Not satisfied with the built-in microphone of your GoPro? Here are some of the best action camera microphones in the market right now!
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Best Action Camera Microphones
With the current rise in popularity of action cameras, whether GoPro or other brands, people also want to have the best accessories for their cameras. One of the most essential action camera accessories right now is the microphone. Although some can live with the built-in mic that GoPro or any other action camera offers, having an external mic is a great way to achieve a whole new level in terms of sound quality for your videos.
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Moreover, some people also notice that the sound is a bit distorted when the action camera is in a protective case because the mic is covered. One of the workarounds for that is to have an external microphone. With that, here are some of the best action camera microphones in the market!
Rode VideoMic Pro
This microphone is an external action camera microphone that is compatible with the GoPro Hero series 5 and above, Osmo Action, and even Insta360 ONE R. This external microphone is best used on interviews and any dialogue to the camera.
Rode VideoMic Pro is high-end providing top-notch audio quality. It is also lightweight and easy to use. Additionally, the microphone features a 3-way control switch. This helps with the selection for ambient noise reduction.
Rode Wireless GO
The Rode Wireless GO is compatible with the action cameras GoPro Hero series 5 and above, Osmo Action, and even Insta360 ONE R. This external microphone works best for filmmaking, on-camera presentations, interviews, as well as for vlogging. As the name suggests, it is a compacted digital wireless microphone that includes a transmitter and receiver.
Moreover, this mic even provides excellent audio with your action camera, some would even say it is currently the best clip-on microphone available.
Sennheiser MKE 400
The Sennheiser MKE 400 is another external action camera microphone that works well with the GoPro Hero series 5 and above, Osmo Action, and even Insta360 ONE R. This microphone is typically used in sports events and interviews. The Sennheiser MKE 400 is another compact yet rugged microphone you can use for your action camera. It also includes an external shock mount that helps with handling noise.
Related: Sennheinser MKE2 GoPro External Mic Review
Can You Connect a Microphone to an Action Camera?
Yes, there are lots of times when the onboard mic of an action camera isn’t good enough. Most action cameras are compatible with a 3.5mm Mic Adapter. In addition, you may even find some cameras that have a mini USB. This is so that you can easily add an external microphone by using a Mini USB to 3.5mm Female jack adapter.
Does GoPro Need Mic Adapter?
When it comes to the GoPro action camera, you would need to purchase a mic adapter separately, this is because GoPro doesn’t make mic jacks in their cameras. To use an external mic with your GoPro and capture more crisp audio, then an adapter to convert your 3.5mm mic jack into a USB connection is necessary.
Keep in mind that while looking for the best action camera microphones within GoPro’s Hero Series, Hero10, Hero9, and Hero8 Black don’t welcome any microphone, even with an adapter. Because of this, you would need Media Mod, which is a completely separate housing that comes with an enhanced multi-directional mic and a 3.5mm mic jack for an external mic.
Meanwhile, for Hero7 Black, Hero6 Black, and Hero5 Black, even a simple 3.5mm mic adapter will allow you to easily add an external standard mic to your GoPro action camera. Lastly, for the older GoPro action cameras Hero3 and Hero4, there are many options to choose from, using a mini USB to 3.5mm mic jack.
Why Use an External Mic with GoPro?
The typical reason why people use an external microphone for their GoPro is to improve the sound quality of their GoPro films. In fact, this is the single best thing you can do to achieve this improvement. This enhancement from an external microphone while recording some normal footage, or even when using your GoPro action camera for other filming purposes.
The people that would most benefit from the best action camera microphones would perhaps be the vloggers. With an external microphone, the audience can hear you more clearly. Even with some noises when motorcycling or doing anything that involves being away from your camera.
What Action Cameras Work with an External Microphone?
Most action cameras can work with an external microphone, however, some of them may require an adapter. Some action cameras that have a direct 3.5mm audio jack port are:
- Drift Ghost XL Action Camera Spec,
- Fimi Palm 2 Pocket Gimbal Camera Specs
- Hawkeye Firefly X Action Camera Spec
- Kandao QooCam 8K 360 Action Camera Specs
- Labpano pilot one 360 action camera
- Soloshot 3 Optic25 Tracking Action Camera Specs
- Sony RX0 ii Tough Action Camera Spec
While some that require an external microphone adapter are:
- DJI Action 2 Action Camera Specs and Features
- DJI Osmo Action Camera Specs
- Feiyu Tech Pocket Action Camera
- Fimi Palm 2 Pocket Gimbal Camera Specs
- Foxeer Box 2 Action Camera Spec
- GoPro Hero 5 Black Action Camera Specs
- GoPro Hero 7 Black Action Camera Specs
Related: GoPro Microphone App Review
