What are the best external microphones for Canon mirrorless cameras?

Question

Ive been shooting Canon for a decade but just moved to the R6 and the preamps are acting way different than my old 5D. My logic was to grab a VideoMic NTG for a shoot in Seattle next week, but now Im worried about that auto-sensing power thing. Budget is $250 max. What actually stays clean on these newer bodies?

DriftSpecter · Accepted Answer

Building on the earlier suggestion, those R6 preamps are super hot so you gotta be careful. Tbh I'd skip the auto-sensing stuff if it makes you nervous for a shoot. I would suggest:

<a href=" https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt= Sennheiser+MKE+400+Compact+Shotgun+Microphone&BI=8941&KBID=10361&SID=12345&DFF=d50" target="_blank" rel="nofollow sponsored">Sennheiser MKE 400 Compact Shotgun Microphone - has physical switches so you actually know it's on.

Shure VP83 LensHopper Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone - built like a tank and very reliable. Just keep your camera gain way down near zero to stay clean.

DriftDagger · Answer

The R6 preamps are way more sensitive than the old 5D ones. I would suggest being careful with your internal gain settings so you dont get hiss... it can be tricky.

Rode VideoMic NTG Shotgun Microphone is solid but that auto-power can sometimes be a bit hit or miss on Canon tho.

Deity V-Mic D3 Pro Super-Cardioid Shotgun is a safer bet for clean audio imo. The physical knob helps.

OrbitOmen · Answer

Like someone mentioned, those R6 preamps are just... a lot. I had issues with the NTG auto-power failing me during a shoot, unfortunately it ruined a few clips because it didnt wake up. Sucked. If you want reliability, maybe look at the Rode VideoMic Go II Lightweight Directional Microphone. Its basic but shockingly clean. Also the Deity V-Mic D4 Mini On-Camera Microphone is solid and avoids those fancy power circuits. Let me know if you need help!