Quick-Access To The Best 17 Shotgun Mics for DSLRs 👇

As any professional videographer knows, talent only gets you so far.

You can capture some great images without all the professional equipment, but when you add the best Shotgun microphone to your camera bag, everything is elevated.

There are several types of DSLR microphones available for different purposes.

On this page you will learn about the top “Shotgun Mics” that are designed to attach to the camera and work just like the internal camera from your DSLR but with significantly higher quality.

If you are looking for a wireless microphone, hand-held microphone, or lavalier mic for your DSLR, click here as we’ve covered those in a separate post.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Shotgun microphones for your DSLR camera, and give you some great options for almost any situation.

Top Pick Shotgun Mics For DSLRs

Title: Rode VideoMic Pro+

Rode VideoMic Pro+

Hands down the best shotgun mic for DSLR cameras on the market, the perfect choice for beginners and professionals alike.

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Best Shotgun Mics For DSLRs

Top Pick: Rode VideoMic Pro+

Rode VideoMic Pro+

Hands down the best shotgun mic for DSLR cameras on the market, the perfect choice for beginners and professionals alike.

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This is pretty much the industry standard for content producers. Seriously, anyone who’s anyone shooting YouTube videos in the field will be using this mic. Unless they’re using the tiny Video Micro.

So what makes the VideoMic Pro+ so damn good?

Well, for starters it has an incredibly sensitive mic capsule, so you can point and shoot at long distances and be confident you’ll still capture high-quality audio. And when we say high-quality audio, we mean high quality.

This microphone is branded as a ‘broadcast recording quality” mic, and we don’t doubt it.

The condenser mic uses a line gradient system to create its super-cardioid polar pattern, which means it’s brilliant at cutting out unwanted sound – this unit has seriously low self-noise.

It’s small (6” long), and lightweight (just 3oz), so it’s a good choice for traveling videographers.

The integrated Rycote Lyre shock mount keeps the mic stable and reduces handling noise, and the attached foam windscreen keeps wind noise out.

That should be enough to capture some serious audio, but Rode doesn’t stop there. On the rear of the mic, you have controls for a high pass filter (80Hz), as well as three levels of sensitivity (-10dB, 0, and +20dB).

The -10dB pad is great for when you’re shooting loud sources, for example, motorsport. The +20dB boost is a neat little trick too.

Many DSLR cameras have fairly average preamps (it’s not really their MO), and these can get a little noisy at the top end of their gain range. The 20dB boost means you don’t have to crank up the gain on your DSLR so much, keeping the audio signal clean and clear.

Slender design, sleek audio, slick features. Sick mic.

Key Features of the Rode VideoMic Pro:

• Low noise
• -10dB pad
• High sensitivity
• 10-year warranty
• Broadcast quality audio
• Integrated foam windscreen
• 3.5mm stereo mini-jack output
• 80Hz high pass filter (switchable)
• Integrated Rycote Lyre shock mount
• Camera shoe mount with 3/8” thread
• +20dB boost for use with DSLR cameras
• 9V battery powered – over 70 hours use (alkaline battery)

Runner up: Shure VP83F

Shure VP83F

With a dedicated screen and micro-SD card recording, the Shure VP83F presents as a seriously professional option.

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Part of Shure’s LensHopper range, the VP83F features a slick black design and records even slicker audio quality.

Just like the VideoMic Pro, this mic is protected from shocks by its integrated Rycote Lyre shocking mounting system, so you know it’s safely isolated from mechanical noise and vibration.

The battery life could be better, though it should be more than enough for most users: 10 hours from 2x AA alkaline batteries.

The mic features a highly directional super-cardioid polar pattern, which focuses recording directly on the sound source, and nothing else.

The VP83F even has an internal RF-blocking system to prevent unwanted artifacts from RF devices like your phone.

Despite being of an all-metal construction (so you know it’s safe from bangs and bumps), the VP83F is actually super lightweight. You get some great user controls too: low-cut filter, adjustable mic gain and headphone monitoring, as well as playback support and track management.

All of that makes the VP83F more than just a mic,

it’s also an integrated audio recorder. Rather than taking up precious space on your camera, the VP83F records to a dedicated 32GB flash card. It does have a detachable cable though, if you do want to record everything in the same place.

Key Features of the Shure VP83F:

• Low-noise
• Low-cut filter
• RF-blocking tech
• Headphone monitoring
• 10-hour battery life (2x AA alkaline)
• Supercardioid polar pattern
• Rycote Lyre shock mount
• Dedicated mic gain control
• Internal audio recording to 32GB micro-SD card
• Detachable 3.5mm cable for external audio recording

Best Budget: Rode VideoMic GO

Rode VideoMic GO

Need high-quality audio on the go without breaking the bank? The Rode VideoMic GO is ready to, um, go.

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It seems that the team at Rode are quite fond of a little rhyming scheme, with the VideoMic Pro, VideoMic GO, and Video Micro making up three of their offerings.

Price-wise the Video Mic GO sits squarely in the middle of these three mics, offering the best of both worlds: portability, affordability, and good sound-ability.

So, what makes the Rode VideoMic GO our best budget mic for DSLR users?

First of all, it comes in at under $100, which means it’s pretty much accessible to all potential users.

It sounds fantastic too, offering that familiar professional quality sound that Rode has become famous for.

Not only is the off-axis rejection brilliant, the VideoMic GO comes with an integrated Rycote Lyre shock mount which keeps the mic isolated from mechanical noise and vibration.

This is absolutely vital when mounting a mic on top of a camera, especially if you’re not going to be shooting from a tripod.

As with many of the other shotgun mics on this list, you get an included windshield and 3.5mm output cable. The VideoMic GO doesn’t have any options for gain adjustment or pads like some of the other mics here, but you can’t complain for the price!

Key Features of the Rode VideoMic GO:

• Budget-friendly
• Included windscreen
• Max SPL: 120dBSPL
• Low weight – just 73g
• Super-cardioid polar pattern
• Integrated Rycote Lyre shock mount
• Frequency response: 100Hz – 16kHz

Best Cheap: Takstar SGC-598

TAKSTAR SGC-598 Interview Microphone

Low cost doesn’t have to mean low quality, and Takstar is out to prove it with their SGC-598.

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This mic comes in at just over $20, which is just insane for a decent quality mic. It looks like a solid unit. Actually, with the windshield off, the SGC-598 looks like some form of assault artillery.

Maybe that’s the point, as the SGC-598 is certainly out to kill the higher-priced competition.

It has a built-in shock mount which keeps the mic safe from bumps, knocks, and mechanical noise, and is also built of a sturdy metal alloy.

It’s built to combat electromagnetic interference too, so you know the audio output is going to be clean and clear.

Unlike some of its competitors in the same price range, the Takstar mic offers a full suite of audio manipulating features, the 10dB ‘sensitivity enhancement’ feature, a low cut filter at 200Hz to filter out rumble and unwanted low-frequency noise.

There is an on/off switch which keeps the battery from being drained while not in use. You get a 3.5mm audio output cable as expected, as well as a foam windscreen that slides onto the mic neatly and keeps wind noise out.

Key Features of the Takstar SGC-598:

• On/off switch
• +10dB boost switch
• AA battery powered
• 3.5mm audio output
• Covert look – all black
• Low-cut filter at 200Hz
• Integrated shock mount

Best For Film: Rode NTG3

Rode NTG3B

The Rode NTG3 delivers top notch audio quality for the price. If you want a cheaper alternative to the MKH416, this mic is the one.

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The Rode NTG3 is an XLR shotgun microphone that was pretty much designed to compete directly with the MKH416.

Our opinion, however, is that it actually out-performs its competitor when you factor in the quality, and how much you are getting for the money.

First off, the NTG3 isn’t a ‘cheap’ mic. It’ll set you back about $700. But when you compare it to the Sennheiser MKH416, you save about $300… and that’s nothing to scoff at.

That’s more than enough money to buy a USB interface to go right along with it!

Here’s what you get for your money.

You get a cool Rode storage bag, the mic itself, a Rode foam windscreen, a microphone clip, and an aluminum storage cylinder.

But, what makes it good for DSLR users?

Well, you’ll need an interface to capture audio with this guy, as it has an XLR plugin. But with that being said, if you’re already shopping in this price range, you probably already have those audio needs sorted.

But now, let’s get into the sound.

This is a super-cardioid condenser microphone specifically created for use with film. 

And not surprisingly, it performs very up to par.

When you set up the NTG3 off-camera, about an arm’s length away from your subject, the audio quality upgrade you will get compared to the stock mic on your DSLR is, as expected, mind blowing.

Even from 2-3 feet away, the NTG3 delivers pristine, incredible audio quality that you’ll have a difficult time finding problems with!

Even for a mic in this price bracket, the NTG3 has impressively low self noise. But it also does a really good job of rejecting ambient noise from the sides. If you’re looking for an impressive mic and want to save a bit of cash, the Rode NTG3 is a game-changer!

Key Features of the Rode NTG3

• Low self noise
• The sound quality is smooth
• Build quality is awesome
• Awesome side-noise rejection
• Even at longer distances, it does a great job with low end

Best In-Studio: Sennheiser MKE 600

Sennheiser MKE600

The Sennheiser MKE 600 is perfectly designed to balance the intricate needs of the in-studio film shooter. We’ll take four!

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Whatever you’re up to, if you need a mic that’s suitable for shooting in-studio, the Sennheiser MKE 600 is your go-to.

It’s directional short with ‘pronounced directivity’ and a low battery indicator light. So, obviously, it’s battery-powered. However, it can also be powered via 48v phantom power. Dope.

Like the MKH416, this is a boom-mounted mic, so it won’t screw directly to the top of your camera without a suitable adaptor. It comes with a shock mount and foam windscreen though, not that you’ll really need the windscreen if you’re shooting indoors.

One thing that can be a pain in the ass when shooting indoors is the low-end rumble of electrical equipment, or shaking walls (if you’re in a steel shed for example). Luckily, the MKE 600 has a built-in low-cut switch, to eliminate unwanted bass noise.

If you do need to take this mic out and about, you can be confident that it will be safe. The body is constructed entirely of metal, and the mic comes with a carry case as well.

Key Features of the Sennhesier MKE 600:

• Included carry case
• Built-in high-pass filter
• All-metal construction
• Comes with a shock mount
• Super-cardioid polar pattern
• Includes foam windscreen
• Low-noise, highly-sensitive
• 48v phantom powered, also runs on batteries

Best For Vlogging: Rode VideoMic Pro+

Rode VideoMic Pro+

Blending high audio quality with ease of use and dynamic functionality, the Rode VideoMic Pro+ is the best mic for vlogging if you’re going to vlog with a DSLR.

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When we reviewed the best YouTubers microphones, from Casey Neistat to Peter McKinnon and more, the Rode VideoMic Pro+ is the reliable mic these top vloggers use.

Why? In addition to capturing perfect vocal recordings every time, the Rode VideoMic Pro+ is not only portable but extremely easy to use with your DSLR.

But what in particular makes the mic so awesome for vlogging? (In addition to it’s awesome audio and bullet-proof construction, of course.)

Well first, there is ease of use. When you turn your camera on, the mic turns on with it. And when you turn it off, the mic turns off. This may seem like a simple feature; but it’s actually overlooked a lot of the time.

This saves battery power on fast-paced shoots.

Coupled with this is the new and improved battery power provided by the VideoMic Pro+.

So, instead of being powered by a simple 9V battery, this guy boasts a rechargeable lithium ion battery that can literally last you up to 100 hours!

Another thing that actually makes this mic awesome is the fact that it has a removable cable. Obviously this is something that higher-priced DSLR mics have always done. But on a product priced at this price range, it’s a huge bonus.

And last but not least, you can also plug an extension cable into this bad-boy and use it on a boom if mounting it to your DSLR doesn’t get the job done.

All things considered, there is just no better on-camera mic for vloggers. It is simply the best in the game.

Key Features of the Rode VideoMic Pro:

• Low noise
• -10dB pad
• High sensitivity
• 10-year warranty
• Broadcast quality audio
• Integrated foam windscreen
• 3.5mm stereo mini-jack output
• 80Hz high pass filter (switchable)
• Integrated Rycote Lyre
• Camera shoe mount with 3/8” thread
• +20dB boost
• 9V battery powered – over 70 hours use (alkaline battery)

Other Alternative Shotgun Mics For DSLR

We’ve reviewed 11 other shotgun microphones, and even though they didn’t make our top-7 list, there are still some honorable mentions among them! Here are some mini-reviews of the others we looked into.

Audio-Technica AT8024

Audio-Technica AT8024

When it comes to pro-level audio, Audio-Technica knows what they’re doing. Unlike many other high brow mic companies though, they make their products seriously accessible.

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The Audio-Technica AT8024 is no exception, coming in at around $250.

These mics have superior sound quality, incredible reliability, and the ability to capture serious audio when shooting outdoors and indoors.

What makes the AT8024 really special, though, is its ability to switch from it’s mono line-gradient mode to an internally matrixed mid-side stereo mode. This means you can capture, for example, a musical performance, and then give your vlog audience that very same experience.

The AT8024 has an integrated rubber shock mount, and comes with a foam windscreen, a furry, and a single AA battery, which is all that’s needed to power this mic.

All in all, this is a bomb mic that brings huge potential to the table.

Key Features:

• US made
• Low-cut switch
• Single AA battery powered
• Compact and lightweight
• Three-position attenuator
• Switchable mono and stereo modes
• Includes foam windscreen and fluffy windscreen

Sennheiser MKH416-P48U3

Sennheiser MKH416-P48U3

Sennheiser has packed a ton of pro-quality features into the MKH416-P48U3, making it a top choice for professionals.

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The MKH416 (told you) is described as a ‘short shotgun interference tube mic’ which means it is made for reasonably close range recordings (as opposed to long shotgun mics which are for greater distances).

Compared to the other mics on the list, the Sennheiser shotgun microphone is an absolute king. And so it should be, it’s regularly used on TV and film sets to capture pro-quality audio.

This isn’t a camera mic per se, and so it doesn’t come with a camera-mountable thread adaptor. This mic is made for use on the end of a boom, or handheld mount like the MZS20-1.

As you would expect for such a widely used microphone, it has incredibly low self-noise and is highly sensitive. It also uses a transformerless design and a fully floating balanced output for the lowest possible output noise.

Like many Sennheiser mics, it has a sleek, low-profile matt black finish. This baby isn’t battery-powered, so you’ll need a 48V phantom power supply. That’s probably what the P48 is about in the name; it’s anyone’s guess what the U3 is about though.

Key Features of the Sennheiser MKH416-P48U3:

• All-metal body
• Transformerless
• 48v phantom powered
• Extremely low self-noise
• Interference tube principle
• Included foam windscreen
• Super-cardioid polar pattern
• Fully floating balanced output
• Wide frequency response: 40Hz to 20kHz
• Not camera-mountable (without a separate mount)
• Pro-quality: used in many TV and film applications

Shure VP83 Camera-Mounted Microphone

Shure VP83

As far as features are concerned, the Shure VP83 offers detailed, high-def audio with full low-end response. And even though it is not necessarily priced as a premium-level microphone, it definitely offers high enough quality to make it sound like it!

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This is the mic used by various YouTube stars and bloggers, among these names is Casey Neistat, one of the most-subscribed-to vloggers on the internet.

Key Features:

• Easy to set up
• LED power indicator
• High durability
• High sound quality

Deity V-Mic D3

Deity V-Mic D3

If you can’t afford the top pick or you decide that one of the other top 7 mics just isn’t the mic for you, you might be interested in this guy.

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The durable metal construction promises longevity, while the super-cardioid polar pattern promises fantastic audio pickup in a range of applications. Plus, the D3 is powered by a single AAA battery… and gives you an insane run-time of over 150 hours with it!

Key Features:

• Affordable
• Good battery life (single AA)
• Good quality sound
• Lightweight
• Durable

Mouriv VMC355

Mouriv VMC355

The next mic in our list is this model by Mouriv.

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Mouriv is a lesser-known brand, but this relatively new mic to the scene is reasonably popular and has some good options. Furthermore, it’s very affordable.

Key Features:

• Power indicator
• Fits on most video cameras easily
• Good sound quality
• Shock mount system

Comica CVM-V30 LITE

Comica CVM-V30 LITE

If you’re looking to save some money, this is another great option.

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It’s made by Comica, which is a reasonably quality brand. But in appearance, it looks much like a Rode, which is obviously a premium brand. If you’re going for a quality appearance at a low cost, this is a good mic for you.

Key Features:

• Affordable price
• Comes in different colors
• Can be used for video cameras and smartphones

Movo VXR4000-PRO Shotgun Video Condenser

Movo VXR4000-PRO Shotgun Video Condenser

Movo has been making quite a name for themselves and has a current reputation for producing quality equipment at a low price.

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This particular model even includes some extras and some premium features that you wouldn’t get in other mics that are priced similarly.

Key Features:

• Has integrated shock mount
• Includes outdoor wind muff
• Capable of studio-quality sound

Movo VXR10 Universal Video Microphone with Shock Mount

Movo VXR10

If you want to get a little bit extra for your money and stay on a low budget, this is a nifty set that you should probably check out. It’s one of the best-selling microphones for video cameras out there.

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Key Features:

• Affordable
• Metal build for durability
• Good sound at close ranges

Rode VideoMic with Fuzzy Windjammer Kit

Rode VideoMic

Shotgun mics usually work great, but sometimes if you are filming in outdoor locations, you can get a lot of wind that gets in the way of some great audio.

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This kit includes a custom windbuster to help you drown out that pesky wind.

Key Features:

• Includes custom windjammer
• Reputable Rode brand

BOYA BY-BM3030

BOYA BY-BM3030

When it comes to photography and videography equipment, the cheapest is not always the best. Sometimes, it’s best to find the best of both worlds. That’s what this microphone attempts to offer.

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It has some premium features, but stays in an affordable price range that makes it achievable for anyone who needs a quality shotgun microphone.

Key Features:

• Low or no hiss or static
• Premium sound quality
• LED power indicator

Saramonic SR-M3

Saramonic SR-M3

This model by Saramonic is basic, easy to use, and would be considered the no-frills option.

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It doesn’t have premium sound quality like Rode or some of the larger brands, but if you are looking for something affordable to help your camera get the job done, this could serve you quite well.

Key Features:

• Universal compatibility
• Lightweight and compact
• Shock-resistant design

Tascam DR-10SG

Tascam DR-10SG

Tascam, as a brand, is a little bit lesser-known, but the reputation of this particular model by them is outstanding so far.

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It’s basic and gets the job done. The one concern we have with it is that it seems pricey for what it includes, in contrast with other microphones that come with extra equipment.

Key Features:

• Premium sound
• Filters out unwanted ambient sound
• Compact and lightweight

Who Should Buy A Shotgun Mic For Their DSLR?

The main reason that people buy mics for their cameras is because they need better audio when shooting video… but this only tells you a little bit about what you need.

Are you using an external audio rig? Do you need a standard-sized jack? Does it need to be portable? Do you want to mount it to your camera?

These are all important questions to ask yourself before you start shopping.

But if you use a DSLR camera, and you want to capture all-purpose audio in a wide variety of different situations, then a shotgun mic may actually be the best option to go with.

Title: Rode VideoMic Pro+

Rode VideoMic Pro+

Hands down the best shotgun mic for DSLR cameras on the market, the perfect choice for beginners and professionals alike.

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Important Features to Consider

There are several important features to consider before buying a mic for your camera. Here are a few of the most important ones.

Sound Quality:

Any photographer or videographer wants to have a microphone that captures premium sound. It’s the only way that you can be sure that you are producing a quality product.

When taking sound into consideration, there are some variables at play. The most pertinent of these is going to be if you are indoors or outdoors.

Depending on your environment, there could be a lot of background noise that prevents you from capturing the best sound possible. Make sure that if you are filming outdoors or in a crowded area, that you get a microphone that can tune some of that noise out.

Build Quality:

Most of the time, the quality of a product is going to directly correspond with how much you are willing to spend on it. In other words, you get what you pay for.

If you need something for professional use, you should remember that you are going to have to invest a little bit more.

That investment will likely mean the difference between a quality piece of equipment that lasts for years and a poor product that disappoints and becomes easily damaged.

Noise Cancellation:

A closed-back headset is not enough if the microphone picks up everything.

Sometimes, the quality of the recording could be better in an omnidirectional microphone than in a unidirectional microphone, assuming that the former has superior noise cancellation properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a shotgun mic used for?

Shotgun microphones are used for a variety of unidirectional purposes. They are used to capture speeches during meetings, conferences, and classes. They are also used to shoot YouTube videos.

They are a fantastic choice in pretty much any situation where you want to catch great audio on a subject without requiring that subject to actually hold a microphone directly up to their mouth.

Is a shotgun mic a condenser mic? 

For the most part, there are two different types of microphones. There are condenser mics, and dynamic mics. Internally, dynamic mics utilize a coil around a magnet, while condenser microphones use a capacitor.

The vast majority of mics described as shotgun microphones are condenser microphones… which means that they likely require phantom power or a battery, have awesome presence, are sensitive to loud sounds, are susceptible to handling noise, and generally tend to have a longer reach.

What is the best microphone for a DSLR camera?

This depends a lot on what you plan to do with it. If you want to record precise vocals on the go, you may need a lavalier. If you need to record vocals at a distance, you may want a shotgun mic.

If you want to record vocals close-up and have the opportunity to capture sound directly from a non-moving source, a dynamic or cardioid mic may be the way to go.

But as a general rule… a good, standard shotgun microphone like the Rode VideoMic Pro+ will do a lot of good in a wide variety of different applications.

Conclusion

Our massive list of the 19 shotgun microphones for DSLR video cameras provides you with a valuable resource in finding premium equipment and walks you through some of the most popular shotgun microphones on the market.

In addition, you also now know some of the key features that you should be looking for when trying to find your next microphone.

Remember to always consider the quality, versatility, features, and sound capabilities of a microphone before you purchase it, and keep value at the forefront of your mind.