Two good lower budget mics

Have a mic jack on your camera?
Want to get better audio recordings?
Limited on budget?

Well have a look into the Rode VideoMic and Azden SGM-1X

I'll start with the Azden
This mic is more geared towards cameras that have XLR inputs or if you are using an interface or external recorder. The shock mount is much better on this unit and the sound is a little more clear. I personally am saving up for this shotgun and hope to get it soon. This mic will run on a battery or standard 48V phantom power.

The Rode VideoMic is another great product but it has a 1/8" mini-jack meaning its more of a consumer level mic. The shock mount is there but isn't great so you will get some noise if you move the cam around too much. Sound to my ear was a little more muddy than the Azden. The Rode VideoMic runs on a 9V battery.


Looking for something even lower in price?
I currently run an MXL 991 small diaphragm condenser mic overhead on a boom stand. With a little EQing it sounds great and it really picks up sound quite well. With cheaper prices, come some downsides though...
- Most stores only sell them with the MXL 990 so you will have to look on ebay.
- No shock mount
- This mic picks up sounds from around the room
- Runs on 48V power only

If you have a field recorder, make sure it has a full 48 volt phantom power source with the mic preamp. A good interface and laptop is another way to go but laptops also run on batteries and are limiting in processor power sometimes.