The Sony A6000 has been a bestseller for Sony for almost 2 years now. The camera is a very popular point and shoot camera with a twenty-one megapixel sensor, 4K video recording and a tiltable touch screen.
However, you will not be able to capture every detail with the built-in microphones, which is why there are various types of external microphones available.
In this post, we’ll show you which microphone is best for the Sony A6000. We’ll take a look at the features and functions of each microphone, and give you our advice on what microphone is best for you.
Our Top Picks:
- Sony ECMGZ1M – Best Shotgun
- Sony ECMXYST1M Stereo Microphone
- Sony ECMW1M – Best Wireless
- Shure VP83F Condenser Microphone
- Zoom H1 Handy Portable Digital Recorder
- Zoom Q2n-4K Handy Video Recorder
What Are the Best External Mics for the Sony A6000?
1. Sony ECMGZ1M – Best Shotgun Microphone for Sony A6300
With Sony’s ECMGZ1M, you can record both zoom and gun mic audio in addition to your camera’s recording. This is great for a lot of situations, such as dog walking, weddings, or any other event where you need to record audio in addition to your video.
This is a great microphone for recording on a small budget. And with its simple design, it’s easy to carry around. With a built-in pop filter and a windscreen, you’ll get a good recording with minimal noise.
It’s compatible with the A6000 camera and the ECMGZ1A Active Interface shoe. The shoe, which attaches to the top of the camera, is great for mounting it on a tripod or other support.
It’s small, lightweight, and versatile, making it a great addition to any filmmaker’s gear. If you’re looking for a top-notch, budget-friendly, easy-to-use microphone, this is our top pick for the best microphones for the Sony A6000.
2. Sony ECMXYST1M Stereo Microphone
The Sony ECMXYST1M is a versatile microphone that can be used in any situation. Whether it’s on a tripod, a stand, or even in the palm of your hands, this microphone is suitable for almost any recording.
For recording audio, you can set the direction of the microphone according to the sound source. This makes it easier to capture the sound with a more accurate angle. This is great for capturing the sound of a crowd, a live event, or a party, but it’s also ideal for voiceovers. The wide frequency response is perfect for capturing a full spectrum of human voices.
With its built-in microphone terminal, the microphone can be attached to the camera and recorded with sound. Its directional angle can be adjusted manually, or with a remote control, according to the direction of the sound source. This makes it easy to record sound from far away.
The ECMXYST1M also features a wind noise reduction function. This helps to reduce the effect of wind on the microphone, and the wind screen helps protect the microphone from wind.
The Sony ECMXYST1M comes with a protective carrying case, and a protective cap is included in the package.
The ECMXYST1M is a handy, easy-to-carry, lightweight and versatile microphone that can be used with Sony models, including camcorders, DSLR cameras, and more.
3. Sony ECMW1M – Best Wireless Microphone for Sony A6000
The Sony ECMW1M is a wireless microphone that pairs with the Sony A6000. It’s a great tool for capturing sound from a faraway location, and it will help you shoot interviews with a natural flow.
This is a lightweight wireless microphone that’s easy to carry. You can attach the microphone to a camera’s handle and use it while on the move.
The ECMW1M has a built-in wind screen that allows you to shoot in a wide range of weather conditions, such as rain and snow. This also reduces noise from wind and road vibration, which improves the quality of your recording.
With the ECMW1M, you can capture sound from up to 100 feet away, and the microphone will automatically adjust the sound volume based on the distance from the subject. The mic features a windscreen that will reduce wind noise.
You can use the ECMW1M to record video and audio in many different situations. For example, it works great for capturing a speaker’s voice during a presentation, or for recording a guitar player while they play live.
4. Shure VP83F Lens Hopper Camera-Mounted Condenser Microphone
Shure has a reputation for making top-notch microphones, and the VP83F is no exception. With a cardioid polar pattern and a supercardioid pattern, this microphone excels in situations where you need to be sure that only the person in front of the mic is heard. This is ideal for interviews, live performances, or any other type of situation where you want a precise recording of the person speaking.
As for its sound quality, the VP83F is a solid choice for professional applications. There’s a clear, accurate, and detailed frequency response that allows you to hear all the nuances in the voice.
The mic has a very wide dynamic range, so you can get an accurate recording even when the volume is low. This is great for capturing the subtle nuances in a performer’s voice, or the sound of a drum kit or guitar.
Its cardioid polar pattern ensures that you get a clear, uncluttered audio recording, while the lobe pattern rejects any unwanted sound from the sides and rear.
It has a dedicated headphone output that allows you to monitor the audio directly, and it includes a 10-hour battery life so you can record continuously without having to worry about recharging.
The VP83F has a variable internal gain, which is adjustable from 0 to +60 dB. This makes it possible to record a variety of levels of ambient sound. It also includes a large gain control knob that provides a linear relationship between the level of the input signal and the output level. This is useful when dealing with an extremely loud environment.
5. Zoom H1 Handy Portable Digital Recorder
The Zoom H1 features a sleek, lightweight design that’s easy to hold, and a user-friendly interface with a dedicated dial for easy navigation.
With a slim design, it’s easy to carry around wherever you go, whether you’re a musician, a photographer, or a journalist.
You can record music and voice in one of two modes, using the internal microphone or using the built-in stereo condenser mics.
You can record up to 24-bit/96 kHz audio, in either WAV or MP3 format. You can even record directly to SD/SDHC cards up to 32GB.
The H1’s rugged construction is made from durable materials. Its 1.25″ monochrome LCD display and one-touch button controls make it easy to navigate the menus, while the mic protector/cage on the top of the recorder protects the mics.
6. Zoom Q2n-4K Handy Video Recorder
The Zoom Q2n-4K is a handy, affordable, yet powerful audio recorder that’s perfect for anyone who wants to make great videos with their Sony A6000. It’s compact, durable, and easy to use.
The Q2n is a very versatile tool that can record videos, audio, and even take stills. It can be used as a standalone audio recorder, or as a camera. With the built-in microphone, you can shoot videos and record audio while you’re on the move, and it also has a 150° wide angle lens.
It can record directly to microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards up to 256GB. It also has a 5x digital zoom. In addition, it supports three high-definition video modes: 720p, 1080p, and 4K.
The camera records directly to SD cards, which is very convenient when you’re out and about. This is great for people who like to capture the moment. The Q2n is also compatible with the Zoom Share app, which means you can easily share what you’ve recorded with other people.
With the Zoom Q2n-4K Handy Recorder, you can record high-quality sound and video in any environment, thanks to its 12 “scene” modes. The device can handle audio levels up to 120 dB SPL and capture clear video and images with 5 FOV settings.
Why Do You Need an External Mic for the Sony A6000?
The Sony A6000 is a great camera. It has a unique 16.1 MP CMOS sensor that allows you to shoot HD video without compromising image quality. But the internal mic on the A6000 isn’t great. For better audio, you need to use an external microphone.
In order to capture clear audio, you’ll need an external mic. These are microphones specifically designed to fit on a camera body, giving you the ability to capture high quality sound from your shots.
It’s true that most DSLRs include a built-in mic that is quite capable. But it can be a challenge to get good audio quality from the built-in mic, especially when you’re shooting outdoors or in a noisy environment. Plus, a built-in mic is always in the way, and it can even get damaged during the process.
An external mic is a relatively inexpensive accessory that can make your life a lot easier when you’re shooting videos or taking pictures. It also makes it a lot easier to get creative shots. For example, you can use your external mic to record the sound of your cat meowing or the rustling of leaves. Or, you can place your mic near a fan to capture the noise of the air moving through the blades.
There are two types of microphones available on the market today: condenser and dynamic. Condenser mics have long been considered the preferred type of mic for DSLR and camcorder applications, and they work very well with DSLRs, such as the Sony A6000.
Dynamic mics are often used for broadcast, recording, and other professional applications, and they’re a bit more versatile than condensers. They’re able to capture sound over a wider frequency range, and are less susceptible to ambient noise. However, the dynamic mic’s smaller diaphragm makes it prone to picking up more ambient sounds.
Condenser mics have become increasingly popular in recent years. They offer more precise and accurate sound reproduction than dynamic mics, and are typically quieter, even in large studio environments.
In the Sony A6000, the built-in stereo microphone uses a condenser microphone. This means the sound quality is better than that of a dynamic microphone, but it isn’t as robust. That’s why it’s important to have an external mic to take advantage of all the benefits of the condenser mic.
Related: Best Dynamic Microphones for Streaming
How to Choose the Microphone Works Best with Sony A6000?
The most important thing to consider when choosing an external mic is its compatibility with your Sony A6000. There are many different types of microphones available, and each one has its own unique set of features. So it’s important to know which one will work best with your Sony A6000.
The first thing you’ll need to do when choosing a microphone is to decide if you want one for a stationary setup, or one for a handheld setup.
For stationary setups, you’ll typically want a larger microphone, because it’ll provide a clearer audio signal for your camera. You’ll also need to make sure the microphone is compatible with the settings of your camera.
For handheld setups, you’ll want to look for a smaller microphone. These are easier to carry around and are more versatile, because you can move them closer to the action.
Next, you’ll want to consider the number of inputs the microphone has. The higher the number, the more versatility it will have. For example, a four-input microphone will be able to record from four sources simultaneously, while a two-input microphone will only be able to record from two sources at once.
Finally, you’ll want to look at the weight of the microphone. The heavier the microphone, the less portable it is.
Microphones that are too light can make the camera fall out of your hands. On the other hand, if the microphone is too heavy, you’ll find yourself struggling to hold onto it and use it effectively.
FAQs
Can We Connect External Mic with Sony A6000?
Microphone ports are not built into the A6000. If you want to use an external mic, you will need the Sony ECM-XYST1M Stereo Microphone, or another microphone that can be plugged into the Sony ECM-W1M Wireless Microphone Receiver.
The a6000 does have a place for connecting an external microphone if you buy the ECM-XYST1M Stereo Microphone. The mic is compact and light enough that it doesn’t get in your way (unlike some of the professional microphones). It has a 3.5mm mini plug.
Do You Need an External Mic for Vlogging?
An external microphone can be a huge improvement over your camera’s built-in mic (especially if you’re using a smartphone), but it’s far from being an essential tool for every YouTuber. Let’s take a look at some of the factors you should consider when deciding whether or not to buy an external mic.
The biggest advantage of an external mic is that it allows you to move around while filming, and still have your voice recorded clearly. The built-in microphones on cameras are usually located in the center, just above the lens. If you move too far away from this point, your voice will start to sound quiet and echoey in the video.
Another benefit is decreased background noise. Cameras with built-in mics tend to pick up background noise very easily, especially wind noise if you’re recording outside. External microphones reduce these problems because they’re designed to focus more on picking up sounds that are close by, rather than more distant noises.
How Do I Connect My Wireless Microphone to My Sony A6000?
Conclusion
The above are the top 6 best microphones for the Sony A6000. Overall, choosing microphones is a very personal decision based on everyone’s needs and preferences. Hopefully, with the help of our chart, you’ll make a better buying choice.
