Are you a vlogger/videographer trying to buy a step up your video quality? Chances are, you are probably looking for a camera that is compatible with an external mic for an all-in-one package. In this guide, we’ll go over the best cameras that you can get that are compatible with an external microphone.
We know that it is complicated to find a camera that suits your style and fulfills your requirements. There are a few specs that you have to consider while buying a camera.
Good audio, microphone inputs, aperture, and lens compatibility are the features that can take the camera from ordinary to extraordinary.
Let’s get started!
Guidelines for Best Camera with External Mic
Before you go out and buy the best camera with an external microphone, you must have basic knowledge of the features of such cameras.
We have put together a compact yet comprehensive list of features that you need to keep your eye open for.
Let’s get started!
1. Resolution
The most important feature that you must consider while buying a camera for vlogging is resolution. A high-quality camera with high-resolution will make your videos look professional.
The resolution is the pixel density of the image. The higher the number of pixels, the higher will be the quality.
Many cameras have 1920×1080 pixel density. If you want even higher resolution, then you might switch to 4K.
A 4K video has four times more pixel density. You can shoot vlogs, travel videos, interviews, and more in much higher quality with such cameras.
2. Battery Life
The most important feature after the resolution is battery life. Your camera should have decent battery life.
This will help you shoot for long hours without the need to recharge the battery.
3. Microphone Input
The main feature of a vlog camera is the mic input port. It will allow you to attach any mic on the camera and shoot quickly.
This will not make your life easy, but it will also enhance the sound quality of your videos.
This is what we are rooting for, right?
4. Lens
If the quality of the lens is good, your video will be clear, sharp, focused, and will look highly professional.
You need to have a wide-angle lens to capture larger views. There are various lenses in the market, and they all differ in the features that they offer.
Take a look at your requirements and the conditions that you are going to use the camera in, and then choose the lens that fulfills them.
5. Frame Rate
Frame rate tells the number of frames a camera can capture in one second. It varies with the camera model.
Most cameras have the option to choose the frame rate according to your style of shooting. 4K videos have ultra-high frame rates.
Most commonly, cameras come with 60, 70, 120, and 240 FPS options.
6. Image Stabilization
Cameras with image stabilization are a huge blessing. If your camera is shaky, not stable, then the video will turn out horrible.
You can buy a gimbal or tripod for additional stability. However, with the help of internal image stabilization, your video will be stable and not blurred.
Even if you are walking as you are shooting, the in-built image stabilization feature will make the video as smooth as possible.
Comparison Table
| No. | Products | Specs | Price |
| 1 | Canon EOS Rebel T6 | Megapixels: 24.2MPSensor Size: 22.3mm x 14.9mm | Check |
| 2 | Nikon D5300 | Megapixels: 24.2Sensor Size: 23.5 x 15.6 mm | Check |
| 3 | Nikon D7100 | Megapixels: 24.1MPSensor Size: 23.5 x 15.6mm | Check |
| 4 | Panasonic LUMIX G95 | Megapixels: 20.3 MPSensor Size: 17.3 x 13 mm | Check |
| 5 | Panasonic Lumix GH5 4K Digital Camera | Megapixels: 20.3 MPSensor Size: 17.3 x 13 mm | Check |
| 6 | Sony Alpha a6400 | Megapixel: 24.2 MPSensor size: 23.5 x 15.6mm | Check |
| 7 | Sony a7 | Megapixels: 24.2MPSensor Size: 35.8×23.9 mm | Check |
Best Camera with External Mic in 2023
1. Canon EOS Rebel T6
The Canon EOS Rebel T6 is our first pick. It offers everything that you need to shoot a video. When it comes to price, it is highly affordable.
The camera has impressive features. It has an auto-focus mechanism, which is the best feature on any camera. It incorporates the latest technology.
It has a 24 MPs lens and a DIGIC 6 processor. That is why its operation is fast and quick. The camera has a kit lens with an 18-55 mm aperture range.
It is the best camera for vlogs and fast-moving videos. This camera works great with microphones for interviews. The external input makes it easy to attach a microphone.
It has a 58 mm wide-angle lens, which is protected with a UV safe protector. The LCD is a touchscreen and can be flipped according to your desired angle.
You can easily make high-quality videos. The Wi-Fi feature allows us to share the files on other devices. If you are searching to get a budget-friendly, quality camera, then it is perfect for you.
Pros
- High resolution
- Decent ISO
- Autofocus
- External microphone input
- Wi-Fi
- Touchscreen
Cons
- It has shallow buffer depth
- Relatively bulky
2. Nikon D5300
The Nikon D5300 was introduced in 2014 and still is one of the best cameras with exceptional quality. If you are an amateur and are starting to learn photography, then this is the best camera for you.
The camera has a APS-C sized CMOS sensor. The camera comes with an optical low-pass filter. The autofocus has 39-point detection.
The AF system comes with 3D matrix metering II and 3D tracking. The camera offers decent video shooting quality. It is best for cinematics, interviews, and vlogs.
The camera comes with a kit lens with an aperture ranging from 18-55 mm. The camera shoots at the speed of five frames per second.
The ISO is expandable up to 25600, and you can adjust according to your needs. You can replace the kit lens on the camera body with the glass of your choice.
The camera has an external microphone input, an SD card slot, and a USB slot. It has a good Wi-Fi feature that makes file sharing between devices easy.
The camera can shoot in RAW, JPG, and RAW+JPG format. You can also use vintage lenses with the camera.
Pros
- High resolution
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Good shooting rate
- Replaceable lens
- Decent ISO
Cons
- Sub par viewfinder
3. Nikon D7100
Nikon has the best beginner to professional level camera range. Nikon D7100 is a pretty decent camera that is comparable to Canon’s 70D.
It has good resolution and video quality. It is best for shooting interviews, podcasts, and vlogs. The camera has a terrific 24 MPs lens and full HD video quality.
It shoots cinematic video and has an updated APS-C sensor. The autofocus works perfectly while you are shooting.
You can shoot slow-motion video with this camera as well. The camera has built-in Wi-Fi, which helps you transfer the data. It has a headphone and an external mic.
All these features make shooting a lot easier. The viewfinder of the camera is also impressive and allows you to accurately preview what is being captured by the camera.
As for taking pictures, this camera can continuously shoot still images at 6 FPS, which means you’ll be able to take pictures of fast moving subjects without issues.
Moreover, this camera has a dust removal mechanism that removes dust off the sensor. What more can you ask for, right?
Pros
- Great APS-C Sensor
- Wide ISO range
- Precise viewfinder
- Amazing battery life
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Fast Autofocus
Cons
- Menus look dated and aren’t intuitive to use
- Slightly expensive
4. Panasonic LUMIX G95
Panasonic LUMIX G95 is one of the best mirrorless cameras. It is one of the best cameras for vlogging and shooting interviews.
This camera has an external mic input. It can record high-quality 4K videos. The slow-motion videos at 120 FPS are also of high quality unlike slow motion videos captured on other cameras.
It has an exceptional microsensor that can shoot bright videos even in low light conditions. The flip screen makes the camera an even better choice.
With this camera, you get image stabilization as well. The lens is replaceable; thus, you can choose any lens according to your style.
It is a mirrorless camera. Panasonic LUMIX G95 is not lightweight, but it is not a bad option for vlogging. The size is decent and easy to carry around.
With this camera, you get excellent quality, high-resolution images.
Pros
- High resolution
- External mic port
- Dynamic range
- Image stabilization
- Decent ISO
Cons
- Below average battery life
5. Panasonic Lumix GH5 4K Digital Camera
The Panasonic Lumix GH5 is a high-resolution digital camera. It is considered as one of the best vlogging cameras.
The GH5 was one of the first mainstream cameras to be able to shoot 4K videos easily. It has become the top choice as a YouTube camera over a short period of time.
The camera has all the essential features that you need in a video shooting camera. The weight is on the heavier side, but the quality is up to the mark.
It has a good image stabilization feature and a wide range lens. The stabilization removes blurriness from the videos and images. The colors captured by the camera are crisp and refreshing.
This camera is not the best option if you want to shoot in low light. It has a splash-proof design and a flexible alloy body.
It has an incredible external mic port that makes it one of the best options for videos. The camera has a mic port, USB port, HDMI port, and SD card slots.
Pros
- Fantastic 4K quality
- SD cards slots
- Mirrorless
- Replaceable lens
- Smooth recording
- Slow-motion videos
Cons
- Not ideal for low light situations
- Expensive
6. Sony Alpha a6400
The Sony Alpha a6400 is a mirrorless camera which has been super popular over the past few years. Several vloggers are using this camera for their YouTube videos.
It has good quality and provides incredible video quality considering its compact size. You can shoot cinematic videos, interviews, or make vlogs with this camera.
The Sony Alpha a6400 uses an APS-C sensor, and its camera lens has a weather sealing that protects it from dust and humidity.
It comes with unique and new technology features on the inside. It has incredible ultra-HD quality at 30 FPS.
The camera has fantastic autofocus with 425 detection points. That is why it is called a detailed focus.
The sensor is sensitive and helps you create incredible videos and images. The ISO is decent, but not best for low light situations.
This camera comes with a USB port, an interchangeable lens, a mic port, and an HDMI port.
Overall, the a6400 is the perfect option if you are looking for something more compact that is much easier to carry around.
Pros
- Crisp 4K quality
- External mic port
- Compact form factor
- Weather sealing
- Decent ISO
Cons
- Might heat up if recording for a very long period
- Cropped image sensor
7. Sony a7 III Full-Frame Mirrorless
The Sony a7 is a full-frame mirrorless camera. It has amazing features that benefit camera vloggers and videographers.
You can even replace the lens with any lens of your choice as well. This, coupled with its incredible full frame sensor in a relatively compact form factor makes the Sony a7 by far the best camera you could possibly get to be used with an external mic on a vlog.
Most cameras fall short in video quality when there isn’t enough light, but the a7 has been renowned to have unbelievable low light performance that blows other cameras away.
The a7 is also rich in connectivity options, including an external mic port, USB port, SD card slots, and HDMI port.
The 4K video recording that the Sony a7 III produces is among the best of any camera. It comes with in-body image stabilization.
Also, the built-in Bluetooth feature makes it very easy for you to share files. The camera has precise autofocus, which increases its quality.
Overall, the a7 is without a doubt the best camera you can get for video or photos. While its price point might put it out of reach for most people, you are most certainly getting what you paid for, as there’s almost no other option that is better than the a7.
Pros
- Has the best video quality of any camera
- Full frame sensor offers incredible clarity
- Insane low light performance
- Extremely robust stabilization
Cons
- Very expensive
Conclusion
There are several vlog cameras out there that have an external mic port, USB port, built-in Wi-Fi, and more features.
Choose the camera that suits your style and make sure to buy the right one. You have to do a lot of research if you want to spend money on the right product.
While each of the options we listed above is viable for producing videos, it’s entirely up to you to decide how much you want to invest in to allow you to produce higher quality videos.
If you’re looking for the best of the best, we can safely say that the Sony a7 is probably for you. If you don’t quite have the budget to spare, we think the Sony a6400 is a great option that doesn’t break the bank.
Happy vlogging, people!
Jeremy has been running several online businesses behind his laptop for the past 5 years and he has worked as a freelance web developer previously. A trained marketer by profession, he also has Ruby on Rails and web development knowledge. His forte lies in eCommerce, SEO and content marketing. He’s been featured on Vice, Thrive Global, YFS Magazine, Forbes and several other publications. He prefers to connect with people on LinkedIn.
3 thoughts on “Best Camera with External Mic in 2023”
Hello, Your article has really been an eye-opener.
I Have A 15month old baby and you know babies are hyperactive moving in a blink of an eye while taking pictures. Which camera DSLR or mirrorless would you recommend for me because I think I would need a very fast shutter speed to take her picture yet take videos at the same time to capture those unforgettable moments and maybe good.clear pictures during a night shoot
Do you have any particular camera brand that you have tried and think is suitable?
Really need your help on this.
Great Article! I am thinking to buy a DSLR camera for my personal use and I need some guidance. Thanks for sharing some interesting tips and I am very excited to see your future post on this topic.
Great post! I study design, film, and photography, so for me, it is kind of normal to know all these things but over the last months, I realized that it isn’t usual and natural to know all this stuff about cameras.
I think you give a great overview of the most important facts when choosing a camera! I would recommend it for everyone who thinks about getting a DSLR because it’s so much more fun to take pictures with a camera you really like.
Thank you!
Anni