Best Action Camera Microphone Attachment

Action cameras are a great way to capture your adventures and create amazing content for your social media channels. Whether you’re into extreme sports or simply love exploring the outdoors, an action camera can help you capture the moment and share it with the world.

However, one of the biggest drawbacks of action cameras is their audio quality. The built-in microphones on most action cameras are not designed to capture high-quality audio, especially in noisy environments.

Fortunately, there’s a solution to this problem: an action camera microphone attachment. In this article, we’ll explore the best action camera microphone attachments on the market and help you choose the one that’s right for you.

What is an Action Camera Microphone Attachment?

An action camera microphone attachment is an external microphone that can be attached to your action camera to capture high-quality audio. It connects to your camera via a standard 3.5mm audio jack or a USB port and is usually mounted on top of your camera or on a separate stand.

Why Do You Need an Action Camera Microphone Attachment?

If you’re serious about capturing high-quality video footage with your action camera, you need to invest in a good-quality microphone attachment. Here are some of the benefits of using an action camera microphone attachment:

1. Improved Sound Quality: The built-in microphones on most action cameras are not designed to capture high-quality audio, especially in noisy environments. An external microphone can help you capture clearer and more natural-sounding audio.
2. Noise Reduction: Some action camera microphone attachments come with noise reduction technology, which can help eliminate background noise and wind noise, making your audio much clearer.
3. Flexibility: An external microphone can be positioned closer to the source of the sound, such as your voice or the sound of the action you’re capturing. This can result in much better audio quality and a more immersive experience for your viewers.

Top 5 Action Camera Microphone Attachments

1. Rode VideoMicro Compact On-Camera Microphone: This is a popular choice among vloggers and content creators, thanks to its compact size and high-quality sound. It features a cardioid polar pattern, which means it picks up sound from the front and reduces noise from the sides and rear. It also comes with a windshield to help reduce wind noise.
2. Sennheiser MKE 400 Shotgun Microphone: This is a high-end microphone that offers excellent sound quality and noise reduction. It features a super-cardioid polar pattern, which means it picks up sound from a narrow-angle and reduces noise from the sides. It also comes with a shock mount to reduce handling noise.
3. Audio-Technica ATR3350iS Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphone: This is a clip-on microphone that can be attached to your clothing or gear. It features an omnidirectional polar pattern, which means it picks up sound from all directions. It also comes with a windscreen to reduce wind noise.
4. Shure MV88 Digital Stereo Condenser Microphone: This is a compact and versatile microphone that connects directly to your smartphone or tablet. It features a cardioid polar pattern and comes with a windscreen and a carrying case.
5. Movo VXR10 Universal Video Microphone: This is a budget-friendly microphone that offers decent sound quality and compact size. It features a cardioid polar pattern and comes with a shock mount and a furry.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Action Camera Microphone Attachment

When choosing an action camera microphone attachment, there are a few important factors to consider:

1. Type of microphone: There are different types of microphones available, such as shotgun microphones, lavalier microphones, and condenser microphones. Each type has its own pros and cons, so it’s important to choose the right type for your needs.
2. Polar pattern: The polar pattern of a microphone determines the directionality of the sound it picks up. Common polar patterns include cardioid, super cardioid, and omnidirectional. Choosing the right polar pattern is important for capturing clear and accurate sound.
3. Noise reduction: Some microphone attachments come with noise reduction technology, which can help eliminate unwanted background noise and wind noise.
4. Compatibility: Make sure the microphone attachment you choose is compatible with your action camera. Some microphone attachments are designed for specific camera models, while others are more universal.

Pros and Cons of Action Camera Microphone Attachments

Using an action camera microphone attachment can enhance the audio quality of your footage, but there are also some drawbacks to consider. Here are some pros and cons of using an action camera microphone attachment:

Pros:

1. Improved audio quality: Action camera microphone attachments are designed to capture high-quality audio that is free from unwanted background noise and wind noise. This means that your footage will sound clearer and more professional.
2. Increased flexibility: With an action camera microphone attachment, you have more control over the audio you capture. You can position the microphone closer to the sound source or use a different polar pattern to capture sound from a specific direction.
3. Compatibility with other devices: Some action camera microphone attachments can be used with other devices such as smartphones and DSLR cameras, giving you more flexibility and versatility.

Cons:

1. Additional cost: Purchasing an action camera microphone attachment can be an additional expense, especially if you opt for a higher-end model with advanced features.
2. Additional Equipment: Using an action camera microphone attachment requires additional equipment, such as mounts, cables, and wind protection. This can make your setup more complex and bulky.
3. Limited compatibility: Not all action camera microphone attachments are compatible with all camera models, so you need to ensure that the microphone you choose is compatible with your camera.

Overall, the benefits of using an action camera microphone attachment outweigh the drawbacks. If you’re serious about capturing high-quality audio with your action camera, investing in a microphone attachment can be a smart decision. Just make sure you choose a microphone that is compatible with your camera and fits your needs and budget.

FAQ – Action Camera Microphone Attachment

Q: How do I attach an action camera microphone to my camera?

A: Most microphone attachments come with a mount or a clip that allows you to attach it to your camera or clothing. Some also come with a separate stand or tripod for more flexibility.

Conclusion

If you’re serious about capturing high-quality video footage with your action camera, investing in an external microphone attachment is a must. Not only does it improve the sound quality of your footage, but it also gives you more flexibility and control over your audio.

When choosing an action camera microphone attachment, consider factors such as the type of microphone, polar pattern, noise reduction, and compatibility with your camera. With the right microphone attachment, you can take your action camera footage to the next level and create content that truly stands out.