DSLR: buying an external microphone - tips

With an external microphone you get the best sound quality when filming with your DSLR camera. In this guide, we show what you should consider when buying. Because not every microphone is suitable for every film ...

Tips for buying the DSRL microphone

DSLRs are also great for filming, only the built-in microphones are almost always defective. With a good external microphone, you can usually improve your sound, at least if you follow the tips below:

• Microphones are available in the directional characteristics of omnidirectional, cardioid, club and figure eight, as well as some intermediate forms such as supercardioid. A spherical microphone picks up in all directions, a cardioid prefers the sound that comes from the front. For a DSLR microphone, a kidney or club is usually the best choice, and only the actors or interview partners can pick it up. We explain the differences between the microphone types in detail in an extra article.
• Pay attention to the right connection: Most DSLRs only have 3.5mm jack connections. It is best not to connect your microphone to the camera with adapters and the cable should be short. In this way, you avoid heavy cables running around, making noise and mechanically stressing the connectors.
• Microphones for DSLRs are available in two versions: You can buy a microphone that is mounted directly on the hot shoe of the camera - so you have your hand free for filming. Here you should use a cardioid or club microphone. If you want to hold the microphone in your hand for an interview, use a ball, figure-eight or cardioid microphone.
• You also have to decouple the microphone so that vibrations and noises are transmitted by wobbling. So you still need a rubber "spider" in which the microphone is suspended (if this is not included in the accessories).
• Many microphones need a power supply, most DSLR microphones have a battery installed for this. Some DSLR cameras also supply the microphones via the connection cable. However, the microphone must also be suitable for this. A replacement battery is also a must.
• You absolutely need a good wind shield for your microphone. If you are filming outdoors you should use a so-called "dead cat". This is a fluffy windbreak that looks like fur. This is the best way to avoid wind noise. But you should also use at least a foam protector in closed rooms.
• Prefer microphones with adjustable sensitivity. This allows you to adjust your microphone to the correct volume.

Which microphones are worthwhile? We present three good microphones in the article on external DSLR microphones.