DSLR: 3 good external microphones

The built-in microphones of the DSLR cameras are still not of particularly good quality. An external microphone is therefore essential for filming. We show you three good models.

The all-round microphone: RØDE VideoMic GO directional microphone

The Rode VideoMic GO is with a price of approx. 75 euros in the entry area of ​​external DSLR directional microphones. It works without batteries and complicated setting options and is plugged directly onto the hot shoe.

• Use: The Rode VideoMic GO is particularly suitable if you don't have a lot of space for equipment during a video shoot. The directional microphone characteristics record sounds directly and clearly. In contrast, ambient noise is shielded.
• Pro: The red vibration mounts protect the microphone from mechanical interference signals, such as focusing the camera. Operation is simple because you only have to connect the microphone to the camera and the sound is recorded automatically.
• Cons: The microphone is only compatible with cameras that have plug-in power. You can find out on the manufacturer's website whether your camera is supported.

The interview microphone: Audio-Technica ATR3350

The Audio-Technica ATR3350 is a Lavalier microphone for cheap 30 euros. The microphone is particularly small and is attached to clothing so that you can hardly see it.

• Use: The Lavalier microphone is particularly suitable if you make video recordings such as interviews or vlogs.
• Pro: The microphone is barely visible and offers a much better audio quality than the internal microphone. The Audio-Technica ATR3350 is supplied with a 6 meter cable. This means that you are not dependent on the direct proximity to the camera and can also record good sound from a distance.
• Cons: The microphone must be aligned very precisely and the preamplifier set very loud. This gives you a higher background noise on the recording. This is not uncommon for this price range.

The professional microphone: RØDE NTG2

The RØDE NTG2 is the most expensive microphone in our lineup, at around 170 euros. Here you need additional equipment such as an audio recorder or an adapter from XLR to 3.5 mm.

• The RØDE NTG2 is particularly suitable for professional video shoots. Just like the RØDE VideoMic GO (see above), the microphone has a directional microphone characteristic and suppresses ambient noise. You will get the best results if the microphone is held to the sound source with a boom pole.
• Pro: The RØDE NTG2 has the best audio quality from the microphones presented here. It offers professional quality with an XLR connector.
• Cons: To use the microphone optimally, you need additional equipment such as an extra wind protection and an XLR-3.5mm adapter or an audio recorder.

To be able to make additional settings for external microphones in your Canon DSLR camera, you must install the Magic Lantern firmware. We will show you how this works in another practical tip.