Recommended external microphones for Panasonic Lumix G9II users?

Question

So I finally pulled the trigger on the G9II last month and honestly the stabilization is insane for my wildlife shots but the audio is just... meh. I keep hearing the autofocus motor on my 12-60mm lens when it gets quiet outside and it is driving me crazy. I am trying to level up my setup before a big trip to the wetlands next weekend so I really need to grab something fast. I've been looking at the Sennheiser MKE 600 since everyone says it sounds pro but it looks kinda huge and I am worried about it hitting the gimbal if I decide to use one later. Then there is the Rode VideoMic NTG which seems more compact and has that auto-on feature which would be a lifesaver since I always forget to turn stuff off. My budget is capped at like 350 bucks max. Does the MKE 600 really sound that much better than the Rode on a micro four thirds body like the G9II? Or should I just go wireless with something like the DJI Mic 2 if I am gonna be doing walk and talk stuff? Really torn because I want that clean directional sound but dont want a giant pole sticking out of my camera...

CipherCyclone · Accepted Answer

Honestly, you might want to consider the <a href="https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=Sennheiser+MKE+400+Compact+Shotgun+Microphone&#038;BI=8941&#038;KBID=10361&#038;SID=12345&#038;DFF=d50" target="_blank" rel="nofollow sponsored">Sennheiser MKE 400 Compact Shotgun Microphone instead. Be careful with long barrels like the 600 because they definitely hit your gimbal frame. I would suggest this one because it has a built-in shock mount to help isolate that lens motor noise. It is compact, sounds great, and wont blow your budget.

camera_pk · Answer

> I've been looking at the Sennheiser MKE 600 since everyone says it sounds pro but it looks kinda huge Tbh the <a href="https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=Sennheiser+MKE+600+Shotgun+Microphone&#038;BI=8941&#038;KBID=10361&#038;SID=12345&#038;DFF=d50" target="_blank" rel="nofollow sponsored">Sennheiser MKE 600 Shotgun Microphone is 256mm long and basically wrecked my gimbal center of gravity. I found the Rode VideoMic NTG Hybrid Shotgun a decent option tho.

DigitalFrontier · Answer

I am satisfied with the results using a wireless setup because it completely bypasses that lens motor issue. Wireless often sounds better than those shotguns because it isolates the mic from the body. My biggest warning is the internal preamp noise. If you crank the camera gain, it gets hissy fast.

Use an XLR expansion unit

Go wireless to avoid lens vibration

Get a high-quality wind shield Basically, a powered signal is key for clean wildlife clips... it helps avoid that floor noise.