Best Shotgun Microphone 2024 – 10 Mics For DSLR Video Cameras

If you like to get better sound for your upcoming video production, it’s a good idea to add a shotgun mic for your DSLR camera. The Rode VMPR VideoMic Pro is for us the best shotgun microphone for DSLR cameras in 2024.

It is light, intuitive to use, has great battery life, and sturdy construction. The sound this microphone picks up is really nice and it also gives a nice tone.

For the price, the Rode VMPR VideoMic Pro is a fantastic microphone with great audio results. Other options: Rode VMGO is a good mic with a reasonable price tag and Sennheiser MKE 400 is perhaps the best mic for an average vlogger. 

Anyone who shoots video on a DSLR camera knows it.

The sound quality you get from the built-in microphone is not the best.

If you think your video production deserves better sound, you can easily solve this problem.

Use an external microphone. It will help you filter out noises you don’t want to record and focus on the sound you need for high-quality videos.

Shotgun microphones are very useful in capturing voice-over, interviews, dialogue, surrounding sounds, and live music. This is the reason why we want you to show us some of the best shotgun microphones for DSLR cameras.

BEST SHOTGUN MICROPHONE 2024

♦ Best Overall – Rode VideoMic Pro
♦ Best Budget – Rode VMGO
♦ Best For Vlogging – Sennheiser MKE 400
♦ Best High-End – Rode NTG4 PLUS
♦ Best Feature-Packed – Sennheiser MKE 400

CRITICAL SHOTGUN MICROPHONE CONSIDERATIONS

Some features are crucial for the sound quality and you should always keep them in mind if you are choosing a shotgun mic for a DSLR camera.

RANGE – Shotgun microphones have different ranges, so it’s important to choose the one that suits your filming goals.

ACCESSORIES – You can find shotgun mics with a few additional audio enhancement accessories, so check out everything you will get in the box.

BATTERY LIFE – It is always good to invest in a microphone that will give you the appropriate battery life you need for your projects.

SIZE AND WEIGHT – DSLR video cameras are very light devices, so why make them heavier?

BUILD QUALITY – DSLR microphones can be expensive accessories, fortunately, the top shotgun mics are made from quality materials and have a sturdy build.

Still not sure if shotgun microphones are a good option for improving the audio quality of your video? We believe that video explanations should be best. So, watch the short video below.

Here are the top 10 best shotgun mics for DSLR filmmaking in 2019. Most discussed, liked, reviewed and some of them are even budget-friendly.

Best Shotgun Mic Under $100

Rode VideoMic GO 

Rode VMGO
Rode VMGO Video Mic GO – source: rode.com

Key Features:

  • Quality directional microphone
  • No battery required
  • Rugged reinforced ABS construction
  • Windshield included
  • Two-year warranty

FOR: Nice background noise cancellation • No battery required • Lightweight

AGAINST: Worst static

The Rode VideoMic GO is a good mic. Not the best budget shotgun mic for DSLR camera, but a still decent option. This mounted shotgun microphone is specially designed for amateur filmmakers who are looking for a cheap way to upgrade the audio quality of their videos. The Rode VideoMic Go can be good for people who are just starting out, it records good quality audio at a reasonable price.

Comica CVM-V30 

Comica CVM-V30
Comica CVM-V30 – source: aliexpress.com

Key Features:

  • Low Self-noise
  • Low-cut Filter
  • Super Anti-interference
  • Special Design for Excellent Shock-absorbing
  • Packed with Wind-screen and Wind-muff

FOR: Great quality for the price • Solid build • 2 different audio levels

AGAINST: No adapter for different mounts

The Comica CVM-V30 microphone will diffidently improve the standard camera audio quality. It is a solid mic for a beginning filmmaker who wants something better than the built-in mic on the DSLR camera. For the price, this microphone is a pretty good deal.

Don’t expect something awesome, you get what you pay for. Standard quality of the mic and nice design. In short, Comica CVM-V30 is a basic microphone that does a good job of enhancing audio quality with 2 different audio levels. For the price, it is a really great mic.

TAKSTAR SGC-598 

TAKSTAR SGC-598 Interview Microphone
TAKSTAR SGC-598 – source: chinavasion.com

Key Features:

  • Compact, lightweight and functional
  • Reduces the mechanical noise of the camera
  • Plug and play
  • Inexpensive

FOR: Very cheap • Decent sound • Portable • Low cut options

AGAINST: Made of plastic • No mic stand mount

On a budget and need an inexpensive microphone? TAKSTAR SGC-598 is a low-cost shotgun mic that provides decent audio, but is still a huge improvement over most internal microphones you can find in DSLR video cameras. A great option for a starting vlogger who wants to improve the sound quality of videos, but is operating on a tight budget.

Sevenoak SK-CM200

Sevenoak SK-CM200 Shotgun Microphone
Sevenoak SK-CM200 credit: sevenoak.biz

Key Features

  • Integrated shock mounting
  • Two-step High Pass Filter
  • Reinforced ABS construction

FOR: Cheap • Winshock • Design

AGAINST: No instructions for use

The Sevenoak SK-CM200 is a budget-friendly microphone that is designed to pick up audio signals from up to 10 yards (9 meters) distance. Ideal for recording events such as weddings. This device comes with the case, insulation, rubber mounting bands, mounting bracket and dead cat sleeve for windy weather. If you are looking for a microphone for the fixed camera, you should consider getting this mic. It is cheap, has good design and construction and works well.

Best Shotgun Mic Under $200

Sennheiser MKE 400 

Sennheiser MKE 400 Shotgun Microphone
Sennheiser MKE 400 – source: en-us.sennheiser.com

Key Features:

  • Integrated Shock Mount
  • All Metal Construction
  • Switchable sensitivity for long and short distances

FOR: Small size • Solid construction

AGAINST: The wind cover falls off very easily

People in the business still can’t say which one is better – Rode or Sennheiser. Why should you choose MKE 400? Made out of metal housing (not cheap plastic), easy to set up and use, premium sound quality, and 300+ hour battery life. Plus it has two separate recording modes, so you can easily customize the mic to suit your shooting conditions.

The Sennheiser MKE 400 is a compact and versatile shotgun microphone for cameras with a lighting shoe mount and external mic input. With adjustable sensitivity and a switchable wind noise filter, the Sennheiser MKE 400 microphone provides clear audio to video recordings. It sounds good for its intended purpose.

Keep in mind, that it is a shotgun mic. Not an omnidirectional mic. MKE 400 will definitely help you eliminate the sound of your camera and focus on sounds in front of it as opposed to behind or to the side of it.

Audio-Technica AT875R

Audio-Technica AT875R mic
Audio-Technica AT875R – source: trewaudio.com

Key Features

  • Short length
  • Excellent sound rejection
  • Tailored response minimizes camera noise

FOR: Reasonable price • Short • Good sound • Durable construction

AGAINST: Short-range

Audio-Technica is the shortest shotgun microphone on our list (only 7 inches long). It comes with an adapter that can be screwed onto a light stand, so you don’t need to hold it up by hand.

The Audio-Technica AT875R can pick up clear sound from around 5 feet from the speaker but works best when the speaker is 2 feet away from it. This directional mic does a great job of isolating sound to the area directly in front of the mic. If you are looking for a good shotgun microphone for a reasonable price, don’t hesitate to get this.

Best Shotgun Mic Under $300

Rode VIDEOMICPRO

Rode VMPR VideoMic Pro R with Rycote Lyre Shockmount
Rode VMPR VideoMic Pro R – source: rode.com

Key Features:

  • High-quality directional microphone
  • Ultra-lightweight
  • Integrated Rycote Lyre shock mount system
  • Integrated foam windscreen

FOR: Great sound isolation • Size perfectly suited to DSLR

AGAINST: No carrying or protective case

To improve the audio quality of your videos, you don’t need to spend a ton of money. The Rode VideoMic Pro is a directional microphone that picks up the wanted sound very well. Simple installation, lightweight construction, great audio quality – this is Rode VMPR VideoMic Pro. If you are searching for an affordable solution for capturing relatively clean audio, this microphone may be the one you should use.

Audio-Technica AT8024 

Audio-Technica AT8024 Stereo/Mono Camera-Mount Microphone
Audio-Technica AT8024 – source: trewaudio.com

Key Features:

  • Handles loud sound sources without distortion
  • Compact, lightweight design with integral shoe mount
  • Integral rubber shock mount
  • AA battery gives you 100 hours of operating time

FOR: Effective isolation from vibration and camera noise • Mono and stereo modes

AGAINST: Windshield is very cheaply made

The Audio Technica AT8024 is a well-made microphone with solid build quality and many useful features. This model is constructed from a hard plastic molding while remaining lightweight. The integrated shock mount helps isolate the microphone from the camera handling noise when attached. It comes with a foam windscreen for indoor use and a furry windscreen for the outdoors.

The Audio Technica AT8024 can be used on DSLR and video cameras for events such as weddings, conferences, sports, and more. Overall, you are looking at an excellent DSLR video microphone design for both stereo and mono applications.

Best Shotgun Mic Under $400

Rode NTG4 PLUS 

Rode NTG4
Rode NTG4 PLUS Shotgun Microphone– source: rode.com

Key Features:

  • Broadcast sound quality
  • Low noise circuitry
  • Rugged metal construction
  • Internal rechargeable lithium battery
  • Fully charged in under two hours via MicroUSB

FOR: Great quality • Natural sound • Very decent noise levels • Works fantastic in an aggressive environment

AGAINST: No shock mount or case included

Another Rode mic on this list! Why not, this company knows how to make a high-quality shotgun mic. The Rode NTG4 PLUS is a great shotgun microphone for people that want to start making professional videos, and you can buy it at a great price.

As we already said, the NTG4 PLUS is another great model of the Rode DSLR microphone family, which features digital controls, improved sound quality, and a rechargeable lithium battery. With this battery, you can charge your mic easily via MicroUSB and it will last up to 150 hours of operation time.

This model works fantastic if you want to record talking heads and videos. We highly recommend this product to anyone who is looking for a high-end quality microphone. For the price, the Rode NTG4 PLUS is an awesome microphone with great audio results.

Best Shotgun Mic For Professionals

Rode NTG3

Rode NTG3 microphone
Rode NTG3 – source: rode.com

Key Features

  • Designed to withstand adverse environmental conditions
  • 50% less self-noise than most of the shotgun microphones
  • Low handling noise

FOR: Fantastic sound quality • Weatherproof

AGAINST: Price • Doesn’t come with the cable

The NTG3 is hardware for professional use on TV or on film. What does it mean to you? With RODE NTG3 you get a premium directional microphone with fantastic audio quality with full frequency response.

This mic also troubles you with 50% less self-noise than most shotgun microphones and thanks to the RF bias technology, NTG3 is almost completely resistant to moisture. Simply put, with the superior sound quality and rugged design, there is a strong reason to include this device in the top list of best DSLR microphones.

SHOTGUN MICROPHONE BUYER´S GUIDE And FAQs

What to Look for in a Shotgun Microphone for DSLR

Some features are important for the sound quality and you should always keep it in mind if you are choosing a shotgun microphone in 2024.

Range: Shotgun microphones have different ranges, so it’s important to choose the one that suits your filming goals.

Accessories: You can find shotgun mics with a few additional audio enhancement accessories, so check out everything you will get in the box.

Battery Life: It is always a clever idea to invest in a shotgun microphone that will give you the appropriate battery life you need for your projects.

Size and Weight: DSLR video cameras are very light devices, so why make them heavier?

Build Quality: DSLR Microphones can be expensive accessories, fortunately, the best shotgun mics for DSLR are made from quality materials and have a sturdy build.

How To Set DSLR For Shotgun Mics

Types of microphones that work with DSLR

Shotgun microphones are not the only one that works with DSLR cameras. The fact is, that there are many types of external mics. Understanding basic categories is essential if you want to choose the right one.

The Microphone for Videos

Shotgun microphones

A shotgun mic is a cylindrical, long microphone that isolates sounds in front of it while canceling sources of external sounds from the sides and the rear. The design gives it a narrow range of focus, making it especially adept at picking up human vocal frequencies.

These microphones come in two versions: camera-mounted shotgun microphones and off-camera shotgun microphones. A camera-mounted version attaches to the top mount of the DSLR. Users typically need a boom to work with an off-camera shotgun microphone.

Camera-mounted stereo microphones

The camera-mounted stereo microphone can capture multidirectional sound in space. This microphone mounts at the top of the camera in the same way as the shotgun option.

Wireless lavalier microphones

These mics are typically very small omnidirectional condenser microphones that clip onto the shirt of the subject. You know them from interview shows. They work with a transmitter pack worn by the subject and a receiver pack connected to the DSLR.

Handheld microphones

This type of microphone is often seen on stage used by singers and performers. They come in wired and wireless varieties and are typically dynamic omnidirectional mics, though cardioids can be a good option when users need to exclude background noise.

How to choose the right microphone for a DSLR

Choosing the best microphone depends on the scene which you want to shoot. Each microphone works best for certain scenarios.

Wireless lavalier microphones

Best for casual interview scenarios. The Lavalier microphone is ideal for picking up all of the details in a voice without the interference of room noise.

Handheld microphones

This is another good option that works in interview scenarios. Its main advantage over a wireless lavalier is that it puts the interviewer in a place of authority, controlling the interview dynamic through the position of the microphone.

Camera-mounted microphones

Best to capture quality audio at parties and events. A shotgun microphone does the best job of isolating a subject’s audio, but the stereo microphone can capture more than one subject at a time.

Boom microphones

Great for professional scenarios or when shooting a film. Using a boom-mounted microphone with a DSLR requires having a second person on set to help operate the microphone.

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