What are the best external microphones for Panasonic GH5 vlogging?

Question

Seriously what is the best external mic for a GH5 because I am about to throw my current setup out the window. The internal audio is obviously trash but even my cheapo shotgun mic is picking up so much wind noise and hiss during my street vlogs here in Chicago. Its ruining all my b-roll and I honestly dont know what to do. I am starting a travel series next month so I need to figure this out fast. Budget is around 250 max. I was looking at the Rode VideoMic Pro+ but I have heard mixed things about the preamp noise on the GH5 and I just want something that works right away... is there anything better out there?

KimberlyKimberly · Accepted Answer

Honestly, the GH5 preamps arent actually that bad if you set them up right, but you gotta be careful. If you leave the camera gain on auto or high, it is gonna hiss like crazy. I would suggest looking at these options to stay well under that 250 limit while getting clean sound.

Deity V-Mic D3 Pro Super-Cardioid Microphone

This is the best value imo. It has a dedicated gain knob on the back so you can keep the GH5 internal levels at -12dB. That basically kills the hiss immediately.

Rode VideoMic Pro+ Shotgun Microphone

It is a standard choice, but make sure you use the +20dB boost. Just watch out for the battery door, it feels kinda flimsy for a rugged travel series.

Movo VXR10-PRO Compact Shotgun Microphone

If you want to save serious cash for your actual trip, this is a solid budget pick that punches way above its weight. Make sure you use a proper deadcat for that Chicago wind tho... a standard foam cover wont do anything for you.

KernelKraken · Answer

The Rode VideoMic Pro+ On-Camera Shotgun Condenser is a solid choice because the high-pass filter handles low-frequency wind noise pretty effectively. Alternatively, look at the Shure VP83 LensHopper Shotgun Microphone. Its got a high-quality Rycote shock mount and is quite durable for travel tho. The Rode offers superior battery life, while the Shure is slightly better at rejecting handling noise during street vlogs.

DriftDynamo · Answer

Re: "Honestly, the GH5 preamps arent actually that bad..."

I'm gonna have to disagree slightly there. After shooting on the GH5 for years, I've found those preamps are a constant battle unless you're feeding them a super hot signal. If you're dealing with Chicago wind, you need a different approach...

Check out the <a href=" https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt= Sennheiser+MKE+400+%282nd+Generation%29+Shotgun+Microphone&BI=8941&KBID=10361&SID=12345&DFF=d50" target="_blank" rel="nofollow sponsored">Sennheiser MKE 400 (2nd Generation) Shotgun Microphone. Its built-in shock mount is better for travel and the sensitivity switch helps you keep the camera gain way down to avoid that hiss.

If you really want clean audio for a travel series, skip the camera input and get a Tascam DR-10L Digital Audio Recorder with Lavalier. You record to an internal SD card so the camera preamps wont even matter.

Budget for a Rycote Mini Windjammer for MKE 400. Serious wind needs a real furry cover, not just the foam. Trust me, external recording is a lifesaver when you're on the move tho.