With the rise of videographers, content creators and vloggers, the need for shotgun mics with digital cameras has been shooting up as well. It can often be a little bewildering, you may struggle to figure out which shotgun mic is the right fit, why it is so and what are the requirements you need to consider. Sometimes, you may worry about losing a fortune in investing on a good shotgun mic. And if you are on a budget of $200, the quest can be extra difficult.
Are you confused about what exactly shotgun mics are? Well, in simple language, they are merely the ‘on-camera’ microphones which remain clipped on to your camera so as to keep the mic out of the video frame. They usually have super cardioid pickup pattern, which make them perfect for getting rid of background interference.
Buying Guide
In order to facilitate this journey of finding the right fit for you in the topic of the shotgun mic under $200, we have jot down a few aspects that might be worth considering before making your purchase.
Size
It is important that you consider only mics that are specifically designed to serve as shotgun mics for DSLR cameras. These mics have to eb compact enough to match with your camera in terms of proportionality and size. Otherwise, you can expect to struggle with the portability and handling of these mics. Before purchasing the mic, take a moment to check if their size is suited for use in your frequent shooting conditions.
Built-In Audio Recorders
Usually, if you are looking for a shotgun mic that should pick up the smallest details in the audio, you must choose one that comes with a pre-equipped audio recorder. This integrated recorder should come with most bit rates. This will allow you to pick maximum details from the sound.
Attenuation Adjustments
The switch that allows to adjust attenuation is important for us to be able to reduce the output level of the microphone to a specific level (mostly between -10dB and -20dB). This helps the microphone to be up to 16 times less loud than usual. Usually the louder the sound is from the source, the quieter you will prefer the mic to be.
Best Shotgun Mics Under $200
Considering all the different aforementioned aspects, we have scoured the market and narrowed down the list of best shotgun mics within the budget of $200 to the top 4.
| Product Name | Features | Price | Check On Amazon |
| Rode VideoMic |
|
$100-$200 | Check the Price |
| Movo VXR10-Pro |
|
$40-$60 | Check the Price |
| Takstar SGC-598 |
|
$30-$50 | Check the Price |
| Rode VidMic GO |
|
$50-$100 | Check the Price |
1. Rode VideoMic
This is one of the most professional shotgun mics you can purchase for your DSLR. It comes with the Rycote Lyre Mount, which takes the mic to a new grade. It is a highly affordable shotgun mic which can deliver top-quality sound using the built-in shock mounting system, which consumes all the vibrations from the surroundings.
It does not need any external battery or buttons. The super cardioid pickup pattern also helps to focus picking up the details from the main subject of the camera. The mic also consists of the 80Hz high-pass filter which helps to reduce interference.
Pros:
- Selectable attenuation levels between -10dB and -20dB
- Reduced unwanted noise interferences
- Very compact
Cons:
- It is not very dynamic and needs the subject to be at a close distance to pick up the audio perfectly
2. Movo VXR10-Pro
This very sturdy, aluminium mic comes with a cardioid condenser with the capacity to reduce background noise at very affordable prices.
The directional characteristics of the mic make it very versatile, delivering excellent sound and a rich bass. It is also equipped with many useful accessories.
Pros:
- Very compact
- Very affordable
- High compatibility with a wide range of devices
- Battery-free construction
Cons:
- No live headphone monitoring possible
3. Takstar SGC-598
The Takstar is one of the best budget shotgun mics out there which is perfect for audio recordings in several kinds of occasions starting from interviews to photography.
It has a heart-shaped single-point polar pickup character which helps to eradicate background noise. It comes with super sensitive condenser and enhances the recording quality of the audio.
Pros:
- Pickup pattern is single point, heart shaped
- Battery life: 100 hours
- Shock resistant design- removes mechanical noise from around
Cons:
- Does not come with the battery
4. Rode VidMic GO
This is one of the most premium shotgun mics with directional features out there that requires no battery and consists of the integrated shock mount to eradicated unwanted vibrations.
It also comes with a windshield that safeguards the mic from wind turbulences during shooting. The mic includes a 3.5 mm jack output and is pretty lightweight, which increases its portability.
Pros:
- Super easy to set up
- No battery required
- Highly portable
Cons:
- Windscreen is not entirely windproof
Final Words
We have given our verdict on the best shotgun mics under $200 out there, considering the aspects in relation to the setup, power source, quality delivery and the best value of money. It is your job now to choose what syncs most with your preferences.
You may also like to read: Best Shotgun Mics for DSLR.
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