Best Camera Microphones In 2022

The overall best way to upgrade your camera’s sound quality is the RØDE VideoMicro Compact On-Camera Microphone. If you’re new to the world of microphones, RØDE is one of the most respected brands around, with world-class products for both studio recording and location audio. This lightweight and compact microphone is designed to deliver crystal clear audio without you needing to bring a sound guy along with you. It might not look like much, but this high-quality cardioid condenser microphone delivers an incredible audio depth for its size. 

It fits onto a variety of devices (from smartphones to full-blown video cameras) using a 3.5mm minijack output. The most important design feature is the suspension structure made from hard-wearing thermoplastic. It minimizes unwanted vibrations, reduces handling noises, and practically eliminates any noise from the cable, leaving you with the audio you want. In short, if you’re shooting anything outdoors, this camera microphone will greatly improve the quality of your camera’s audio. That’s something we can guarantee. 

The Sennheiser MKE 400 Shotgun Microphone is an excellent option for those who need to record at varying distances throughout their projects and need to keep their kit as compact as possible. It boasts switchable sensitivity for both short and long distances crucial for days when you’re rushing to get as much footage as possible in different environments.

The rugged metal housing makes it durable, but it’s still lightweight, and its compatibility is one of the widest around. The foam windshield is excellent for protecting from unwanted noises, and the clarity of the sound following recording is superb.

The cheapest model on our list is the Azden High-Performance SMX-10 Condenser Microphone but you shouldn’t discard it just because it won’t break the bank (which is usually a good thing). It’s an excellent entry level mic for bedroom artists or content creators with an accessible setup and comfortable, hassle-free operation.

It records audio directly, and the stereo construction ensures it can pick up other noises for a more natural recording. It’s also compact, so it won’t take up too much space on your workspace or in your gear pack. The battery also provides 400 hours of continuous use, making it one of the most extensive options available, all for less than $90.

The Rode VideoMic Pro Compact Directional Microphone is a self-powered option for long-lasting filming and ensuring you get the right audio even when everyone else wants to get home to their families. It delivers broadcast-quality audio and eliminates low-end noise like few others, making it an excellent DSLR microphone for the budding filmmaker and those with more experience.

The mount stabilizers are a little squeaky, which could interfere with your recording if you’re not careful. However, most people who have experienced this have also found ways around it, so you shouldn’t have too many issues.

The most striking feature about the Saramonic VMIC Recorder Super-Cardioid Microphone is the onboard LCD display which make navigation and adjustment straightforward and hassle-free. It’s easy to use, and while the screen isn’t too big, it’s more than enough for simple selections, and it’s bright enough for low-light situations, too.

It is easy to mount to the camera, and the lightweight design prevents fatigue during long days shooting. There’s also an microSD card slot for direct and reliable storage, which saves at 16-bit/48kHz WAV audio. The low-cut filter switch is also essential for canceling out rumbles you might get from wind, ensuring clear audio and quality recordings.

The Tascam TM-2X Stereo X-Y Microphone brings a unique but effective design to the proceedings with dual mics for ensuring you capture to true essence of the atmosphere so your recordings sound perfect every single time.

This X-Y design handles up to 120 dB, and the ability to switch between low cut and flat filters helps you achieve the optimal level of extraneous noise in the surrounding area. Despite its uniqueness, it’s compatible with a variety of camera types to appeal to as many videographers as possible.

The Shure VP83F LensHopper Condenser Microphone was our second consideration for the premium choice and while it’s still excellent, it lacks some useful features you get from the Rode. Still, it provides clear high def audio, and boasts total immunity to radio frequency interference to prevent crackling background noise ruining everything and demanding you start over.

The LCD screen is useful, but we consider it a little too busy for our liking. This make it more suited to experienced sound engineers or anyone who won’t feel overwhelmed by an array of numbers, bars, and icons on the screen.

The Canon DM-E1 Directional Microphone is a remarkably user-friendly option and boasts easily adjustable settings and a variety of useful additional features to make it one of our favorite options on the list. It comes with everything you need for a day’s recording and provides a range of sensitivity to capture as much or as little as you want.

The foam windscreen is reliable for reducing noise, while the 50 to 16 Hz frequency response captures a versatile array of sounds from dialogue to background noise and everything in between. It’s built in power supply also makes it easily portable, and although it is a Canon mic, it is compatible with other camera brands.

The Movo Zoom F1-SP Field Field Recorder & Shotgun Microphone Bundle is our pick for the best value camera microphone set available. It boasts a variety of filming accessories, making it perfect for beginners and includes batteries, a microSD, windshield, and cable, among others.

Most of the accessories are perfect for the microphone, but the wind muff sleeve is a too loose for our liking, but that’s to be expected and it’s likely you’re just getting a standard size that isn’t always suitable for the demands of the task. However, it should be simple enough to replace it, and an oversized wind muff is better than no wind muff, especially if you’re just getting started.

Microphone technology can get really expensive. But it doesn’t have to. Sure, if you want the best of the best, you’re going to have to dig a little deeper into your pockets but on a budget, the Miracle Sound Store – Ultimate Lavalier Microphone is still a big upgrade. This lapel mic has a simple design that is compatible with any device that has a 3.5mm input (laptops, video cameras, smartphones). 

It has an omnidirectional design that picks sound up easily but will only work well in a quiet environment. Take this microphone into a windy environment and you’re going to have some problems. It comes with a strong metal clip for easy attachment and a 59” cable, so you can get some distance between you and your interview subject.