Best shotgun microphones

Best shotgun microphones

The level of built-in mics is very poor, as a rule, therefore it is recommended to buy a standalone mic for your purposes. The voice sounds quietly in internal devices and can spoil all your efforts. Isn’t it better to acquire the best shotgun microphone to avoid such problems? Fix it on the top of your camera and find the best position to achieve the necessary result. The design of such devices reminds a barrel. It is usually directed toward the source. The background noise is not in the way as a rule and does not create problems. What is shotgun microphone best to buy? Let’s get a look best shotgun microphones.

What to Look for in a Shotgun Mic

Sturdiness

The best shotgun mic for camcorder should be reliable and steady. Outdoor shooting is a demanding process and the circumstances can be different. Therefore, sturdiness is important for hardware. The metal body is the most solid, but here the obstacles arise:

  • If the camera shotgun mic is heavy, it’s not convenient.
  • The mic should not increase the weight of the equipment.
  • The cheaper options are made of plastic. Despite their lightweight, such models can’t boast of durability, but still can be a good solution when the consumer needs a budget shotgun microphone.

The consumer should select the commodity with this factor in mind. Frequent use of the device in different weather conditions can wear out the device fast.

Frequency Response and High Pass Filtration

People can hear sounds within the range 20-20,000Hz. Choosing the shotgun mic for a camcorder, it is better to find the one, which is closer to this parameter. Then the sound looks natural. The consumers usually want to record the sound without any interference of low-frequency noises, therefore, the use of filters is recommended. Some models come with this feature, while others lack it. High-pass filtration helps to get the sound of better quality.

Cardioid vs Supercardioid
Cardioid vs Supercardioid

Cardioid vs Supercardioid Pickup Pattern

The pickup parameter is essential for the quality of the sound.  Microphone for camcorder often features the cardioid or supercardioid pattern.  It can’t be directed everywhere as this is the case with omnidirectional microphones. There is no sense in it as the higher quality is needed. For this reason, the directional mics are used.

More precision is required to capture high-quality sound. The tight focus can be achieved with supercardioid pickup. Cardioid also serves this purpose though these devices are less focused.

The better focus of supercardioid mics helps to shoot audio for the film at a long distance. However, it’s possible to get such a result on narrow space only. The isolation of noise is also better in this case.

Accessories

Usually, the devices are sold with all required accessories such as shock mount, but there is always the opportunity to enhance the result buying additional accessories. The videographer who works in the open air needs the windshield and other gizmos every microphone for the film should have.

Popular shotgun microphones

Look at the options offered below. Popular shotgun condenser Rode NTG hasn’t entered the list but there are many other Rode models in it.


 

 

Rode VideoMic Pro+

Rode VideoMic Pro+
Rode VideoMic Pro+

When customers acquire a device of this brand, this is definitely a worthy acquisition. If it seems different to the consumers, it means they didn’t comprehend the essence of the item. Designed to capture the details, it performs its work well. It is required to conduct the research first to discover its specifics and determine if this is a suitable device for your particular case. The consumer may consider that the option is too expensive but it is worth its price tag as it pays off with quality. It features a unique capsule, windshield and excellent suspension system that enable work on the move.

It should be said that the VideoMic line is very popular. It sets a new standard of recording. This shotgun microphone is the best buy when you need to capture the comprehensive atmosphere.

grade: 3.5/5


 

 

Rode VideoMic Pro

Rode VideoMic Pro
Rode VideoMic Pro

The shotgun microphone is similar to the previous hardware with few exceptions though. The capsule is smaller in size and it affects the performance. Such characteristics as sensitivity and frequency range differ a bit. It appeared thanks to its predecessor which was rather successful. The device is valued for convenience and its light weight (just 85g without battery) and easily mounted on the camera top. Adding the battery, the user gets a 120g device, which is far from being heavy.

The controls with a simple switch of positions are easy to use. Many find it the best shotgun microphone due to the factors mentioned above.

grade: 4.1/5


 

 

Rode VideoMic

Rode VideoMic
The best choice

Rode is the best shotgun microphone for camcorder and best microphone for film. The consumers should be aware of the intended use before choosing the solution. Much depends upon the specifics of the recording. The engineers of the company tried hard to achieve compactness. The unique design of the shoe for mic mounting was designed to attain it. The manufacturers succeeded, so we can take advantage of the best shotgun microphone in its class. Rubber shock absorbers added to the device enhanced the model.

VideoMic with supercardioid pickup rejects the background noise perfectly. It is especially useful for interviews. The quality of sound is superb when the person is located close to the hardware. This model is best on camera shotgun mic.

grade: 4.5/5


 

 

Rode VideoMic GO

Rode VideoMic GO
Rode VideoMic GO

VideoMic GO is the best buy when you need to use the shotgun microphone on the move. The portable device is efficient and sits well on the camera. Anyway, it does not look obtrusive at that.  The specialists producing the Go version thought about even distribution of weight – the important feature, especially on small cameras. Compactness is necessary for fast and effortless transportation.

It is necessary to consider that it requires plug-in power via its input port. There is a possibility to plug it into the iOS device but one should purchase a special cable for it. The source should be close to the device to get decent quality. When it is not so, the result comes with background noise. A wind guard is necessary for outside use. Its size is ideal and the performance is superb for the best budget shotgun microphone.

grade: 3.5/5


 

 

Rode VideoMicro

Rode VideoMicro
Rode VideoMicro

Maybe it’s the best shotgun microphone for film. It is recommended to use the external mic for quality recording. Some consumers reject the concept as they think that the device becomes too bulky. Those who stick to such opinion haven’t seen the VideoMicro model.

One of the main benefits of VideoMicro is its miniature size, while the competitive price is also worth considering. The consumers are usually amazed at the unbeatable price of the device, therefore, they call it the best cheap shotgun microphone. It’s a perfect entry-level option.

grade: 4.2/5


 

 

TAKSTAR SGC-598

TAKSTAR SGC-598
TAKSTAR SGC-598

Consumers on a tight budget can always find the solution and when that happens they are surprised that the shotgun microphone below$50 provides the same quality level than its pricier alternatives. The market with its incredible rules opens many opportunities. Sometimes cheap shotgun microphone becomes an excellent solution that exceeds the expectations.

The best on-camera shotgun mic should not be necessarily expensive. If it solves the audio issue and presents a decent level of quality, its origin is of no importance. Not only the big names in the industry are able to deliver quality products. TAKSTAR SGC-598 will definitely fit your needs. Though it doesn’t outperform more expensive models, it does its work well. The difference is slight and noticeable for a trained ear only.  We love sticking with proven brands but sometimes this passion does not look reasonable. Sometimes less known product displays excellent quality. This is just the case with this device. This budget shotgun microphone is worth consumers’ attention.

grade: 3.8/5


 

 

Shure VP83 & VP83F LensHopper

Shure VP83 & VP83F LensHopper
Shure VP83 & VP83F LensHopper

VP83 & VP83F LensHopper is incredibly convenient. The construction of the body is solid. The shotgun microphone is rather compact in comparison with numerous bulky models. The functionality is intuitive and easy to use. The interface is clear. As a result, the consumer gets audio of excellent quality.

VP83 is a model with a mic, while VP83F includes integrated flash recorder enhancing the quality of result even more.

The device is wireless and records the sound right to the internal card. It is also possible to make a clean track and then combine it with video during processing.

grade: 3.8/5


 

 

Saramonic VMIC Recorder

Saramonic VMIC Recorder
Saramonic VMIC Recorder

Sometimes fantastic footage can be easily destroyed with poor audio. However, excellent quality of sound enhances video content greatly.  What is required for it? Best on-camera shotgun mic solves this problem easily! These miniature delicate devices do magic eliminating ambient noise in the background and highlighting the main source. Going on a shooting session, pack the best shotgun microphone for the film! It will help to achieve a perfect result.

grade: 4.3/5


 

 

Canon DM-E1 Directional Microphone

Canon DM-E1 Directional Microphone
Canon DM-E1 Directional Microphone

DM-E1 should be selected when a more defined result is needed.  This is the opportunity to achieve the supreme quality. The shotgun microphone is attached to the hot shoe. One of the main benefits is the compatibility of the device with all Canon EOS DSLR cameras.

  1. It will function with any of them equipped with movie option, otherwise, you will not be able to use the shotgun microphone for the film.
  2. Also, it should be equipped with the input jack. It is rather lightweight for its parameters and even compact in the series of Canon EOS M devices.

The device is universal as presents different pickup modes. The most important thing is to define the positioning and angle as the result depends upon for the most part. Once the person succeeds in it, it’s possible to get a crystal clear audio. The owner of the shotgun microphone can choose the degree option depending upon the situation. The bigger the degree the larger area is captured while the noise from other areas is blocked.

grade: 4.0/5


 

 

Sennheiser MKE 600

(Read review Sennheiser MKE 600)

Sennheiser MKE 600
Sennheiser MKE 600

The videographer is lucky if there is MKE  600 at his disposal. It means that the person is technically prepared for everything. It can easily become the best shotgun microphone for the camcorder with all bewildering array of gizmos it has. It comes with a wind guard and shoe mount and features outstanding frequency response. In general, this is a fantastic option for those without access to a fully treated space.

grade: 4.2/5

Conclusion

It is really a challenge to find the best shotgun condenser microphone, but it’s a must-have for a good video. Audio is usually the weakest point, which makes the shooting procedure complicated but the task is easily solved with the corresponding equipment.

Should we regard the price tag when we decide what is the best shotgun microphone? The customer should determine priorities and make the choice accordingly.

 

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