SENNHEISER / 508897

This shotgun microphone connects directly to your digital camera. Its windscreen and shock mount design ensures clear, high-quality sound both indoors and outdoors. It includes a 3.5mm TRS and TRRS coiled cable for compatibility with DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, and mobile devices.

■Directional microphone for independently enhancing the in-camera audio quality
■Stylish, streamlined, and compact design
■The combination of a windscreen and internal shock mount minimizes noise during operation
■Switchable 3.5 mm (1/8"") TRS and TRRS cables for compatibility with DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, and mobile devices
■Versatile standard cold shoe mount
■Battery-free design
*Plug-in power required.

■Audio quality is more important than you might think.

In today's digital media world, it's well-known that it's easier to watch content with poor image quality than content with poor audio quality. Audio is what sends a message and tells a story. If a video's audio quality is poor, viewers are more likely to skip it because they can't hear what's being said. Additionally, the vast majority of social media content is viewed on mobile devices, where anything above 720p is nearly indistinguishable. This means that lower-resolution content looks great on a small screen. Unfortunately, the same doesn't hold true for audio, even when displayed on a small screen. This is why voice recordings are so popular. It's important to make sure that your audio is clearly visible.

■ Upgrades are expected

Most cameras (and even TVs) sold today come with a microphone and speaker, but improvements are desirable. This is because manufacturers expect you to upgrade the audio as an additional purchase. This is partly to keep costs down, but primarily because they focus on image quality, not sound quality. In a sense, this 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 audio quality. In most cases, all you need is a directional microphone with some great features to help enhance your audio. This can increase your production value and set your content apart from the rest.