I finally treated myself and got the Sony ZV-E10 II for my big Japan trip next month and I am seriously so hyped!! I have never used a real camera before so sorry if this is a totally dumb question but I have no idea where to start with sound. The kit lens looks great but the audio sounds kinda muffled when I am testing it outside near cars.
I keep seeing people with those fuzzy things on top of their cameras and I dont even know what they are called or how they plug in lol. Is there a specific one that just works without me having to mess with weird settings? My budget is like 150 bucks and I just want my voice to sound clear while I am walking around Tokyo. What mic should I actually get for this camera?
Look, those fuzzy things are just windscreens to stop wind noise from ruining your audio. Since you are using the ZV-E10 II, I highly recommend sticking with a Sony mic because they use the digital hot shoe. I have tried many different setups over the years and cables are always the first thing to fail or get unplugged by accident when you are traveling. In my experience, the Sony ECM-G1 Vlogging Microphone is the safest bet for your budget. It is tiny, fits right on top, and you dont need any cables or batteries since it pulls power from the camera. If you want something a bit more professional for blocking out Tokyo city noise, look at the Sony ECM-B10 Compact Shotgun Microphone. It might be slightly over your budget but it is much more directional. Tbh, for a first timer, just get the G1. It is dead simple and very reliable.
I spent a month in Osaka filming street food and learned the hard way that wind kills audio. For a beginner, simplicity is key.
Just catching up on this thread! Building on the earlier suggestion, I've spent a decade filming in chaotic cities and Tokyo is an absolute blast. The soundscape is incredible but super challenging tho. To help narrow this down: