The Top DSLR Microphones for Filmmakers and YouTubers

If you're looking to capture audio with your DSLR, you need a quality microphone. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of microphones for your camera to choose from.

The best dslr microphones are designed to deliver high-quality sound while recording video. These mics are perfect for vloggers and other content creators who want to deliver exceptional audio to their viewers.

Shotgun microphone

A shotgun microphone is a highly directional microphone that works best in situations where you need to capture sound from a specific area of the room. This means they’re ideal for interviews, vlogs, and YouTube videos where you need to capture clear audio.

Many of these mics feature various switches and dials that let you adjust the level and tone of your sound. Some shotguns also include a low-cut filter that helps reduce noise at bass frequencies.

They’re also often powered by phantom power, which is a feature that allows you to connect the microphone to your camera’s audio input without using an external preamp.

Some of these microphones even have shock mounts and windscreens that can help eliminate vibration when you’re moving the camera. These are useful if you’re shooting in outdoor environments, or you need to get some extra isolation when recording music.

Lavalier microphone

Lavalier microphones - or clip-on mics - are a great option for photographers who need to capture high-quality audio without limiting their movements. They're easy to hide and lightweight, so you can move freely while recording.

They are also durable and can take a lot of abuse, including being attached to sweaty bodies. They're available at a variety of price points, so you can find one that suits your budget and shooting needs.

Wireless lavalier mics are an excellent choice for DSLR cameras since they allow users to move freely while recording and don't limit their movement as wired models do. The Sennheiser Pro Audio ME2 is a popular wireless model, offering excellent range and battery life.

Handheld microphone

A handheld microphone is a type of DSLR microphone that is held in the user's hand. These microphones are typically smaller than shotgun mics and are popular for videographers due to their portability.

A wireless handheld microphone consists of a small, battery-powered transmitter that transmits the audio signal to a nearby receiver unit by radio waves. The transmitter is typically contained in the handheld microphone body or attached to a separate "bodypack" that can be clipped to the user's belt.

Usually, these professional models transmit in VHF or UHF radio frequency and feature 'true' diversity reception (two separate receiver modules with their own antennas). This technique eliminates dead spots caused by phase cancellation, enabling higher quality sound.

These types of microphones are used for off-camera applications by news and comedy presenters, musicians, vloggers, and other content creators. You'll also see them on stages, particularly for awards ceremonies and live comedy shows.

Onboard microphone

If you have a DSLR camera, you can find several different microphones for it. One type is an onboard microphone that you can attach to your camera.

The onboard microphone is great for podcasts, vlogging, and interviews. It has an omnidirectional pickup pattern that focuses on your voice and rejects unwanted background noise.

Microtech hub mics are also available with an audio recorder built in. These allow you to directly record your audio on a flash drive and send it to the camera at the same time.

Another onboard microphone that is popular among vloggers and videographers is the RODE NTG2. It has a shotgun style and a low-cut filter to reduce wind noise and background noise while recording audio outdoors.

If your USB microphone isn't working, check Device Manager to make sure it's listed as a recognized device. If it's not, contact the manufacturer for repair options.