Honestly, the screen blockage thing is the worst part of the ZV-1 design. I spent a week in Osaka last year fighting with a big fuzzy deadcat that kept dipping into my view every time I tried to frame a shot. It was so annoying. I eventually grabbed the <a href=" https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt= Sennheiser+MKE+200+Directional+On-Camera+Microphone&BI=8941&KBID=10361&SID=12345&DFF=d50" target="_blank" rel="nofollow sponsored">Sennheiser MKE 200 Directional On-Camera Microphone and i've been super satisfied. It works well because the shock mount is built inside the housing, so the whole thing is way shorter than standard mics. No more wind muff blocking my view on the flip-out screen, which is a huge relief for solo vlogging. If you want something cheaper, the Deity V-Mic D4 Mini Shotgun Microphone is great and very compact. Quick tip tho: get a cold shoe relocation bracket. It moves the mic mount to the side so the screen stays clear no matter what.

I totally see why everyone likes shotgun mics, but I actually prefer staying away from cables to be safe! Using a cable-free option like the Sony ECM-XYST1M Stereo Microphone is fantastic because it uses the hot shoe directly. Its so reliable and wont snag on anything while you're in Kyoto! Plus it basically keeps the screen area totally clear. Such an amazing, professional little setup for the price!

Unfortunately, Rode VideoMicro Compact On-Camera Microphone was disappointing and blocks the screen. Better alternatives include:

• Sony ECM-G1 Shotgun Microphone
• Movo VXR10 Shotgun Microphone They are honestly more practical tho.