What are the best external microphones for Sony mirrorless cameras?

Question

Honestly I am so over the audio situation on my Sony a7iv right now. I thought the internal mics would at least be decent for quick scratch track stuff but they sound like garbage and I just spent three hours trying to fix a clip from my latest vlog and it still sounds like I recorded it in a tin can. Then I bought this cheap shotgun mic off a recommendation but it keeps making this weird clicking sound every time my lens focuses and I am just ready to throw the whole thing out the window.

I really need a solid external mic that actually works with the Sony system without all that electronic interference. I have a travel shoot coming up next Friday in Chicago so I need to order something like yesterday.

Here is what I am looking for:

Budget is around $200 to maybe $300 max

Needs to be good at blocking out wind because I do a lot of outdoor street stuff

Something that doesnt need a separate battery because I always forget to charge them and then the mic dies mid-shoot

Compact enough to fit in a small Peak Design sling

Does the Sony brand digital mics actually make a difference or should I just go with a Rode? I keep seeing the ECM-B1M everywhere but its pricey and I dont know if its worth the hype. What are you guys using that actually sounds professional and doesnt hiss?

RandallFlems · Accepted Answer

I'm super satisfied with the Sony ECM-B10 Digital Shotgun Microphone. The digital connection kills hiss compared to the Rode VideoMic GO II, it handles wind well, and needs zero batteries.

RapidSpectra · Answer

man i totally feel your pain. spent years dealing with that annoying lens motor noise and weird interference on my old setups so i know exactly how frustrating it is. it took me a while to finally get to a point where im satisfied with my sound but its so worth it once things just work well without a headache. i actually love the Sony Alpha a7 IV for audio and i can tell you those digital mics definitely make a difference... before i throw out some recommendations tho i had a couple questions. are you mostly doing pieces to camera where you need your voice to be super crisp while walking or are you looking for more of a general street ambience sound? also since you mentioned the Peak Design Everyday Sling are you trying to keep the top of the camera completely cable-free? that really changes what kind of connection you should look for.

OblivionKernel · Answer

This ^