Which external microphones are best for Panasonic Lumix video setups?

Question

Which mic is actually gonna work with my Lumix camera? sorry if this is dumb i literally have no idea what im doing and have a vlog shoot tomorrow. i bought the camera used but the audio sounds like im underwater. i have about 80 bucks to spend at best buy today. do i need a specific plug or something?

CrystalLatency · Accepted Answer

Standard Lumix bodies use a 3.5mm TRS input jack for external audio. If you are shopping at Best Buy today, the Rode VideoMicro Compact On-Camera Microphone is the most efficient option under $80.

Cardioid polar pattern focuses audio capture

Rycote Lyre shock mount reduces handling noise I have used these on various Lumix setups and they work great since they dont need extra batteries... definitely helps with that muffled sound.

VectorVertex · Answer

Had a moment to think about this more and honestly, checking Best Buys stock right now is the move. In my experience, Lumix preamps are actually decent, but they struggle with high-gain noise if you dont feed them a clean signal. Since you are on a $80 budget, the Sennheiser MKE 200 On-Camera Directional Microphone is the technical winner here if they have it. It has a supercardioid polar pattern which is tighter than standard cardioid mics, so it really focuses on your voice and cuts out background junk. One thing people miss over the years is that "underwater" sound is often the cameras internal noise reduction trying to kill background hiss. When you plug in a real mic, you gotta go into your Lumix settings and manually turn down the gain. I usually set mine to -12dB or lower so the camera isnt working so hard. The Movo VXR10 Universal Video Microphone is another solid choice if you want to save some cash for extra SD cards. It has a high signal-to-noise ratio for the price point, which is basically what you need for clear dialogue. Just make sure whatever you buy uses plug-in power. Most Lumix bodies output a small voltage through that 3.5mm jack to power these small mics so you dont need to mess with AAA batteries dying mid-vlog. TL;DR: Get the Sennheiser MKE 200 On-Camera Directional Microphone. Its super compact, doesnt need batteries, and the built-in wind protection is a lifesaver for vlogging outdoors.

TurboRanger · Answer

Re: "Standard Lumix bodies use a 3.5mm TRS input..." - spot on. Just saw this and honestly, the Joby Wavo Mobile On-Camera Microphone is a sleeper hit at Best Buy for under $80. Over the years I've learned that Lumix preamps hate being pushed. Turn your Mic Level down to the lowest possible manual notch in the settings. If you leave it on Auto, itll hiss like crazy regardless of the mic. Keep it simple and stay close to the capsule.