Top 5 Shotgun Mics For Indie Filmmakers In 2020 – Best Mics For Short Films

Filmmakers who want to show their talent and committed to their craft need to choose the right gear to ensure they get the best visuals along with the high-quality sound. So, if you want to achieve a different level of audio recording, then you need to think differently from the average YouTube or vlogger. When you are making a film using your DSLR camera, you need a shotgun mic. 

The shotgun mic for indie filmmaker helps you record audio directly to the camera. If you are an Indie filmmaker, then choose the right shotgun microphone that captures audio in almost all types of film-making scenarios. Here in this guide, we have mentioned the best shotgun mic for indie filmmaker options that you can look into. 

Last update on 2021-01-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

What is a Shotgun Microphone?

As the name suggests, the microphone’s body resembles the shape of a shotgun barrel. It is a mic that indie filmmakers can use for proper sound recording. To get the best results, the highly directional microphone is pointed directly at the targeted sound source. 

The shotgun microphone uses unidirectional mics to record sound in high clarity as they pick up sound at high beam concentration. The unidirectional microphone picks up the sound well when the source is directly in front of them. As the source moves to the rear or side, the mics pick up sound much lower.

What is the Difference between Shotgun Mics and Boom Mics?

Indie filmmakers use the shotgun mic for proper sound recording, as we mentioned above. While shotgun mics are the type of recording microphones, boom refers to the stand on which you put the mic on. So, the boom is a pole or a tripod stand to attach your microphone. When you mount a mic on the boom stand, it is known as a boom microphone. 

Shotgun mics are not mounted on any pole or tripod stand. Shotguns are usually attached to the camera, which makes it a perfect option for filmmakers to record visuals with high-quality sound. Mics other than shotgun microphones that can be attached on the boom stand are considered as boom mics – the Indie filmmakers do not much prefer them.

How to choose the Best Shotgun Mic for Indie Filmmakers?

Filmmaking requires crystal clear sound-quality; therefore, picking the best shotgun mic also becomes essential. Consider the following factors to ensure that you pick the most suitable microphone for your next Indie film. These factors shall affect your purchase directly or indirectly and ensure that it focuses on your requirements and budget, in a perfect combination. Let’s have a look at each factor in detail: 

• Directionality: As filmmakers need to record crisp vocals, they need to choose shotgun microphones with high directionality. When the shotguns have higher directionality, it narrows their field of focus. Also, a high directional mic must reject all surrounding disturbances or noises completely.

• Low Self-Noise: Self-noise is one of the factors you need to consider while purchasing. It refers to the noise circuitry made by the mic when it operated. When you use a high self-noise mic, you hear hissing sounds while you record quieter sounds. It should ensure amazing sound quality and desired outcomes.

• High Sensitivity: For filmmakers who give importance to capturing low-level sounds, a mic with high sensitivity is preferred. As a rule, the shotgun mics have above-average sensitivity. But, if you are planning to record loud music, then you need a mic with low sensitivity.

1. Budget: Indie-movies are mainly low-budget films, which must be your major consideration. Keeping your budget in mind for cameras, microphones, and other filming accessories is vital. You must ensure that you pick a shotgun microphone with the best features within a set budget – a budget that you have set for yourself. Once you make a comparison, you will know whether your mic is a complete value for money. If it is, then the mic is good for you.

Once you have understood what you need to purchase for Indie filmmaking, it’s now time to look at the best shotgun mics for Indie filmmakers that are available in the market in 2020. 

Product Reviews: Top 5 Shotgun Mics for Indie Filmmakers in 2020!

1. PIXEL Camera Microphone Kit for DSLR and Widescreen Cameras, (Model: MC650)

When Indie filmmakers need a shotgun mic for making their masterpieces, they need to choose the best one. By choosing this one, you can make a perfect choice. Apart from the price, it has many important features that serve its purpose. It is best for outdoor and indoor use. This on-camera shotgun mic features the super-cardioid polar pattern; therefore, it is easy to use, durable and long-lasting. 

Last update on 2021-01-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Major Features! 

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2. SYNCO On-Camera Shotgun Video Microphone, (Model: Mic-M1)

Featuring high-class cardioid condenser capsule, this SYNCO on-camera shotgun mic is an excellent option for Indie filmmakers. This mic ensures high sound quality and can be best for professionals. You should choose it if you are looking for high-quality sound for your films. This is suitable for recoding vlog, dialog, interview, or human voice with more audio details and minimizes background noise.

Last update on 2021-01-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Major Features! 

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3. TAKSTAR Black Shotgun Microphone for Indie Filmmakers, (Model: SGC-598)

TAKSTAR black shotgun mic is a beautifully designed microphone, which is dedicated to Indie filmmaking requirements. It is compatible with DV camcorder, Canon camera, Nikon, and more. This is small in size and lightweight and can be used in many situations like interviews and photography. It can decrease mechanical noise and work amazingly due to its sturdy structure/design.

Last update on 2021-01-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Major Features! 

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4. Tikysky Vekson Shotgun Camera Microphone for Indie Filmmakers

The Tikysky Vekson on-camera shotgun microphone is among the best shotgun condenser microphone and is best suited for shooting interviews and various other events. It is extremely versatile, durable, long-lasting, and a perfect option for producers who make Indie films. It makes all the camera recordings very much impressive as it can record sound as low as 20 DB. It is compatible with almost all mid-range and high-end cameras such as Nikon, Canon, etc.

Last update on 2021-01-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Major Features! 

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5. Audio-Technica Shotgun Condenser Microphone for Indie Filmmakers, (Model: AT875R)

Are you looking for a highly sensitive shotgun condenser microphone that offers good quality sound acquisition? If yes, then Audio-Technica AT875R Line/Gradient Shotgun Condenser Microphone is the right choice if you are an aspiring or an established Indie filmmaker. This microphone is very lightweight, compact, and compatible with a wide range of cameras. This can be the best option to use in so many situations like interviews.

Last update on 2021-01-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Major Features! 

Frequently Asked Questions!

Are shotgun mics good for filmmaking? 

Yes, shotgun mic for filmmaking is good, and it helps you record audio directly to the camera. Shotgun microphones get directly attached to the camera; they cannot be connected on boom stands or any other mic stands; therefore, shotgun mics are the most preferred option for Indie filmmaking.

What kind of microphones do filmmakers use? 

Indie filmmakers usually go for budget-friendly options when it comes to filming accessories; therefore, they prefer to use short shotgun microphones. Short-length shotgun mics are extremely helpful for crystal-clear dialogue recording, especially during interviews and documentary films. These shotgun mics are very popular among the filmmakers these days. 

What kind of mic is used for film recording?

The shotgun microphone is equipped with unidirectional mics, which enable filmmakers in recording sound in high clarity; they also allow the filmmakers and their cameras to pick up sound at high beam concentration, whenever required.

Why are shotgun mics known as directional mics? 

Shotgun mics are used for proper, crystal-clear sound recording. To get the best results, the highly directional microphone is pointed directly at the targeted sound source; therefore, shotgun mics are given another name – directional microphones.

Why do you mount the shotgun mic on a boom pole instead of on-camera? 

Shotgun microphones cannot be technically mounted on boom poles or stands; they are specifically designed to attach on cameras. In any case, if you wish to mount the shotgun mics on a boom pole, then you should use an extension to do so. These extensions are mainly used to place the microphone closer to the subject. It is done to ensure that the lowest sounds are recorded clearly without flaws and disturbances.

Final Verdict!

Audio-Technica AT875R Line/Gradient Shotgun Condenser Microphone can be the most amazing product. We have made this choice as it shows a clean winning capacity out of the five displayed in this guide. The reasons are clear. It is very compact and ensures high-quality sound acquisition. If you are looking for the best camera microphone to record interviews or broadcasts, this one is for you.