Your footage might look great, but if the dialogue is muffled or drowned out by traffic, people will notice. Built-in camera microphones often pick up more surrounding noise than you'd like, especially when your subject is a few metres away.
An external camera microphone gives you more control over what gets recorded. Whether you're filming interviews, vlogs or short films, getting the microphone closer to the sound can make a bigger difference than changing camera settings.
Which Microphone Suits Your Recording?
Microphones come in different shapes for a reason. The best option depends on what you're recording and where the sound is coming from.
Shotgun Microphones
Often mounted on a camera or boom pole, shotgun microphones focus on sound from the front. They're useful for dialogue, interviews and film production.
Lavalier and Clip-On Microphones
Small enough to attach to clothing, lavaliers keep voices clear when subjects move. For interviews and presentations, wireless microphones offer more freedom.
Compact On-Camera Microphones
These attach to a camera's hot or cold shoe and suit vlogging, travel videos and everyday filming without a larger audio setup.
Handheld Microphones
Common in interviews, live reporting and music recording, handheld microphones let you position the pickup close to the speaker or performer.
USB Microphones
Designed mainly for computers, USB microphones suit podcasts, voiceovers and desk recording. They're not usually intended for direct camera connection.
Understanding Microphone Pickup Patterns
A microphone's polar pattern determines which directions it picks up most strongly.
- Cardioid: Favours sound from the front while reducing pickup behind.
- Supercardioid: Has a narrower front pickup with some sensitivity at the rear.
- Omnidirectional: Records sound from all directions.
- Stereo: Captures left and right sound for a wider sense of space.
A shotgun microphone isn't a long-range solution. You'll still get clearer dialogue by placing it close to the speaker.
Check Connections and Power Requirements
Not every microphone plugs straight into every camera.Most camera microphone inputs use 3.5mm TRS connections, while phones may require TRRS or USB-C. Professional microphones often use XLR connections through compatible cameras, audio recorders or audio interfaces.
Some microphones use plug-in power from the camera, others need 48V phantom power or their own batteries. Check compatibility before buying.
Wind Protection and Mounting
Even a light breeze can ruin outdoor dialogue. Foam windscreens help with mild airflow, while furry windshields handle stronger wind.
Shock mounts reduce vibrations from camera handling. Cold shoe mounts, boom poles and extension cables also help position the microphone closer to your subject.
Browse microphone accessories and video accessories for mounting and protection options.
Buy Camera Microphones at digiDirect
digiDirect offers microphones from recognised audio brands, covering compact on-camera models through to professional shotgun microphones.
Shop Australian stock with applicable warranty coverage, digiDirect's Price Match Guarantee and Click & Collect options depending on availability.
FAQs
Why is my microphone recording at a very low volume?
The camera's input level may be too low, or the microphone may need power. Check the connection, recording settings and any gain controls on the microphone. If possible, monitor a test recording before filming.
Do I need a preamp with my camera microphone?
Not always, as many cameras have built-in microphone preamps. An external preamp can help when your camera produces noisy recordings or you need more gain. Some audio interfaces and recorders also provide cleaner input control.
Will the microphone pick up autofocus and handling noise?
It can, especially when mounted directly on the camera. A shock mount helps reduce handling vibrations, while moving the microphone away from the camera can reduce lens motor noise. Quiet autofocus lenses can also help.
How do I monitor audio while recording?
Use headphones connected to your camera or recorder if it has a headphone output. Watch the audio meters for levels that are too low or clipping. A short test recording can reveal problems before the shoot starts.
How should microphones be stored between shoots?
Keep microphones dry and protected from dust, preferably in their case. Remove batteries for extended storage if the manufacturer recommends it. Let any damp windshields dry completely before packing them away.
