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Before You Buy a Camcorder Microphone
Lights, camera, and action are nothing without good audio
By Gretchen Siegchrist Gretchen Siegchrist Writer New York University Suffolk University Gretchen Siegchrist is a professional videographer who enjoys helping amateurs master the basics of desktop video. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on March 17, 2020 Tweet Share Email Dirk Freder / Getty Images Tweet Share Email Travel Tech Digital Cameras & Photography Tips for Mobile Photography If you want to record high-quality audio, you shouldn’t rely on the built-in camcorder microphone. Not only are they of mediocre quality, but they also pick up camera noise, the sounds of you handling the camera and pretty much every ambient noise you don't want to capture. Instead, use an external mic for your video camera, which will pick up sounds more clearly and accurately. External Mic Connections
The camcorder microphone you buy must interface with the external mic connection built into your video camera. Consumer camcorders use a stereo jack for attaching an external mic, while higher-end camcorders offer an XLR jack for connecting a mic. Before you buy an external microphone, check what kind of input your camcorder has, and pick out a microphone that will fit the jack. Buy a camcorder microphone adapter if the mic and the camera aren't compatible — but the adapter adds weight, which may adversely affect recording. Types of Camcorder Microphones
There are three main types of camcorder microphones to choose from: shotgun, lapel (or lavaliere) and handheld (like newscasters or musicians use). Each type of external mic is suited to a different type of video production, and ideally, you’ll be able to purchase one of each kind. Shotgun Microphones
Shotgun camcorder microphones mount on your camcorder or attach to a boom pole. The microphone picks up all of the sound coming from the general direction in which it is pointed. Shotgun camcorder microphones work well for video productions in which you want to record ambient sound or audio coming from several speakers. Lapel Microphones
Lapel microphones are great for video interviews. You attach them to the subject’s shirt, and they’ll pick up the person’s voice very clearly, as well as any sound that is close to the mic. Lapel microphones are also useful for recording wedding videos. Handheld Microphones
Handheld microphones are usually heavy-duty and durable. They work great for picking up nearby sound, so your subjects need to speak right into them. However, they definitely lend a very “newsy” look to your video, so they’re best used if you’re going for that newscaster look, or if the speaker is not going to be seen on camera. Wired and Wireless External Mics
Most camcorder microphones are available in wired and wireless versions. Wired camcorder microphones connect directly into your camera. Wireless microphones, on the other hand, come with a receiver and a transmitter. The transmitter is connected to the microphone, and the receiver is connected to your camcorder. Wireless camcorder microphones are handy because you can record audio that is very far away from your camera. However, they are also much more expensive than wired microphones, and you have to take into consideration things like range, signal interference, and battery power. Camcorder Microphone Quality
Once you’ve decided on the type of camcorder microphone that you’re going to buy, you still have to choose a make and a model. There is no one external mic that’s best for everyone, so you’ll have to do some research to find one that fits your needs and budget. Read reviews, talk to video producers, and get your hands on as many camcorder microphones as possible so that you can hear the audio quality for yourself. Invest in a quality external mic now, and you’ll be able to use it for years down the road. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Fix It When a Lenovo's Mic Is Not Working 10 Tips If Skype Can't Connect or Won't Work Properly Does the iPad Have a Microphone? Essential Equipment for Digital Video Production How to Fix It When a Zoom Microphone Is Not Working Camcorders vs. Digital Cameras How to Fix the Microphone on AirPods How to Give Chrome Access to Your Camera and Mic How to Fix An Xbox One Mic That Isn't Working What is the In-Line Mic on Headphones? How to Produce and Record a Video Interview The 7 Best Wireless Karaoke Microphones of 2022 How to Fix an Echoing Microphone How to Set up and Test a Microphone in Windows How to Make Your Own Videos for YouTube The 7 Best Microphones for Streaming in 2022 Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies