SENNHEISER / 508897

A shotgun microphone that can be connected directly to a digital camera. The wind jammer and shock mount structure provide clear, high-quality sound both indoors and outdoors. Comes with 3.5mm TRS and TRRS coiled cables compatible with digital SLR cameras, mirrorless cameras, and mobile devices.

■Directional microphone for independent enhancement of in-camera sound quality
■Stylish, streamlined, compact design
■Windscreen and internal shock mount combine to minimize noise during operation
■3.5 mm (1/8"") TRS cable and TRRS cable can be swapped to support DSLR, mirrorless, and mobile devices
■Versatile standard cold shoe mount
■Battery-free design
*Plug-in power required.

■Audio quality matters more than you might think.

In today's digital media world, we all know that it's easier to watch poor quality content than poor quality content. That's because audio is what sends a message and tells a story. If your video has poor quality audio, viewers are more likely to skip it because they can't hear what's being said. Plus, the vast majority of social media content is viewed on mobile devices, where anything above 720p is almost indistinguishable. This means that lower resolution content looks great on a small screen. Unfortunately, the same can't be said for audio, even when it's displayed on a small screen. To that end, It's important to make sure your voice is clear.

■Upgrades are expected

Most cameras sold today (even TVs) have microphones and speakers, but they are expected to be improved. This is because manufacturers expect you to upgrade the audio with an additional purchase. This is partly to keep costs down, but mainly because they focus on image quality, not sound quality. So, in a way, this is what causes most electronics manufacturers to overlook the importance of audio. This is actually an opportunity.

■Not an audio expert? Don't worry.

You don't need to be an audio engineer to improve sound quality. In most cases, all you need is a directional microphone with some great features that help enhance your voice. This will increase your production value and give your content a distinctive look from the rest.