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Action cameras are already amazing pieces of kit for capturing exhilarating, fast-paced footage. However, they can be even better when used in conjunction with accessories and add-ons. One of the most effective accessories you can get is a microphone. It’s something that may not immediately spring to mind as an action camera essential, but it will dramatically improve your videos by enabling you to capture more detailed audio. The problem is that most action cams don’t have an integrated microphone. Usually, you must use the camera mic input or record using another device such as your phone or a separate digital video recorder (DVR).
Action Camera Microphone Differences
The main difference between the main types of action camera microphone is their design. Wireless microphones are connected to the camera by either a cable or an audio signal. Wired microphones, on the other hand, are connected to the camera by a physical connection. So there’s no need for batteries or charging. In addition, wired microphones are less likely to suffer interference. This is particularly important when recording in crowded public places, such as at a music festival or sporting event. Another difference is the quality of the audio that each type of microphone can capture. Wired microphones tend to have a higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) than wireless microphones. This means they will have a higher-quality sound. A high SNR is important for capturing high-quality audio from the action camera.
What to look for in an action camera microphone
– Ease of use – How easily can you plug the mic into your camera? How easy is it to position the microphone? What is the length of the cable?- Design – Is the microphone built to withstand the rigors of outdoor use? Does it come with any mounting accessories? Does it have a protective weatherproof design?- Audio quality – Does the microphone offer a high signal-to-noise ratio? Does it have a wide frequency range?- Audio controls – Does the microphone have controls to control the audio levels?- Extra features – Does the microphone come with a recording or playback feature? Is it compatible with other devices? Does it have any special features, like Bluetooth or a digital display?
Mic Accessories for Smarter Audio
There are a few accessories that can help you to improve the audio quality of your action camera recordings. The first is a wind shield. Wind can wreak havoc on sound quality and cause unwanted noise in your recordings. A wind shield can be used to reduce this noise and make your audio recordings sound clearer. Another useful accessory is a microphone stand. The stand is used to position the microphone in the best place for recording.If you are recording in a loud environment, you can use a noise reduction filter. This filter can help to filter out unwanted noise from the background and make your audio recordings clearer.
Wired Mics
The wired microphone is a simple, low-tech accessory that plugs directly into the audio input port on the camera. This port is usually a standard 3.5mm stereo jack. The microphone is then positioned nearby, usually on a stand, to capture the audio. Because it doesn’t need to be constantly powered to work, it’s a great option for recording outside or in noisy environments. The wired microphone is a great choice for the budget-conscious action camera user. These affordable accessories are simple to set up and come with little or no additional features.
Wireless Mics
This type of microphone uses a Bluetooth connection to stream audio from the camera to a remote microphone. The microphone then records the audio and sends it back to the camera. This type of microphone is particularly useful for group interviews or situations where you need to stay close to the camera but other people are in the shot.Another type of wireless microphone uses an audio signal. This type of microphone sends an audio signal from the camera to a receiver. The receiver then sends the audio to a remote microphone for recording.These types of microphones are great for outdoor shoots. They don’t create the same mess of wires that a wired microphone does. And they don’t require the camera to be close to the microphone, which means you can get a wider shot without the microphone in the shot.
What to Avoid When Choosing an Action Cam Mic
There are a few things to avoid when choosing an action camera microphone, including:- An integrated microphone – Many action cams come with a built-in microphone. While this may seem like a good idea, they aren’t usually very good quality. They’re also usually located in a place where they pick up wind noise and other unwanted sounds.- Poor-quality audio – The audio quality of your action camera videos is one of the most important aspects. A high-quality microphone will make your videos sound much better. A cheap microphone will sound cheap. Be sure to check the audio quality of any potential action camera microphone before you buy.- No audio controls – You should be able to control the audio levels on the microphone. This will allow you to adjust the audio levels of the microphone during the video recording process. It will also allow you to adjust the audio levels during the editing process. This can make a big difference to the quality of your videos.
The Bottom Line
An action camera microphone can make a huge difference to the audio quality of your videos. The best microphone is the one that works best for you. If you want to capture high-quality audio and improve the audio quality of your action camera videos, an action camera microphone is a must-have accessory.