Best Cheap DSLR Microphone For Beginners

When you're making content, whether it is for reels or YouTube just having a high-resolution video is not enough. The purpose of attaching a shotgun microphone or a DSLR microphone is to ensure that you can target the specific sound you are looking to capture while cutting out unnecessary sounds that are present around the shoot location. 

BEST CHEAP DSLR MICROPHONE

Another advantage is that these microphones can pick up lower sounds without compromising on the sound quality that you get. These features help your video sound professional, and if you want, you can also connect the mic with boom pole which will give a premium experience to anybody watching it.

The best part is that you don't have to worry about these microphones making a huge impact on your wallet. You can get them at reasonable rates. So here I have made a list of some of the best cost-effective models from which you can choose the best cheap DSLR microphone that meets your needs.

10 BEST CHEAP DSLR MICROPHONE REVIEW

1. MOVO VXR10 - BEST SHOTGUN MIC FOR DSLR

Movo VXR10 - BEST CHEAP DSLR MICROPHONE

The Movo VXR10 takes value for money to the next level.  It comes with some good accessories like a soft case and a Deadcat Windscreen to help you record a better quality of sound. The design of this microphone is made for beginners and amateurs to use without any kind of technical issues or hassles. ,

However, if you do run into any such problems, then there is always a support team that can help you in easing such woes. The ease of use from these features along with its competitive pricing is what makes the Movo VXR10 the best cheap DSLR microphone.

The microphone is constructed with some strong, durable aluminum and is built to last for a long time. The company has faith in the reliability and durability of these parts and has given 1-year warranty on the microphone and all the rest of the components that come with it. This compactly built microphone is ideal for any video maker that travels and has to carry their equipment with them to every shoot location that they go to. 

PRODUCT DETAILS:

  • No batteries are needed. 
  • Comes with a Cardioid condenser.
  • Has an attached cold shoe mount.
  • It has a furry windscreen. 
  • This microphone comes in a pocket-sized pouch.
  • Two separate output cables for DSLR and smartphone.
  • Constructed with high-grade aluminum material.

Pros

  • Audio recording is focused on a spot right in front of the camera.
  • Universally compatible with any video device.
  • Portable and easy to carry around.
  • Minimizes handling noise with a shock mount.
  • Durable build for extensive usage.

Cons

  • Only picks up Mono audio and not stereo.

2) TASCAM TM-2X - BEST STEREO MICROPHONE FOR DSLR

Tascam TM-2X - BEST CHEAP DSLR MICROPHONE

The Tascam TM-2X is arguably the best cheap DSLR microphone because it picks up high-quality stereo sound while handling high sound pressures of unwanted noises up to 120dB. 

This microphone is easy to connect to your camera and operate. Thanks to the built-in stereo mini-plug output that you can directly connect to the camera's mic input jack to add some high-quality sounds to the high-resolution video that your camera records.

I really liked this microphone because despite being a budget model, it could deliver optimum performance by picking up a frequency response of 50 Hz to 20 kHz.

What is even more amazing would be the sound isolation ability of this microphone. It isolates unwanted sounds to such an extent that it even eliminates small noises like your arm moving while you operate the camera to record the video. It has a versatile design that allows it to attach a number of accessories like tripods and other kinds of mounts.

PRODUCT DETAILS:

  • High-quality windscreen included.
  • X-Y pattern of recording is used for DSLR cameras. 
  • It has two inbuilt mic capsules.
  • Designed to have a shoe adaptor at the bottom. 
  • Comes with a floating structure underneath. 
  • Equipped with an On-board Low-cut filter.
  • Has an attachable noise isolation arm. 

Pros

  • Provides high-quality stereo sound. 
  • Eliminates unwanted low-frequency noises. 
  • Filters out shutter noise during zooming. 
  • Provides a true representation of the sonic atmosphere. 
  • Easy to set up on your DSLR

Cons

  • The windscreen needs to be more effective. 

3) MOVO VXR280 - BEST CAMERA MOUNTED MICROPHONE

Movo VXR280 - BEST CHEAP DSLR MICROPHONE

Movo VXR280 is one of the lightest and most compact cameras mounted microphones on the market, and the notable part is that it doesn't even cost a lot, which makes it the best cheap DSLR microphone.

This microphone is well known for providing a lot of good features at a really competitive price. A team of experts specifically designed this model for videography, sound field recording, and broadcast. You can even monitor the sound being recorded thanks to the inbuilt aux for you to attach a headphone jack too.

The small frame of this microphone makes it the ideal choice to attach it to any kind of camera right from a DSLR camera, camcorder, or even portable recorder. The one thing that really stood out for me would be that the quality of the stereo audio directly recorded from the top of the camera. It is power efficient and functions for long hours on nothing but two triple-A batteries. .

PRODUCT DETAILS:

  • Comes with two states of the art cardioid condenser capsules
  • Recording levels are adjustable
  • Equipped with a headphone Monitoring Input 
  • It has a low cut filter
  • A high pass filter is built into the microphone
  • A 10dB/0dB PAD switch is built into the side
  • Mountable to a standard camera shoe

Pros

  • Pristine audio quality
  • Picks up the realistic stereo sound
  • Provides accurate spatial imaging
  • Unaffected by movements during recording
  • Sound can be monitored during the input phase

Cons

  • Automatic gain needs to have a better pickup

4) RODE VIDEOMIC GO - BEST RODE MICROPHONE FOR DSLR

Rode VideoMic - BEST CHEAP DSLR MICROPHONE

Rode VideoMic GO is probably the best cheap DSLR microphone and here are some reasons why: This microphone uses a modern super-cardioid polar pattern, so it will pick most of its sound from the sources in front of it. It picks up a frequency range of the Rode VideoMic GO is 100Hz – 16kHz, which is excellent for close range videos and singular focus objects.

You also get a 3.5mm jack, so you can conveniently connect it to your DSLR camera. This microphone derives the power from your DSLR device, so you don’t need to purchase additional batteries to power it. The microphone is constructed with high-grade ABS plastic which means that it is durable and lightweight at the same time. 

A body made of ABS plastic means that you don't have to worry about things like rust, rot, and many other forms of degradation which tend to happen during outdoor shoots. The input completely drowns out background noises and other sounds while completely picking up only the sounds made by the subject that you are focusing on. 

PRODUCT DETAILS:

  • No batteries needed
  • Records with a super-cardioid polar pattern
  • Made up of rugged ABS plastic
  • Comes with an integrated Rycote Lyre shock mount
  • Has an inbuilt Integrated cold-shoe mount 
  • Equipped with Line Gradient interference tube
  • Has a deluxe windshield

Pros

  • Efficient power consumption
  • Durable and long-lasting
  • It lightest microphone in its class
  • Filters out all unnecessary sounds
  • User-friendly design makes it easy to operate

Cons

  • Tends to catch signal interference

5) TAKSTAR SGC-598 - BEST MICROPHONE FOR INTERVIEWS

TAKSTAR SGC-598 - BEST CHEAP DSLR MICROPHONE

If you want to buy the best cheap DSLR microphone, the Takstar SGC-598. It comes with a cardioid polar pattern, meaning focuses on recording the sound in front of it and also picks up some from the side.

It is ideal for interviews that have multiple interviewers. This microphone is designed with a +10dB gain switch mounted on the side. It is compatible with cameras when you use a 3.5mm jack, and it uses one AA alkaline battery.

The frequency response is 50 Hz to 16 kHz, which is ideal for focusing on one or a few subjects, the sound quality is extremely reliable even if this is your only external microphone. And it is so cheap that you can l even buy one as a backup too for your other microphones.

Something I found worth noting in this model is that it uses a heart-shaped single-point pickup feature that can effectively reduce the noise of the surrounding environment and excludes it in the pickup. 

PRODUCT DETAILS:

  • Comes with a high-sensitivity condenser
  • Made with a shock-resistant structural design
  • It is made of a strong combination of alloy materials. 
  • Has a 10dB sensitivity enhancement
  • Picks up to 200Hz low-frequency
  • Equipped with a low power indicator. 
  • Uses a cardioid polar pattern 

Pros

  • Blocks electromagnetic interference. 
  • Minimal mechanical noise from the camera 
  • Sturdy solid build. 
  • Easy to set up. 
  • Enhances the quality of the recording. 
  • Produces high-quality sound. 

Cons

  • Needs to be better at picking up sounds from a distance. 

6) MOUKEY MCM-1 DSLR MICROPHONE

Moukey MCM-1

The Moukey MCm-1 can be considered the best cheap DSLR microphone in its class because of its universal compatibility. This microphone requires no additional battery and derives its power from your camera. It comes with a 3.5mm cable that makes it compatible with phones as well.

This model uses a cardioid condenser capsule which focuses the audio pick-up on the subject and cuts down the background noise. It is equipped with an integrated shock mount that reduces handling noise and unwanted vibrations. A Deadcat windscreen comes with this microphone, and it filters all wind and environmental noises from the recording. 

PRODUCT DETAILS:

  • Features a cardioid condenser capsule
  • A 3.5mm cable is included with this microphone. 
  • Equipped with an integrated shock mount
  • It has a high-density filter sponge
  • It comes with a portable leather bag

Pros

  • No batteries are required. 
  • Universal compatibility with cameras and phones. 
  • Focuses directly on the subject for audio input. 
  • Reduces unnecessary vibrations from handling. 

Cons

  • Windscreen quality is not optimal. 
  • Cannot focus on more than one subject at a time. 

7) VEKSUN TLMIC M-1 VIDEO MICROPHONE FOR DSLR CAMERA

Veksun TLMIC - BEST CHEAP DSLR MICROPHONE

The M-1 Video Microphone comes from Boya and is designed to record interviews, sporting events, ambient audio, and music. The clear, precise audio capturing capacity and competitive price make it the best cheap DSLR microphone.

This microphone is powered by efficient energy-saving environmentally friendly triple-A alkaline batteries. This camera microphone has a wide frequency response that allows it to record a wide range of targeted sounds. The output of the audio recorded with this microphone always has a high-definition sound resolution. They are also known for reliably working for long hours without running out of charge. 

PRODUCT DETAILS:

  • Designed to have a standard 3.5mm stereo plug.
  • Comes with a windproof cover. 
  • It has a standard hot shoe mount. 
  • Inbuilt high-quality electronic components. 
  • Ultra-high sensitive audio pickup. 

Pros

  • Efficient with the consumption of power. 
  • Long standby time. 
  • High-quality output of sound. 
  • Eliminates unwanted background noise. 

Cons

  • The hot shoe mount is fragile. 
  • It picks up underlying static sometimes.

8) COMICA CVM-V30 PRO CAMERA MICROPHONE

Comica CVM-V30

The CVM-V30-PRO-R is undoubtedly the best cheap DSLR microphone that you get in the market. With this mic, you get some of the technology like low-cut filter function and 10dB Sensitivity Adjustment.

The CVM-V30 PRO DSLR microphone provides off-axis rejection, which is great for blocking out background noises. It is compatible with any camera that has a 3.5mm audio input jack. The design features a 1/4 external port which helps you mount the microphone to your camera. This microphone requires a Triple-A battery. Vibration noise is also something that you won't have to worry about with this model.

PRODUCT DETAILS:

  • Shock-resistant structural design. 
  • It comes with a low cut filter.
  • Uses a super-cardioid pickup pattern
  • Includes a wind muff. 
  • It has a Standard Cold-shoe Design. 

Pros

  • Minimal self-noise.
  • Eliminates unwanted background noise. 
  • Can be set-up on most mainstream cameras
  • Leaves out wind noises. 

Cons

  • Prone to digital noise interferences. 
  • The build is bit bulky. 

9) Neewer CM14 Microphone for DSLR

Neewer CM14 - BEST CHEAP DSLR MICROPHONE

Neewer CM14 undoubtedly deserves the distinction of being called the best cheap DSLR microphone. This battery free microphone is plug and play. It comes with two wires so it can be connected to different types of devices. The Neewer CM14 is universally compatible and can be connected to iPhones, Android smartphones, tablets, PCs, and DSLR cameras. 

This microphone uses the best in class Hypercardioid  pattern which precisely isolates and targets the source of sound while filtering out background noise. Wind noise is almost completely eliminated by the windfur  and the foam cover effectively filters breathing noises.

This microphone is ideal for vlog, podcast, interview, and other uses. Compact and lightweight build to ensure it is easily portable and can be used on the fly.

PRODUCT DETAILS:

  • Equipped with a Cold-shoe Mic Mount
  • Comes with a Foam Cover
  • Includes a protective Fur Windshield
  • Hypercardioid  pattern has a sharp focus on your target
  • Plug and play setup

Pros

  • Portable and can be taken anywhere.
  • Light and compact build
  • Easy to transport and set up
  • Universal compatibility.
  • Eliminates most of the unwanted ambient noise. 

Cons

  • Shock mount can be improved.
  • Could have used better material for construction

10) EMIRAL MIC-05 CAMERA MICROPHONE

Emiral MIC-05

The Emiral MIC-05 definitely pops up as an answer when you're wondering which the best cheap DSLR microphone is. This microphone comes in a unique and effective heart shape that sets it apart from the other models. It also uses state of the art dual-head complementary sound interference pickup technology, which helps it pick up sound from as far as twenty meters.

This model has a standard universal connector which makes it easy to mount on almost every mainstream camera. A 3.5mm stereo plug is used to make it compatible to connect with almost every video recording device right from cameras to phones. 

PRODUCT DETAILS:

  • Built-in professional condenser core
  • Standard 3.5mm stereo jack 
  • Super-cardioid pickup. 
  • Long standby time 
  • Powered by one triple-A alkaline battery. 

Pros

  • Produces high-quality audio quality. 
  • Eliminates any kind of interference. 
  • The wide frequency range for picking up sound. 
  • Saves energy when it isn't being used. 

Cons

  • Occasionally adds white noise to the audio. 
  • The output can be improved. 

CONCLUSION

I know that as an amateur blogger/ video maker that it can be really hard to choose the best cheap DSLR microphone. There are a lot of options in the market, and as a beginner/ amateur you won't be looking to spend too much, so you will need to keep your budget in mind when you look for the ideal microphone.

Keeping all of these factors in mind, I have shortlisted some of the best working models of DSLR microphones available (on a small budget of course).

Just listing them wouldn't be that helpful, would it? This is why I have explained the features, pros, and cons that every model has. This way, you can keep your priorities in mind while going through the entire list and choosing the model that feels right to you. Good luck!

Halena
 

Hi. This is Halena here. I have dipped my toe in the cinematography world for a few years. So I work tirelessly to help people choose the best filmmaking gadgets by listing out the top 10 gadgets in my blogs. I make sure the listings are up to date and I have worked on some how-to articles to help you with technical kinds of stuff. I believe that any good information is worth sharing and I think that justifies why I am a blogger.

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