Sound Advice

Steve Fairclough examines the key factors you need to consider when recording audio for video

Great picture quality is only half the story when making videos, as audio is just as vital to ensure you produce fi lms with impact. In this article, we’ll look at what you need to consider when recording audio for your fi lms, the types of microphones you can use and the pros and cons of using external recorders.

Built-in microphones

Microphones built-in to DSLRs and CSCs are fi ne for short clips of your kids or holidays, but are a last resort choice for recording sound. They are usually small and omnidirectional – in other words, they will pick up ambient sounds from everywhere, including your breathing or the noise from the lens motor.

If you’re taking video seriously, the fi rst investment to make, after your camera, should be a decent microphone, but fi rst make sure your camera has an input to accept one!

Directional hotshoe microphones