Buying a microphone at Photospecialist: how to choose the right one
Great sound makes the difference between a video that's fine and a video you keep watching straight away. Whether you're recording an on-location interview, making a podcast in your home office, or want better audio for your vlogs: with the right microphone, your story instantly sounds more professional. At Photospecialist, we help you choose based on what you're going to record.
What will you use the microphone for?
For video on camera
If you film with a mirrorless camera or camcorder, a directional microphone is often the quickest upgrade. If you mainly want to record sound from one person or one direction, a directional mic such as a shotgun microphone is ideal. It picks up sound mostly from the front, so you're less bothered by ambient noise.
Do you want to capture more atmosphere and width instead, for example at events or out in nature? Then a stereo microphone is better suited. It records sound more spatially, so the surroundings come through more in your recording.
For vlogging and run and gun
Looking for a small microphone that stays largely out of shot and still sounds much better than your internal mic? Then compact models such as a lavalier microphone are a smart choice. You clip it discreetly to your clothing and keep your hands free. Ideal for presentations, interviews, or content where you move around a lot.
For smartphone content
If you mainly shoot video on your phone, you'll want a microphone that works well with mobile straight away. In the range of smartphone microphones you'll find options for reels, vlogs and street interviews, so your voice comes through more clearly than with your phone's built-in mic.
For interviews
An interview calls for clarity and control. Buying an interview microphone can broadly be done in two ways: with the microphone visible, or as discreet as possible. For presentations, events and street interviews, handheld microphones are popular, especially if it's not a problem for the mic to be in shot. If you want to move freely or record with multiple people without cables, buying a wireless microphone is often the most convenient solution.
For podcasts and studio
If you want to buy a podcast microphone, pay close attention to noise, tone and placement. In a quiet room, a studio microphone is often the best match. These microphones are designed to capture your voice full and clear and work well for podcasts, streaming and voice-overs. With a fixed set-up, you often get the most out of your audio.
Help and advice from Photospecialist
There are many types of microphones, and what works well depends on your situation. That's something we know all about at Photospecialist. We're happy to help you find the right microphone for your situation.
Want to browse more broadly first? Then take a look at the complete range of microphones. From compact models for on the go to studio microphones for a fixed set-up.
