tjkraemer1 Loc: Maryland

Hello everyone. I will be traveling to Italy/Greece in June and was looking for microphone suggestions for my travel videos. I have an R5 body and up till now have only used it for photography. Any suggestions would be welcome

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

The answer, as in everything, depends on what your expectations are for the soundtrack.

Are you narrating as you film?

Are you just hoping to record some ambient sounds?

Are you hoping to record conversations more than three feet away, or more than two feet away in noisy locations?

What is your budget for audio?

Are you going to edit the video in a non-linear editing suite?

There are tons of options ranging from cheap, wired lapel mics to wireless systems costing hundreds or thousands.

tjkraemer1 Loc: Maryland

Thank you for the quick reply to my question. I am basically looking for better ambient sound. I did some recording with the built-in mic and obviously was not impressed. I will be editing the video with Davinci Resole. I really don't have a budget. I'm looking for the best money can buy but want to invest in a mic that will give me great sound for my application.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Watch videos by indy filmmaker Griffin Hammond on the gear he uses. He has a few options that are reasonable. Røde makes some in the $100 to $250 range that are camera-mounted hyper-cardioid (shotgun) mics, which are great for ambient sound.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Video sucks without good audio. Good audio comes from getting the mic close to the source.

A year ago I bought a "Rode Wireless Go II". It is nothing short of fantastic. Recently DJI has release the "DJI Mic". It is getting reviews saying it is a little smaller, a little easier to charge and has a little bit easier interface.

If you want an on camera mounted mic, nothing is better than the Rode "VideoMic GO II Lightweight Directional Microphone". I have the previous version that works well. The "II" can be used for adding voice over during editing on your computer.

The best, small, compact, lightweight audio recorder might be the Zoom H1n. It can be plugged in to your camera, but it's best use is to record audio all by itself. I bought one to record musician videos where the audio track is critical.

If you are going to shoot travel video with you or your companions doing on scene narration, the best choice will be the wireless. One end clips on and plugs into the camera. The other end(s) clip on the speaker's shirt. Because of closeness, voice is recorded clearly. If you are trying to shoot street scenes, markets and other "ambient" scenes the camera mounted "VideoMic" is very good because it is more "directional". It will still do OK with "talking heads" a few feet away.

tjkraemer1 Loc: Maryland

Thank you both for your advice. Do you see much benefit in getting the NTH over the GO II or do you think it is a waste of money for my application?

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

I don't exactly know your application or intent. You wrote that you've not used your R5 for videography. My assumption is therefore that videography is also new for you.

I recorded video for years before I paid attention to audio. My goals were distant wildlife and the only audio needed was background music added in post. That changed when I moved to a retirement community and people showed up in front of my camera.

So depending on where you go with video, I think you "need" one of the four smaller camera mounted Rode mics. (https://rode.com/en/about/news-info/audio-for-film-101-which-video-microphone-is-best-for-you-rode-videomic-comparison) My current choice would be the versatile "VideoMic GO II" over the more expensive "VideoMic NTG". What I have is the lowest cost VideoMicro that does work well.

I also think you will find you will "need" a wireless mic like the Wireless Go II or DJI equivalent. Nobody that records people will do without something that clips to their shirt, lapel or collar.

Do you "need" an independent recorder like the Zoom H1n? That will depend entirely where you go with your video recording. In my case, I have a small, compact audio bag. In it are the three pieces of gear I'm talking about. There is also a few adapters, brackets and lav mics. Depending on what I'm doing, any part of that kit might be needed.

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

Have you tried enhancing the camera audio with audio editing (volume, EQ, echo, etc.)? When I edit my videos I also spend some time with the audio. The problem with a camera mic or even a separate recorder like the zoom is you have to watch for extraneous noises (autofocus hunting, auto aperture changes, brushing with your sleeve, etc.). I find the zoom has good audio quality and I sync it with the camera audio in the video editor.

tjkraemer1 Loc: Maryland

Thank you for your feedback. I think I'll pick up a GO II and give it a try. It sounds like the logical choice for me just starting out in video. Again, I appreciate your input and taking the time to help me with my selection.

tjkraemer1 Loc: Maryland

I appreciate your input Bob. I'm just starting out in the video world and am not sure how far I'll take it. I was merely trying to get away from using the built in mic to upgrade the sound and eliminate the wind noise. I hear that Santorini is quite breezy. Thanks again for your help.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Good choice.

tjkraemer1 Loc: Maryland

Thanks again for your help!

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Be careful! The video learning journey is an addictive bunch of fun!

tjkraemer1 Loc: Maryland

Thanks! I'll do my best.