Whether you are working with a smartphone camera, a DSLR or a camcorder, having external microphone options can make a big difference in capturing quality sound. While many cameras have built-in microphones, the built-in mic does not allow for freedom in terms of placement. Moreover, it is not specialized in the way that other microphones can be.
Common camera microphones fall into several categories, including lavalier, shotgun, and omnidirectional mics. Lavalier microphones clip onto clothing, making them excellent for film shoots, interviews or vlogging. Shotgun microphones pick up audio only from one direction, meaning they can capture more than one speaker but still reduce background noise. And omnidirectional mics pick up audio from all directions, making them ideal for capturing environmental sounds.
Technical specifications should also influence your choice of camera microphone. It’s wise to look at factors like frequency response, sensitivity, and signal-to-noise ratio. Plus, compatibility with your camera or your external audio recorder is crucial.
