Hey welcome, back to Camlense. Today we are going to talk about another important accessory for ZV1 and ZV-E10. We will review the Best External Mic for ZV1 and ZV-E10 today and will also provide you will a complete buying guide in case you want to buy a product somewhere else.
If you are talking to the audience, choosing a good quality external mic is very important to keep your audience engaged. Low-quality microphones are not suitable for talking to an audience. To attract a genuine audience you need video and audio to be of high quality.
Having a high-quality video but low-quality audio harms your views and audience engagement. Therefore, we brought this review to show you the best and high-quality microphones for you ZV1 and ZV-E10, so you can record clear audio and counteract unnecessary noises.
Table of Contents
Best External Mic for ZV1 and ZV-E10
1. Rode VideoMicro Compact On-Camera Microphone
Features
- Frequency Range: 100Hz – 20kHz
- SPL: 140dB
- Sensitivity: -33 dBV/Pa at 1 kHz
- Dynamic Range: 120 dB
- Pattern: super-cardioid
- Weight: 42 g
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Cable Length: 3.5mm
Overview
The Rode Video-Micro external Microphone is an amazing option for you if you are switching from a built-in microphone to an external one. It transmits high-quality sound and reduces noise to a greater extent. It runs on plug-in power instead of external power.
The Rode VideoMicro compact mic is a compact and sleek designed durable microphone. It has a lot of new features that are very appealing to YouTubers and other influencers. It is also ideal for journalists. It is compatible with Sony ZV1 and will work best.
Design And Reliability
The Rode VideoMicro compact mic has a compact and sleek design. It is about 3 inches long and weighs around 1.5 ounces which makes it easier to carry with you wherever you want.
Along with its compact design and easier portability, this mic is also reliable and is made up of aluminum which helps in the rejection of RF. This mic is also coated with ceramic which eliminates any chances of glare that can damage the mic or the audio.
Front-Directional Sound Picking
The Rode microphone comes with an interesting feature that picks up the sound from only the front direction and ignores the sound from the backside. The mic comes with a cardioid polar pattern which helps to pick up the sound from just one direction. That’s how you will get clear audio without any disturbance.
Removable Shock-Mount
The Rode microphones use a special kind of rough layer suspension-style shock mount to minimize or eliminate the vibrations from the camera. Along with the shock mount, there is a shoe mount at the bottom of it for easy attachment and detachment of the camera.
Pros
- Durable/Reliable
- Runs on Plug-in Power
- Fury windshield eliminates wind noise
- Shock-mount eliminates Vibrations while moving the camera
- Allows one-directional sound pick-up.
- Easy to mount and dismount to the camera.
Cons
- Works in close range. Doesn’t work at a much bigger distance
- Records sound from a maximum 3-4 feet distance.
2. Rode Microphones Wireless GO II
Key Features
- Frequency Range: 50Hz – 20kHz
- Pattern: Omnidirectional
- Maximum SPL: 100 dB
- Sample Rate: 1/48kHz
- Bitrate: 24
- Operating Time: Up to 7 hours
- Weight: Transmitters: 30g, Receiver: 32g
Overview
The Rode Wireless GO II is especially for creators who are in search of the best wireless microphone for their Sony ZV-1 and ZV-E10. If you are a content creator, you must try it out. This unique microphone will allow you to record audio of two different persons at a time making it unbeaten for podcasts or any other live shows or events.
Dual-Channel Wireless System
The main feature of this wireless mic is that it has a Dual-Channel Wireless System. The mic has a feature of onboard recording with RODE Central so that you won’t have to worry about sound lags or other audio issues like noise and dropouts. You can record multiple channels and also you can combine all these channels to make a smooth post-produced audio.
Compact and Powerful
The Wireless GO II comes with a pocket-sized design like the previous model. The receiver and transmitter take up negligible space in your bag because they are lightweight and compact.
The best thing about this best external microphone for ZV1 and ZV-E10 is the compact design and shape of this mic which makes it very easy to fit in a small pouch or bag. Also, it is very convenient to mount this mic to a camera or smartphone.
Professional-Quality Audio Recording
The Rode GO II is selected in the list for many features including its professional quality of audio recording as the transmitter and receiver are automatically connected to ensure unbroken connectivity status. Also, this mic comes with a Twist and Lock furry windshield which enables it to record a clear audio in any adverse weather conditions.
Pros
- The Rode Microphone offers a two-channel wireless system
- It records in a very professional manner even with a compact design
- The Wireless microphone comes with built-in storage functionality
Cons
- A little bit pricier than a few others on the list and also its predecessor
Sony ECMGZ1M Gun / Zoom Microphone
Key Features
- Multi-interface shoe compatible
- 90/120-degree selectable microphone modes
- Zoom microphone mode adjusts audio range with zoom lens position
- Powered directly from the camera
Overview
The Sony ECMGZ1M Gun / Zoom Microphone is a versatile and compact microphone that is perfect for a variety of recording situations. Its multi-interface shoe compatibility makes it easy to attach to your camera, and the 90/120-degree selectable microphone modes provide flexibility in capturing different types of audio. Additionally, the zoom microphone mode adjusts the audio range to match the zoom lens position, making it ideal for shooting videos where the camera is constantly zooming in and out.
Compact and Powerful
The Sony ECMGZ1M Gun / Zoom Microphone is compact and easy to use, making it ideal for on-the-go recording. Despite its small size, it delivers professional-quality audio that is clear and crisp.
Professional-Quality Audio Recording
With its high-quality microphone and advanced features, the Sony ECMGZ1M Gun / Zoom Microphone delivers professional-grade audio recording that is suitable for a wide range of applications, including interviews, vlogging, and more.
Pros
- Multi-interface shoe compatibility for easy attachment to the camera
- 90/120-degree selectable microphone modes provide flexibility in capturing different types of audio
- Zoom microphone mode adjusts audio range with zoom lens position
- Compact and easy to use
- Professional-grade audio recording
Cons
- Does not have a dual-channel wireless system
4. Rode VideoMic GO Lightweight On-Camera Microphone
Key Features
- Lightweight and compact design
- No battery required – powered by camera plug-in power
- Directional cardioid polar pattern for focused audio recording
- Integrated Rycote Lyre shock mounting system
Overview
The Rode VideoMic GO is a lightweight and compact on-camera microphone that is perfect for capturing high-quality audio on the go. It features a directional cardioid polar pattern that focuses on the sound in front of the microphone and rejects background noise. The VideoMic GO is also powered by the camera plug-in power, eliminating the need for batteries or external power. Additionally, it includes an integrated Rycote Lyre shock mounting system, which isolates the microphone from handling noise and vibrations.
Compact and Powerful
The Rode VideoMic GO is incredibly compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry and use in a variety of situations. Despite its small size, it is a powerful and reliable microphone that captures clear and crisp audio.
Professional-Quality Audio Recording
With its directional cardioid polar pattern and high-quality microphone, the Rode VideoMic GO delivers professional-grade audio recording suitable for a wide range of applications, including interviews, vlogging, and more. Whether you’re recording indoors or outdoors, the VideoMic GO captures clear and detailed sound, bringing your videos to life.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact design for easy portability and use
- Directional cardioid polar pattern for focused audio recording
- No battery required – powered by camera plug-in power
- Integrated Rycote Lyre shock mounting system for reducing handling noise
Cons
- The microphone’s sensitivity may require adjustment to avoid clipping in high-volume situations
- The microphone’s directional pattern may not be suitable for capturing ambient sound or recording in large spaces.
5. Saramonic SR-XM1 3.5mm TRS Omnidirectional Microphone
Key Features
- Omnidirectional pickup pattern for capturing sound from all directions
- Compact and lightweight design
- Works with smartphones, cameras, and other devices with a 3.5mm TRS input jack
- Included foam windscreen to reduce wind noise
Overview
The Saramonic SR-XM1 microphone is small but mighty! It’s compatible with smartphones, cameras, and recorders, and picks up sound from all directions. Perfect for interviews, vlogs, and outdoor recordings – it even comes with a windscreen to reduce wind noise.
Compact and Powerful
The SR-XM1 is incredibly compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry and use in a variety of situations. Despite its small size, it is a powerful and reliable microphone that captures clear and crisp audio.
Professional-Quality Audio Recording
With its omnidirectional pickup pattern and high-quality microphone, the Saramonic SR-XM1 delivers professional-grade audio recording suitable for a wide range of applications. Whether you’re recording a podcast, conducting an interview, or creating a vlog, the SR-XM1 captures clear and detailed sound, bringing your content to life.
Pros
- Omnidirectional pickup pattern for capturing sound from all directions
- Compact and lightweight design for easy portability and use
- Works with smartphones, cameras, and other devices with a 3.5mm TRS input jack
- Included foam windscreen to reduce wind noise
Cons
- The microphone’s omnidirectional pattern may not be ideal for isolating sound sources in noisy environments
- The microphone may not provide sufficient gain for recording in low-volume situations without an external preamp.
Buying Guide for Best External Mic for ZV1 and ZV-E10
There is a wide variety of external microphones available in the market, and choosing the right one can be a daunting task. To simplify the process, I have prepared a comprehensive buying guide that highlights the crucial factors to consider before making a purchase.
Condenser
These microphones are highly sensitive and excel at capturing high frequencies. They require power from an external source to function and are commonly used for stationary purposes such as recording songs or subtitles.
Dynamic
Dynamic microphones perform exceptionally well in noisy environments. They are often utilized on stages during performances due to their durability and long-lasting nature.
Polar patterns
Polar patterns play a significant role in microphone selection, determining what the microphone will primarily record. There are several polar patterns to consider:
1. Cardioid
Also known as the “heart-shaped” pattern, this is ideal for capturing vocals directly in front of the microphone while minimizing surrounding noise. It is commonly used in music recording.
2. Super cardioid
These microphones have a narrower pickup range than cardioid mics, allowing for higher rejection of ambient sound. They are typically employed to capture noise from a single sound source in loud environments.
3. Bi-Directional
This microphone type can detect sound from both the front and back, making it popular among podcasters. However, they are generally more expensive than other options.
4. Omnidirectional
Omnidirectional microphones capture sounds equally from all directions. They are useful for recording large groups of people or capturing ambient sounds.
Frequency response
Frequency response refers to the range of frequencies that a microphone can pick up, typically expressed as a range such as 20Hz to 20KHz. However, a wide frequency response alone does not guarantee superior performance. The microphone’s responsiveness to specific frequencies is crucial in determining its overall capability.
Sensitivity
Sensitivity is another important factor to consider, often indicated in the specifications of different microphones. It refers to how sensitive the microphone is to sound and helps determine the quietest sound it can capture. A lower sensitivity number indicates higher sensitivity, enabling the microphone to detect even the slightest sounds in the final recording.
Impedance
Impedance refers to a microphone’s ability to handle AC or audio signals. Microphones with lower impedance are preferable when using longer cables as they help retain audio quality.
By considering these factors and understanding their significance, you can make an informed decision and choose the most suitable microphone for your needs.
Conclusion
Ah, the ZV1. Beware, for bad audio can spell disaster for your videos. But fear not, mastering the art of microphone usage is key. Know precisely when and how to tweak those microphone controls. This article aims to guide you in discovering the perfect external mic for both ZV1 and ZV-E10. So, let’s embark on a journey to audio excellence!
