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Buyer's Guide | Camera-Mounted Microphones

Updated March 1st, 2025


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Remember that camera-mounted microphones are really just boom microphones marketed to solo shooters who don’t have the team to operate a lobar (or highly directional) mic. The entire price range of camera-mounted microphones is cheaper than the range of boom microphones. This makes them a great place to start using highly directional microphones without breaking the bank.


Also keep in mind that you’ll want to place your talent within three feet of the mic. With the Industry Pro pick you can extend the range up to six feet. But after six feet, you’ll start to lose clarity while background noise and reflections will become more noticeable.


All three picks provide their own power which is critical for camera-mounted mics to overcome weak camera preamps.


Pricing Tier Key

The Hobbyist: Entry-level gear for video shooters to improve their skills without a large investment.

The Independent: Prosumer gear designed for serious creators that balance performance and real-world budgets.

The Industry Pro: High-end gear for professionals that meets the demands of industry-tier production environments.


The Hobbyist

Offers great value with features like a stepless gain knob which gives you the option of up to +20dB level boost. This is made possible by an internal rechargeable battery. I have heard reports that once the internal battery eventually loses its charge, you’re unable to replace it. The mic has good off-axis performance and solid audio quality. Includes a low cut filter which is helpful for recording in windy conditions.

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The Independent

The built-in power source and +20dB level boost provides enough signal to overcome weak camera preamps. It also features a low cut filter for windy days. While similar to the Deity in key features, the VideoMic Pro is built with higher grade components resulting in lower self-noise. You might also consider spending just another $30 for the markedly improved Sennheiser (if you're willing to support an XLR output). We’ll admit that because RODE is so well-known there is a little bit a brand reputation tax that you typically pay with their products. On the other hand, there's a reason they are so well-known. And that reason is an all-around reliable and reputable product line.

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The Industry Pro

If you’re ready to go full boom mic mounted on your camera, then this mic delivers. But don't miss that this mic only supports an XLR output and that you’ll either need to adapt to your camera’s 3.5mm input or mount an audio recorder onto your camera rig. The internal battery provides gain for weak camera preamps or you can provide phantom power with a recorder. For camera-mounted use don’t forget a shock mount like the Invision On-Camera Shock Mount.

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