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Which external microphone is recommended for the Sony ZV-1 vlogging camera?

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honestly I am so fed up with the internal mic on this ZV-1. I thought the little fluffy wind screen thing it comes with would actually help but my audio still sounds like im standing in a wind tunnel and its driving me crazy because I have a huge trip to Kyoto starting this Friday and I cant have my vlogs sounding like absolute garbage. I was thinking about getting the Rode VideoMicro because its tiny but then my logic was maybe I should go for the VideoMic NTG for better quality? But that thing looks huge on such a small camera and I dont want to block the flip screen. My budget is like 150 max. Does anyone actually have a setup that works without being a total mess...


3 Answers
11

Kyoto is going to be amazing! You definitely need better audio for those streets. I have spent a lot of time testing setups for the ZV-1 and found a few fantastic options that stay under your $150 limit without making the camera look like a total mess. The most logical choice for a clutter-free setup is definitely the Sony ECM-G1 Ultracompact Shotgun Microphone. Since it is designed for the Sony Multi-Interface shoe, it is a fantastic solution for these reasons:

  • Cable-free operation: It draws power and transmits audio directly through the shoe mount. This is huge because you wont have wires blocking your flip-out screen.
  • Form factor: It is incredibly small and weighs almost nothing. It wont make your compact camera feel top-heavy or bulky during long walks.
  • Improved acoustics: The 14.6mm large-diameter capsule provides a much clearer sound than the internal mics ever could. Another fantastic option is the Rode VideoMicro II Ultracompact On-camera Shotgun Microphone. I love this one because it does not require batteries and the sound quality is honestly incredible for the size. It uses a supercardioid pattern which is amazing for blocking out city noise. Basically, either of these will solve your wind tunnel issues. The Sony G1 is the most professional looking since it lacks cables, while the Rode is a bit more versatile if you ever switch camera brands. You are gonna have a blast in Japan!


10

Building on the earlier suggestion, I have had some pretty disappointing runs with budget mics on the ZV-1. Honestly, most of them are just not as good as expected once you actually get out into the wind and crowds.

  • Deity V-Mic D4 Mini was my go-to for a bit because the offset mount helps keep the flip screen clear. Unfortunately, the build quality is kinda meh and the shock mount feels like it might snap if you toss it in a bag without being super careful. Its okay for the price but feels fragile.
  • Rode VideoMic GO II Lightweight Directional Microphone is much better for audio quality but its honestly a bit too long for such a small body. It feels awkward and I had issues with the cable getting in the way of the lens if I wasnt constantly tucking it back. For a Kyoto trip, you really just need something that doesnt rattle. These are okay, but none of them are perfect... its just the reality of using a tiny camera. Just dont forget the deadcat or youll be right back where you started with that wind tunnel sound.





1

Like someone mentioned, the wind is a total killer for vlogs. In my experience with these small rigs, you need a setup that is technically simple so nothing fails. I've tried many mics and these two are solid:

  • <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
  • It has an internal shock mount and wind protection built into the housing.
  • Deity V-Mic D4 Mini
  • Excellent signal-to-noise ratio for the price. Both are reliable and wont block your screen.


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