your DSLR. If you don’t already know, those are hand recorders, and after this post, we recommend getting more familiar audio recording.
That being said, if that’s something you’re okay with or already have, it’s a mic that produces some the clearest quality. A fully mono-compatible stereo will be the result and can be used for most projects.
DSLR MICROPHONE • Zoom SSH-6
Key Specs
- Multi-directional recording
- Crystal clear sound
- Designed to work w/ other audio recorders
Shotgun: Best DSLR Microphones
Saramonic VMIC Recorder ($89)
Saramonic review
The Saramonic is one of the best portable DSLR microphones in its class. It’s headphone jack is great to listen to the sound as it’s recording and if your camera is on the noisy side, the +20dB boost will let you reduce the volume of the preamp on your DSLR to get a sound that’s crisp and clear. This DSLR microphone records to a micro SDHC card at 16 bit, 48kHz.
DSLR MICROPHONE • Saramonic VMIC Recorder
Key Specs
- Switchable low cut filter
- LCD screen for ease of use
- 3.5mm headphone monitor input
- Built-in shock mount
- 150Hz high pass filter
Best Cheap Shotgun Mic for DSLR
Boya BY-MM1 Compact on Camera ($33)
Best budget microphone for DSLR
Boya has a habit for balancing quality with affordability. The BY-MM1 shotgun mic is one of the best budget DSLR microphones available. For just about thirty bucks, you can get quality sound without breaking the bank.
DSLR MICROPHONE • Boya by-MM1
Key Specs
- Integrated shock-mount
- Battery-free design
- Windscreen
- Affordable
Budget Lav Mics
Boya BY-M1 Lav Mic ($18)
Best budget lav mic
While this mic won’t be your professional mainstay, it’s beyond practical, super affordable and dependable.
It's a well-built lavalier mic and is perfect for personal projects.
DSLR MICROPHONE • Boya by-M1 Lav Mic
Key Specs
- High quality condenser mic for price
- 20-inch audio cable
- Comes with clip-on mic
Best Lavalier Microphones
Rode SmartLav+ ($79)
Lav mics: best DSLR microphone
If you’re looking for a lav mic that’s higher quality than the Boya, but still reasonable, the Rode SmartLav+ is the way to go. It’s a 3.5mm TRRS lav mic and the clip is sturdier than anticipated, and offers great sound quality for the price point.
In addition to the mic, it offers a windscreen and a mic clip.
With an omnidirectional polar pattern, you can use it with your DSLR or even plug it right into your smartphone for great sound quality.
DSLR MICROPHONE • Rode SmartLav+
Key Specs
- Broadcast-quality sound
- Kevlar reinforced cable
- TRRS jack connectivity
Honorable but ridiculously expensive mention, the Sennheiser EW 100 ENG G3 priced a whopping $799. Anyone who is willing to spend that much on a lav mic, is likely not scanning this article, but just in case, we couldn’t leave it off as it is one of the best lav mics to use with your camera. You can find them at lower prices on certain websites like sweetwater or or eBay.
Best Handheld Mic for DSLR
Shure VP64A ($79)
Handhelds: Best DSLR microphones
A Shure had to make the list! While there are many Shure microphones to pick from, I wanted to throw in one of the better handheld microphones. This one is fairly budget-friendly. While it’s best for speech, other features include water proof mesh, windscreen, strong build and good for travel.
While this is great for reporters, it is still a good option for attaching to your camera, it just takes a bit more work. An adapter cable or adapter will be needed to ensure the XLR connectivity will work with your camera.DSLR MICROPHONE • Shure VP64A
Key Specs
- Frequency response w/ mid-range rise for optimal speech
- Water-resistant mesh grille
- Internal isolation mount
UP NEXT
Ultimate Guide to Sound Recording
If you’re still unsure about what kind of mic is best for you, don’t worry. The next article dives deeper into the types of microphones, their properties, and more insight into additional sound gear.
Up Next: Recording sound →
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