3 Best Action Camera Microphone Attachments
- Good Action Camera Microphone Attachment
- Better Action Camera Microphone Attachment
- Best Action Camera Microphone Attachment
- Which GoPro Should I Get?
- Final Thoughts on Action Camera Microphone Attachments
- GoPro Media Mod (Hero 10 Black/Hero 9 Black)
- Pixel Wireless Lavalier Microphone
- RØDE VideoMicro Compact On-Camera Microphone
- Sennheiser MKE 400 Shotgun Microphone
- VidPro XM-L Lavalier Condenser Microphone
photo by Mauricio Graiki via iStock
While all GoPros and most other action cameras have built-in microphones, the quality of audio they produce simply cannot compare to audio recorded externally. That’s where action camera microphone attachments come in!
They are small, portable microphones that connect directly to the cameras and will noticeably enhance the sound quality of your video content. Better yet, there are tons of microphone styles to choose from, so no matter what type of videographer you are, there will definitely be one that suits your needs.
For casual users, the built-in microphones in action cameras will get the job done just fine. However, if you are a vlogger, a professional videographer, or simply someone who wants to take the quality of your content to the next level, you will absolutely want to get your hands on one of the amazing action camera microphone attachments I talk about below!
Table of Contents
Good Action Camera Microphone Attachment
If you are on a budget, the best action camera microphone attachment is the Movo VXR10 Universal Video Microphone. This durable, pocket-sized microphone has high-quality aluminum construction, measures in at 1.2 x 3.1 inches, weighs only 51 grams, and is an ideal companion to any action camera.
It’s a unidirectional shotgun mic that has a medium level of sensitivity (76dB) and can pick up a wide range of frequencies. The sound quality it delivers is crazy for how small it is, and you will be totally shocked when you first hear the night and day difference between the built-in microphone.
In addition to the microphone, you will also receive a shock mount, a furry “deadcat” windscreen, a 3.5mm TRS camera cable, a 3.5mm TRRS smartphone cable, and a protective travel pouch.
One thing to note (this is true for all the action camera microphone attachments on this list) is that if you are pairing it with a GoPro you will need a separate microphone adapter in order to connect it to the camera. This Official GoPro Mic Adapter is a great option for newer models, while this VidPro Microphone Adapter works with older models.
Better Action Camera Microphone Attachment
One of the most popular action camera microphone attachments out there today is the RØDE Wireless Go. This digital wireless microphone system gives you the ability to record crystal clear audio up to 70 meters away from the camera.
There are two main parts of the system, the transmitter (TX) and the receiver (RX). The transmitter is where the actual microphone is located and should be placed as close as possible to the audio source you wish to record. The receiver, on the other hand, should be placed directly on the camera and is attached with a 3.5mm TRS cable.
Both the transmitter and the receiver have built-in rechargeable batteries that are quick charging and have an average battery life of seven hours. The package also includes two furry wind protectors, two charging cables, a coiled TRS cable, and a carrying pouch.
While the clarity of the audio delivered from the transmitter is already phenomenal, one of the coolest features of this GoPro microphone is the fact that you can actually attach a separate microphone to the transmitter. This gives you the option of pairing larger, more powerful microphones with your camera and will further improve the audio quality of your footage.
Best Action Camera Microphone Attachment
If you want the highest quality audio possible, you 100% need the RØDE VideoMic Pro+. This premium action camera microphone attachment is slightly larger than the others we have seen so far, but, boy oh boy, does it produce incredible results.
It’s an on-camera shotgun mic designed and built specifically for professionals, by professionals. As a microphone with a supercardioid polar pattern, it clearly captures every sound close to and in front of it. Furthermore, it has super high sensitivity levels and a frequency range of 20Hz - 20kHz.
Besides the astonishing sound quality, a few other drool-worthy features of this action camera microphone attachment are the Rycote Lyre suspension system, the automatic power function that helps save battery by automatically switching off the microphone when unplugged, and easy to use digital switching settings that are controlled by buttons on the back of the device.
If all that wasn't enough, it also has the longest-lasting battery life of any RØDE shotgun microphone to date, thanks to the all-new RØDE LB-1 Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery. Alternatively, it can also be powered using two AA batteries or by plugging it in directly to a power source via a micro USB cable.
Learn More:
Which GoPro Should I Get?
photo by ArtistGNDphotography via iStock
As the most recently released model, the GoPro Hero 10 Black seems like the obvious choice. It has screens on both the front and rear of the camera, utilizes new HyperSmooth 4.0 image stabilization technology, takes 23MP photos, and can record stunning 5.3K video.
With that said, my recommendation would be to instead go for a slightly older, used model. Every camera since the GoPro Hero 5 Black has been able to shoot 4K video and also features built-in stabilization. Older models like the GoPro Hero 4 Silver are great options, too, especially for beginner videographers looking for a dirt cheap action camera to learn with.
Where can you find used GoPros for sale? Well, one great resource is MPB.com! They have a huge selection of used GoPros for sale at great discount prices.
Can’t see the exact one you are looking for? Don’t worry - their inventory of used GoPros changes constantly, and if you check their website often chances are it will pop up sooner rather than later.
Another benefit of purchasing a used GoPro is that you can use all the money you saved on other gear, like a killer action camera microphone attachment!
Final Thoughts on Action Camera Microphone Attachments
photo by mariya_rosemary via iStock
One really cool feature of the action camera microphone attachments we’ve looked at so far is that they are all compatible with other devices as well. That means, if you have another camera or phone you often shoot with, the microphones can also be paired with those devices, and you won’t have to invest more in different equipment.
I hope one of the action camera microphone attachments I covered in this article will work for you, but if not, here are a few more terrific options to consider:
Learn More:
