Best Action Camera Microphone Attachment in 2022
It’s been said before, but it needs repeating. In video, poor sound quality is more of a turn-off than poor video quality. If you rely on the microphone on your camera for sound, you will most certainly be disappointed at some point. The solution for your action camera is not as simple as purchasing an external microphone. An action camera microphone attachment is required. This is due to the fact that most action cameras lack a microphone input.
Do you want to improve audio quality to take your sound to the next level? Then check out our comparison of the top action camera microphone attachments.
Do you require an adaptor?
Some of these microphone accessories may require an adaptor depending on your camera. For audio, you’ll typically want a 3.5mm jack input. You’re probably utilising a GoPro, in which case this official GoPro adaptor is required.
However, if you’re utilising the DJI Osmo Pocket system, you’ll need this DJI adaptor.
Now, let’s look at the best audio alternatives for your needs.
How do I connect an external microphone?
The absence of an audio jack is the first issue you will encounter when purchasing an action camera microphone attachment. In general, action cameras may not have an input port for external microphones. If you want to use an external microphone, you’ll need a microphone adapter. If you want an input option, you’ll have to acquire older versions of the action cams, which won’t work for you.
Purchase a microphone adapter to connect the external microphone so that you and your audience can experience high-quality sound.
What is the best action camera microphone attachment?
We’ll look at two kinds of mics for your action camera: shotgun and lavalier. Which one is best for you will be determined by your requirements.
Microphones gather sound in similar ways, but for different reasons. The microphone on an action camera will be omnidirectional. This means it collects sound from all directions. However, in reality, these microphones capture sound from a 180o field.
A shotgun microphone produces a more directed sound. It will also provide superior sound quality and wind noise suppression. It will remove or minimise sound from the sides and back, focusing on what is directly in front of the microphone.
A lavalier microphone, like an action camera mic, gathers sound. Its advantage is that it allows you to get up close and personal for interviews or narration. This increases noise reduction in the environment. It makes little sense to tie oneself down with wires when using an action camera, therefore we’ll only look at wireless solutions.
1. Rode Wireless GO II
Pros
- Record up to two sound sources at the same time.
- Internal audio storage for up to 24 hours
- Battery life of up to 7 hours
- Wireless Range of up to 200m
- Clip-and-go system
- There are three units included.
Cons
- Gain controls for fine-tuning are only available on the computer.
Why would you want an action camera if you can’t move about freely due to the wires? As a result, the Rode Wireless Go II is the best action camera microphone attachment this year.
The initial version was fantastic, but the latest V2 adds some essential features that make it even more useful for high-quality run and gun audio recording.
It’s still small and light, and when combined with its distinctive clip’n’go design, it’s very adaptable and simple to use.
The system is made up of three units: two transmitters and one dual-channel receiver, each weighing only 31g. The transmitters are 44mm x 45.3mm x 18.5mm, while the receiver is 44mm x 46.3mm x 18.5mm.
The built-in internal storage is also a useful feature, allowing for up to 24 hours of compressed music to be saved within the unit – with uncompressed recording, the internal memory has a 7-hour limit.
2. Movo GM100 Lavalier Clip-on Microphone
Pros
- The design is small and compact.
- Record your next excursion with crisper audio.
- Compatible with the GoPro mic adaptor, you may connect the lavalier mic directly to your Hero3 or Hero4 without the need for batteries.
Cons
- To function with GoPro cameras, an adaptor is required.
This clip-on lavalier microphone is compatible with GoPro Hero 3, 3+, and 4 action cameras, as well as other action cameras. The kit includes a mic adapter for the GoPro system. The microphone’s omnidirectional pickup pattern is a superior device for recording sound than the built-in mic on your GoPro camera.
The microphone is also compatible with the GoPro mic adapter. The packing includes the GMA100 GoPro 3.5mm to micro USB converter. This allows you to use the mic directly with your GoPro without the need for a battery. The microphone works with a variety of other devices without the adaptor.
The noise reducing windshield allows the microphone to record high-quality sound without associated wind noise. The mic is tiny and powerful enough to record high-quality sound whether motovlogging, conducting field interviews, or travelling. The clip-on device is secure and never slips, providing you with the confidence to shoot uninterrupted.
It is small enough to fit into any camera case or small bag. It takes up no extra space.
The microphone is covered by a one-year warranty. The company handles any problems that arise. Customer service is based in the United States.
Also Read: Top 6 External Camera Screen For Best Shoot In 2022
3. DJI Microphone
Pros
- Outstanding design
- Cost-effective
- Excellent sound
Cons
- Case magnets appear to be overly eager.
- On the iPhone, only mono recordings are possible.
The DJI Mic was created exclusively for the DJI Osmo Action. It includes a cold shoe adaptor for use with various cameras, including your action camera. A receiver and two microphone/transmitter devices are included. And they may all be stored safely in a sturdy charging travel case. This simplifies carrying, pairing, and charging the units.
The transmitters can be attached to garments. If that isn’t an option, they also feature a magnetic mount. This is a good option for T-shirts or unbuttoned shirts, for example.
The battery life is 15 hours, greatly exceeding the recording time of any action camera. Furthermore, the accompanying deadcats will reduce wind noise.
The DJI Mic, like the Rode Wireless Go II, offers integrated recording and a safety track (of -6 dB). It also includes adjustable gain settings, allowing you to tailor the output of the receiver to the needs of your action camera.
4. VideoMicro Rode
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- No batteries are required.
- Budget-friendly
- Excellent value for money
Cons
- For some action cameras, the windscreen is too large.
- On some action cameras, it can feel shaky.
The Rode VideoMicro is an ideal choice as an action camera microphone attachment due to its compact and lightweight construction. It just weighs 42g and measures 21mm x 21mm x 80mm.
The Rode VideoMicro features a Ricote® Lyre® shot mount and a fuzzy windshield to assist isolate external noise.
One of its best features is that it does not require a battery change or recharge because it is powered by the action camera itself.
The Rode VideoMicro is a directional condenser microphone that improves the sound quality of your movie even while recording outside.
It works with any action camera that allows external microphone input, as well as a smartphone.
The only drawback we discovered when examining the VideoMicro is the rather weak supporting structure, which is supposed to allow the microphone unit to ‘float’ above the action camera, causing it to bounce about with any little camera movement.
Although the bouncing has no influence on the sound quality, it can be unsettling to observe it shaking while recording!
5. BOYA WM2G Wireless Lavalier Microphone
Pros
- System for wireless microphones.
- Receiver with hot shoe mounting.
- Warranty for one year.
Cons
- It is slightly larger than previous microphone systems.
Wired Lavalier microphones frequently fail to function. You require a wireless option that allows you to record a topic from a considerable distance. Wireless lavalier mics like the Boya WM2G are ideal for circumstances like these.
The Boya WM2G is a small wireless lavalier microphone that is compatible with GoPro system cameras. It is confidently compatible with the GoPro Hero 3, 3+, and 4. But why limit yourself to a GoPro? You can use the Boya WM2G if you have a tablet device, a camera, a camcorder, or any other device that can record audio and video.
The system comprises of a receiver that connects to your camera and a transmitter that plugs into your microphone. The transmitter must be worn by the subject being recorded. In the case of a GoPro camera, the receiver can be mounted on the camera or simply plugged in. The receiver is hot shoe mountable for suitable camera setups.
The Boya WM2G wireless system has a maximum working range of 49 feet (15 metres).
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