08/05/2026 3:30 pm
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ive been using the canon r50 for a few weeks now for my hiking vlogs but the wind noise is just killing my audio. i looked into the rode videomic go ii and the sennheiser mke 200 since they are small and dont need batteries which is nice for long days outside.
the problem is i read some forum posts saying the r50 preamps are kinda noisy and that a powered mic might be better to keep the gain low. i dont really want to spend more than 150 bucks though or carry a massive mic on such a tiny camera body. what are you guys actually using with this camera that keeps things crisp without being too bulky?
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08/05/2026 3:31 pm
The r50 preamps are definitely a bit thin if you leave them on auto, so youre right to worry about that hiss. I have spent a lot of time testing small setups on these r-series bodies and a powered mic is definitely a safer bet. It lets you turn the camera gain way down which is the secret to getting clean audio on consumer gear. I would suggest looking at the <a href=" https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt= Sennheiser+MKE+400+Compact+Shotgun+Microphone&BI=8941&KBID=10361&SID=2222&DFF=d50" target="_blank" rel="nofollow sponsored">Sennheiser MKE 400 Compact Shotgun Microphone over the 200 model. It has a +20dB gain switch which is basically essential for bypassing those noisy internal circuits without adding bulk to your hiking rig. Make sure to check these features before you buy:
- High pass filter: This is huge for hiking since it cuts that low-end wind rumble at 100Hz.
- Sensitivity: Using the +20dB boost allows you to keep the camera manual level around 10-15% for the best signal-to-noise ratio.
- Triple-layer protection: The built-in shock mount is better for handling noise when youre walking on uneven trails. Be careful with the manual levels in your menu. I usually suggest setting the camera to manual and dropping the level to almost zero, then using the mic to boost the signal. If you find the sennheiser too pricey, the Deity V-Mic D4 Mini Compact Camera Microphone is a solid backup, though it lacks the specific gain boost of the 400. Honestly, the sennheiser is the sweet spot for the r50 size. Let me know if you need help figuring out the specific gain settings once you pick one up!
12
08/05/2026 3:55 pm
Building on the earlier suggestion, the consensus is you definitely want a powered mic to avoid the R50 hiss. The <a href=" https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt= Sennheiser+MKE+400+Shotgun+Microphone&BI=8941&KBID=10361&SID=2222&DFF=d50" target="_blank" rel="nofollow sponsored">Sennheiser MKE 400 Shotgun Microphone is basically the top choice because the gain switch lets you keep camera levels near zero. If thats too pricey, the Comica CVM-V30 PRO Camera Microphone is a decent alternative. Its bulkier but gives that clean boost you need for hiking vlogs without breaking the bank.
3
08/05/2026 3:45 pm
Saw your post and honestly, hiking vlogs are a nightmare for audio without a proper deadcat. Since youre worried about the R50 preamps (and you should be, they can get real crunchy if you push 'em), I'd definitely lean toward something with its own power source. It lets you drop the camera gain way down to minimize that hiss. A few things I'd be careful with:
- Make sure the mic has a decent shock mount or you'll hear every footstep in the audio.
- Look for a low cut filter to kill that low-end wind rumble.
- Always use a furry windshield (deadcat) outdoors, foam covers are basically useless in a breeze. I would suggest the <a href=" https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt= Sennheiser+MKE+400+Compact+Shotgun+Microphone&BI=8941&KBID=10361&SID=2222&DFF=d50" target="_blank" rel="nofollow sponsored">Sennheiser MKE 400 Compact Shotgun Microphone. It fits the R50 frame well and has a gain switch to help bypass the camera noise. If thats too much cash, the Deity V-Mic D3 Super-Cardioid Directional Microphone is a solid bet for your budget. Just be careful with the length... dont want it poking into your wide shots.
