Looking for a microphone for my Nikon Z50 Mark II. Mostly recording video interviews. Budget is around $200. Any recommendations for a good external mic?
For the best audio quality with monitoring capabilities, the Sennheiser MKE 400 (2nd Gen) is worth the investment. If you absolutely need to monitor your audio directly from the mic because the camera lacks a headphone jack, the Sennheiser MKE 400 (2nd Gen) is the standout choice despite its higher price. Wait, actually I need to correct that - the Z50 II now includes both a microphone jack and headphone jack, making it a much more capable primary camera when recording audio! So you can monitor your audio directly from the camera now, which is a huge upgrade from the original Z50.
Rode VideoMicro. I've used it for years with no complaints. Under $100 and works well for interviews. Great bang for your buck!
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Like someone mentioned, the suggestions here range from the Rode VideoMicro to the more advanced Sennheiser+MKE+400+%282nd+Gen%29&linkCode=osi&tag=5422-20" target="_blank" rel="nofollow sponsored">Sennheiser MKE 400 (2nd Gen). Honestly, I have the exact same problem and have been dealing with it for about two months now. Comparing signal-to-noise ratios and Nikon preamp noise floors has taken up way too many of my hours, yet I still cannot find a definitive answer. It is just frustrating to be this deep in the technical specs and still feel like I am guessing.
For interviews on a budget, consider a used Rode VideoMicro. I've had mine for years; works well. Check eBay; easily under $100 and sound is surprisingly good. No complaints.
Rode VideoMic Pro+ is solid. Owned mine since '21. Be careful with cheaper brands; phantom power issues can surface after a year. Test thoroughly.
Before buying, consider a DIY solution. Rode mics are decent, but frankly, had issues with wind noise indoors. For interviews, maybe try soundproofing first? Thick blankets, even DIY acoustic panels (YouTube it!). Saved me $200+ and improved audio more than I expected. Just a thought!