Which external microphones are best for video on a Canon EOS 90D?

Question

Hey everyone! I recently picked up a Canon EOS 90D for travel vlogging and some talking-head interviews, but the internal audio is just not cutting it. It picks up way too much autofocus motor noise from my lenses, and even a light breeze ruins my outdoor shots. I’m looking for a solid external mic that plugs directly into the 3.5mm jack. I’ve been eyeing the Rode VideoMic Pro+, but I’m curious if anyone has found other shotgun or lavalier options that pair particularly well with the 90D’s preamps. My budget is around $200. Does anyone have a specific recommendation for a mic that delivers clean, professional audio without too much hiss?

david.williams · Accepted Answer

Story time: I went through this last year and was basically obsessed with avoiding that preamp hiss. I eventually landed on the Sennheiser+MKE+400+%282nd+Generation%29&linkCode=osi&tag=5422-20" target="_blank" rel="nofollow sponsored">Sennheiser MKE 400 (2nd Generation) which is right around $190. I was highkey worried about the Rode being too bulky, but the Sennheiser+has+a+solid+gain+swi&linkCode=osi&tag=5422-20" target="_blank" rel="nofollow sponsored">Sennheiser has a solid gain switch so you dont have to rely on the cameras noisy preamps. Just be careful with the cables tho, they can be fragile. gl!

Detaa · Answer

Ok so I totally get the struggle with the 90D internal mic... it is basically a magnet for lens motor noise and the preamps are honestly kinda noisy if you dont set them right. Since youre doing vlogging and interviews, you gotta be careful about how you balance your gain levels or you'll just end up with a ton of hiss. In my experience as a pro shooter, here is what I recommend for your $200 budget: 1. Rode VideoMic Pro+ On-Camera Shotgun Microphone
- Pros: The auto-power feature is a total lifesaver cuz it turns off with your camera. It also has a safety channel that records a lower decibel version so you dont clip. - Cons: Its right at the top of your budget. - Caution: Make sure to set the camera gain to manual and turn it almost all the way down, then use the +20dB boost on the mic. It keeps the audio super clean. 2. Deity V-Mic D3 Pro Super-Cardioid Directional Shotgun Microphone
- Pros: This one has a stepless gain knob on the back which is highkey amazing for fine-tuning. - Cons: The built-in battery isnt replaceable, which might be a reliability issue years down the road. - Warning: Be careful with the Rycote mount; if it gets bumped too hard it can sometimes lose its shape. 3. Rode Wireless GO II Compact Wireless Microphone System
- Pros: If you do interviews, this is better than a shotgun mic because the person can move around. - Cons: Youll probably want to add a Rode Lavalier GO Professional-grade Wearable Microphone to get that pro look. Personally, I would suggest the Rode VideoMic Pro+ On-Camera Shotgun Microphone for the best all-around travel setup. Just make sure to use a deadcat outdoors... wind will ruin a shot faster than anything else!! gl

Sarah Elizabeth Johnson · Answer

Yep been there done that. Can confirm everything said above is spot on.