I went through the same thing with my first Lumix. For years, I just used the built-in mic until I finally grabbed the Rode VideoMic GO II Lightweight Directional Microphone. Honestly, I am super satisfied with how it handles wind noise compared to the cameras internal setup. It fits right on the hot shoe and doesnt need batteries, which saved my life during a long day of shooting in Kyoto. It stays right around your $100 budget too.

> internal mic sounds really thin and wind keeps hitting it @Reply #2 - good point! Wind noise is the absolute worst part of recording outdoors. Since youre on a $100 budget, the Sennheiser+MKE+200+Directional+On-camera+Microphone&linkCode=osi&tag=7649-20" target="_blank" rel="nofollow sponsored">Sennheiser MKE 200 Directional On-camera Microphone is probably your best bet. It usually lists for around $80 and has an integrated shock mount which is key for reducing vibrations. The frequency response is quite decent for the price range, giving you way more low-end than the G7s tiny internal capsules. Another solid pick is the Deity V-Mic D4 Mini Shotgun Microphone. It usually costs about $50. Technical spec-wise, its got a signal-to-noise ratio that rivals much more expensive units. Just make sure you keep the furry windscreen on at all times in Japan... it gets windy near the coast and those internal shock mounts wont save you from air hitting the diaphragm directly. Both are totally compatible with the G7s 3.5mm mic input.

Exactly what I was thinking

This thread is gold. Bookmarking for future reference 🔖

I used to struggle with audio on my early trips. Switching to an external mic with a windscreen was basically the only thing that worked, because internal mics just dont cut it outdoors tho...