Best DSLR Shotgun Mics
Recording with the best DSLR Shotgun Mics on your digital camera will make your videos sound professional. After all, one of the most important aspects of a video is the sound. You can deal with grainy images, but crackles and pops will turn everyone away.
There are several different kinds of DSLR mics that work great on digital cameras. Shotgun mics are nice because they have a focused polar pattern, so the sound is only picked up from one area.
No need to worry about the technical stuff. We’ve picked out the top mics for DSLR cameras and reviewed their pros, cons, and features, so you can find the right one for you recording project.
Top 3 DSLR Shotgun Microphones
Contents
| Best DSLR Shotgun Mics | Model | Price |
|---|---|---|
 |
Rode VideoMic GO | Check Price |
 |
Rode VideoMic Pro+ | Check Price |
 |
Shure VP83 | Check Price |
Top Shotgun Mics for DSLR Cameras
Here is our list of the best DSLR shotgun mics that will bring your camera audio to the next level.
- Rode VideoMic GO
- Rode VideoMic Pro+
- Shure VP83
- Rode VideoMic
- TAKSTAR SGC-598
- Comica CVM-V30
- Rode VideoMicro
- Movo VXR10
Rode VideoMic GO Lightweight On-Camera Microphone
When it comes to microphones, few brands have established a reputation as impressive as have Rode Microphones. Once you see a microphone stamped with this brand’s logo you immediately place a high expectation on it.
Moving with the times, the brand has made a move into the mobile video recording industry. One product it offers in this niche is the VideoMic GO. This is a microphone designed specifically for use with camcorders and entry level DSLR cameras; basically any camera that has a 3.5mm microphone input.
This microphone is lightweight and attaches very easily but securely to the top of your camera for seamless operation. All you need to do is slot in the microphone and plug it into the 3.5mm mic input.
One great feature of this mic is the integrated Rycote Lyre shock mount. It fully isolates the microphone from shocks and vibrations that may have found their way into the audio.
With its super-cardioid pickup pattern, it focuses on sounds coming from the front and some of the side. This helps ensure that ambient noise is reduced. Using the included windshield, you can further improve the quality of your audio by cutting down on wind interference.
Pros
- Pickup pattern – Super-cardioid.
- Frequency response range – 100 Hz to 16 kHz.
- Maximum SPL – 120 dB.
Cons
Some users have complained of interference from cell or WiFi networks which results in a cracking sound.
Suggestion
This is certainly a product that anyone looking for an affordable means of improving the audio quality of their recordings on entry level DSLRs should consider.
Rode VideoMic Pro+ On-Camera Shotgun
Once again we return to the stable of Rode microphone to pick out another product for review. One thing that this should tell us is that this brand is a force to be reckoned with in this industry.
Here Rode is offering us the VideoMic Pro+, an on-camera microphone designed to deliver a performance level superior to what the two previously reviewed Rode microphones offered.
In addition to all that other VideoMic models offer, the Pro+ adds multiple power options – in-built rechargeable battery, option for USB power and AA batteries, a wider frequency response range – 20 Hz to 20 kHz, and a sensitivity of -33.6dB re 1 Volt/Pascal (21.20mV @ 94 dB SPL) +/- 2 dB @ 1kHz.
It also offers a digital switching feature which covers a two-stage bass roll-off (75 Hz/ 150 Hz), a three-stage gain setting (-10 dB, 0dB and +20dB), a high frequency boost and a safety channel that protects the signal against clipping.
Like we stated, you still have the JFET impedance converter, a super-cardioid pickup pattern, a 3.5mm jack output and the Rycote Lyre shock mount system.
To put it simply, this is an all-round upgrade from the two Rode models we previously reviewed.
Pros
- Polar pattern – Super-cardioid.
- Frequency response range – 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
- Special feature – Digital switching.
Cons
The auto on/off features may not work with some cameras.
Suggestion
This microphone is clearly for anyone looking for a higher-end on-camera audio solution. It is a clear upgrade from many other Rode models.
Shure VP83 Lenshopper Camera-Mount Condenser Microphone
Shure is no doubt one brand that has built itself into a living legend in the microphone industry. Its continued contribution to the music industry in particular and the audio industry as a whole can really not be quantified.
Among the hundreds of products offered by this brand is the VP83 LensHopper. This is a condenser microphone designed to be mounted on DSLRs and camcorders with the sole purpose of drastically improving the audio quality of your recordings.
It features a condenser transducer that ensures crystal clear pickups. Its super cardioid/lobar pickup pattern is very directional, ensuring that the main audio you are capturing is from the sound source right in front of the camera.
It also offers three gain settings – -10 dB, 0 dB, +20 dB – that allow you choose the sensitivity that is best for a situation as well as a low cut filter.
This microphone is lightweight but very strongly built. It incorporates the integrated Rycote Lyre shock mount system which allows for efficient isolation from vibrations and shocks that are likely to occur during use.
Using the VP83 LensHopper is very simple. Just insert the included 1.5 AA battery (which can run for up to 130 hours), plug in the jack and you are good to go.
Pros
- Transducer type – Condenser.
- Polar pattern – Super cardioid/lobar.
- Frequency response range – 50 Hz to 20 kHz.
Cons
You have to always remember to turn off the microphone or the battery will drain.
Suggestion
This is one microphone that you can count on to deliver always.
Rode VideoMic with Fuzzy Windjammer Kit
We are back to Rode, a brand from which we have previously reviewed a product – the VideoMic Go.
At this time, we will be looking at a bundle package that includes the VideoMic, another model from Rode, and the Auray WSW Series Custom Windbusters. With these two, you enjoy a sonically clear and wind disturbance free recording.
This model of the VideoMic is very similar to the VideoMic Go which we previously looked at. The VideoMic is also a condenser microphone and requires 9V battery power to function.
It features a super-cardioid pickup pattern that offers very focused directional pickup. It also has a frequency pickup range of 40Hz – 20kHz, meaning that it can pick up a wide spectrum of sound frequencies outside of the human vocal range. Its maximum SPL capability of 133dB further adds to its ability to record in situations where the sound source is pretty hot.
This microphone, which is very-well made with an ABS construction, is sturdy and guarantees durability. The integrated Rycote Lyre shock mount provides impressive isolations between the microphone and the camera and its operations. Add to this the Fuzzy Windjammer Kit and you get an audio recording that is impressively noise and interference free.
Pros
- Transducer type – Condenser.
- Pickup pattern – Super-cardioid.
- Frequency response range – 40 Hz to 20 kHz.
Cons
This bundle is not covered by Rode’s US warranty or technical support.
Suggestion
This bundle is ideal for anyone looking for quality audio and additional protection from wind interference.
TAKSTAR SGC-598 Camera Recording Microphone
TAKSTAR is a brand owned by Guangdong Takstar Co.,Ltd, a Chinese company that is a leader in that country’s audio industry.
One of the products offered by this company is the SGC-598. This is a microphone designed for use as a camera microphone for most cameras with a 3.5mm mic input.
It features a condenser type transducer that offers a sensitivity of -32dB±3dB(0dB=1V/Pa at 1KHz). This is powered by 1.5V AA battery which will last for up to 100 hours of use. With its cardioid pickup pattern, it is easy to focus your audio input source to sync with the direction of the camera.
This microphone offers a 200Hz bass cut switch which can come in useful when you have low frequency interference. It also has a 10dB sensitivity boost which will help in situations where the sound source is not as loud as you will like.
It has an overall sturdy build thanks to its aluminum construction. In addition to this, it is designed to efficiently absorb shock and vibrations, ensuring that they don’t affect the quality of your audio. The included windshield will also ensure that wind interference is brought to the barest minimum.
Pros
- Transducer type – Condenser.
- Polar pattern – Cardioid.
- Frequency response range – 50 Hz to 16 kHz.
Cons
It may require some internal adjustments to your camera’s audio settings to avoid hissing.
Suggestion
This is surely the camera microphone to go for when you practically have no budget. It’s dirt cheap but performs as well as some products several times its price.
Comica CVM-V30 Shotgun Camera Microphone
CoMica Technology Co.,LTD, owners of the Comica brand is an audio engineering company that is interested in making good quality audio products available worldwide. In addition to this, it is also ensuring the continued improvement of the quality of these equipment through consistent R&D.
The brand’s product in review here is the CVM-V30. This is a shotgun camera microphone designed for easy use with DSLR cameras and other cameras with 3.5 microphone inputs and a suitable top mounting shoe.
The CVM-V30 is a condenser microphone with a super-cardioid pickup pattern and a frequency response of 40 Hz to 20 kHz. It is powered by two 1.5V AAA batteries which can last for up to 200 hours.
This microphone has a maximum SPL of 114dB which is enough to handle some very loud sound sources. However, it also has a -10dB sensitivity attenuating pad that can help it manage louder sound sources better. For locations with low frequency ambient noise, a 100Hz low-cut filter is included to help cut the most disturbing of these low frequencies.
In addition to the above, included in the package are a shock absorbing mount that reduces vibration and shock transmission from the camera’s handling to the microphone, as well as a windshield and a wind muff for reducing wind interference.
Pros
- Transducer type – Condenser.
- Polar pattern – Super-cardioid.
- Frequency response range – 40 Hz to 20 kHz.
Cons
Shock mount doesn’t feel durable.
Suggestion
This is a good solution for anyone on a tight budget who also does not mind doing some tweaks in post.
Rode VideoMicro Compact On-Camera Microphone
Just before you ask if it’s only Rode products that are on review, we can tell you that this is the last Rode product on our list. That said, we are only bringing to you on-camera microphones that are among the leading models available today.
We’ve looked at three different Rode on-camera microphones and each has had its own peculiarities. For the product on focus here, the Rode VideoMicro, its major point of difference is pretty clear.
This is an on-camera microphone designed to be compact and highly portable. One of the issues that some users have with the higher level VideoMic Pro+ is its size which is a bit bulkier than most mics in the category. The VideoMicro offers the perfect solution to this but of course with a lot of cuts in other areas.
With the VideoMicro, you get a microphone with a cardioid pickup pattern and a frequency response of 100 Hz to 20 kHz. You will also be able to record sound pressure levels of up to 140dB at a sensitivity of -33.0dB re 1 Volt/Pascal (22.00mV @ 94 dB SPL) +/- 2 dB @ 1kHz.
It is built to last, with an aluminum construction that offers high RF rejection and a mounting system that supports interference-free use.
Pros
- Polar pattern – Cardioid.
- Frequency response range – 100 Hz to 20 kHz.
- Power – Requires no additional power.
Cons
Cable for use with smartphones is not included.
Suggestion
This is a great option for anyone looking for a compact and versatile on-camera microphone.
Movo VXR10 Universal Video Microphone
Movo is a company that understands the importance of content creation in today’s world and is focused on offering tools that will make it easy for everyone to create good quality content. It believes that cost should never be an inhibiting factor to the pursuit of content creation excellence so it offers various creation tools at very affordable prices.
One of the products offered by this brand is the VXR10 Video Microphone. The VXR10 is a condenser microphone with a cardioid pickup pattern that enhances directional audio capture. It is designed to be compatible for use with practically all kinds of DSLR cameras, camcorders and even smartphones and tablets.
The microphone, which derives its power from the device it is connected to, is very lightweight and compact so it would not have a weight or bulk issue. All you need to do is plug it into your device (cables for cameras and smartphones included) and you are good to go.
The shock mount that comes with it further improves the quality of your audio recording by reducing noise interference from vibrations and shocks that may arise from handling. When you find yourself in a windy situation, the included furry windscreen reduces the wind interference, allowing you record even in those conditions.
Pros
- Transducer type – Condenser.
- Polar pattern – Cardioid.
- Frequency response range – 35 Hz to 18 kHz.
Cons
The shock absorber is not very flexible.
Suggestion
This is a versatile microphone that can work with DSLRs, camcorders and even smartphones.
What You Should Get!
We’ve finally come to the end of this review and it indeed has been an interesting one. Every microphone we looked at had something nice to offer. As our tradition is, it is now time for us to pick one product from our list to be named the Top DSLR camera shotgun Mic.
After carefully reviewing the 8 microphones on our list, we think the Rode VideoMic Pro+ and the Rode VideoMic GO tied as our Top DSLR Shotgun Mic because we believe it offers the best value for anyone who really needs a professional level audio recording from their DSLR camera.
