Which compact vlogging mic works best for Sony ZV-E10?

Question

I'm trying to figure out which compact mic is actually the best fit for the ZV-E10 because I'm sick of the internal one catching way too much wind. I'm torn between the Sony ECM-G1 and the Rode VideoMicro II right now. The Sony one is super tempting since it doesnt need a cable and stays out of the way of the flip out screen which is a huge deal for me, but I've heard the Rode might have better sound quality for outdoor stuff. I'm heading to Japan in about three weeks for a solo trip and need to keep my setup as light as possible. Budget is around $130 max... which one would you pick for walking and talking?

Julieovern · Accepted Answer

> The Sony one is super tempting since it doesnt need a cable and stays out of the way of the flip out screen which is a huge deal for me Honestly, if youre going to Japan and doing a lot of walking, that cable-free design on the Sony ECM-G1 Ultra-compact Shotgun Microphone is a total lifesaver. Ive used it on the ZV-E10 and not having a wire dangling across the screen is worth the trade-off in raw audio fidelity. But be careful... the deadcat it comes with is kinda weak. If you get caught in a real gust in Osaka or somewhere windy, it might still struggle to keep the audio clean. You might want to consider the Rode VideoMicro II Compact Shotgun Microphone if you're really worried about the wind though. It has a much better shock mount and a thicker wind shield. Just be warned, that cable will definitely block your view of the screen when its flipped out, which is super annoying for solo vlogging. I would suggest checking if you can find a deal on a Sony ECM-B10 Compact Digital Shotgun Microphone if you can stretch the budget slightly. It uses the digital interface and is much better at rejecting background noise than the cheaper G1. Make sure to test whatever you buy before you get on that plane. Nothing worse than getting to Tokyo and realizing your levels are clipping because of the wind. Enjoy the trip, Japan is incredible for street vlogging... just be sure to watch out for the crowds when you have the mic sticking out so it doesnt get bumped and mess up your hot shoe.

Eugenehes · Answer

I learned the hard way that wind is basically the enemy when vlogging outdoors. I was once at a windy viewpoint trying to film and honestly, when I got home to edit, all I could hear was whoosh sounds and my voice was totally gone. It was such a bummer. If youre going to Japan, you really want to be careful about the wind in places like Kyoto or near the coast... it gets pretty intense there and you dont want to ruin your trip footage. Since youre worried about the flip screen, you might want to consider the Sennheiser+MKE+200+On-Camera+Directional+Microphone&linkCode=osi&tag=5422-20" target="_blank" rel="nofollow sponsored">Sennheiser MKE 200 On-Camera Directional Microphone. I picked one up because it has an internal shock mount and a built-in windscreen. Its super sturdy and I havent had it break on me yet, which is a big plus for solo travel. I was always scared of snapping the external shock mounts on other mics when stuffing them in my backpack.

Make sure to double check the cable connection every time you turn the camera on. I once filmed for twenty minutes without realizing the plug wasnt all the way in.

Be careful with the deadcat size because some of them actually sag and show up in your frame if youre using a wide lens on the ZV-E10.

I would suggest the Deity V-Mic D4 Mini 3.5mm Microphone if you want something really lightweight, just watch the cable path. Honestly, even if you pick the Rode, just make sure to keep the cable tight so it doesnt flap around in the wind and hit the camera body... that clicking sound is a nightmare to fix later. Be safe with your gear!

tank_ruOi · Answer

Hey there. Been thinking about your trip... Japan is gonna be awesome for vlogging. I've been using Sony cameras for years and honestly, the cable situation is the biggest headache when you're rushing around a city like Tokyo. Before I give a final pick, are you mostly gonna be doing talking head stuff right in front of the lens, or do you want to catch the ambient sounds of the crowds too? In my experience, if you want pure reliability, you gotta look at build quality. The Movo VXR10-PRO Directional Shotgun Microphone is super solid. It uses a Rycote Lyre shock mount which is basically the gold standard for stopping those annoying handling noises when you're walking. Its way more sturdy than the standard version. Then there's the Saramonic Vmic Mini S. Its cool because it has a mode dial for different pickup patterns which is rare for something this small. Great if you're switching between talking and filming a temple or something. Tbh, for a solo trip, I'd probably lean toward the Movo. Cables can be a pain with the flip screen, but once you tuck it in, it's fine. You really dont want a mount that's gonna snap in your bag halfway through your trip... I've had that happen and it sucks.