External microphone recording on a camera: on-camera shotgun mic, wireless lavalier mic, and input level

First put the microphone close to the sound you want to record

Shotgun microphones are directional, but actual pickup range depends on the specific model, directional characteristics, distance, and environment. The RØDE NTG-3 manual describes it as a narrow pickup angle shotgun microphone. The wireless lavalier system can place the transmitter near the speaker; do not rely on a fixed distance or "noisy environment must be clear" as a guarantee. 〔G-AUDIO-01, G-AUDIO-02〕

Connect external microphone and confirm camera input

Taking DJI Mic 2 as an example, the receiver can be installed in the hot shoe/cold shoe position of the camera and connected to the 3.5mm microphone input through the camera audio cable. If the camera model appears in the DJI recommended gain list, you can first set it according to the corresponding value; for models not listed, select None according to the instructions, and then adjust it through the recording level and headphone monitoring. The interface, cable and menu names will vary depending on the device, please confirm according to the respective instructions. 〔G-AUDIO-02〕

Adjust the input level while monitoring

Don’t follow the formula of “always have the lowest camera level and the highest mic level.” DJI's camera connection instructions recommend placing the transmitter close to the sound source and controlling the camera input peak to approximately -12 to -6 dB in its workflow; this is the manufacturer's recommended range for this system and is not a universal standard for all recording equipment. Record a test of the actual volume to check the peak value, whether there is clipping and the noise floor in the headphones, and then adjust the transmitter, receiver and camera input respectively. 〔G-AUDIO-03〕

Select gain and filter according to microphone model

The RØDE VideoMic Pro+ offers 0, -10, and +20 dB output gain options, as well as 75/150 Hz high-pass filtering settings; the manual states that high-pass filtering can be used to reduce low-frequency rumble, such as traffic or air conditioning. The specific gear should be determined based on the sound source strength, camera input margin and audition results. It cannot be inferred that +20 dB will always be cleaner. The above controls and instructions are for this model only. 〔G-AUDIO-04〕

When it’s windy, add a windproof cover and listen again

For outdoor recording, windproof accessories such as foam or special fleece covers should be selected according to the microphone model and wind conditions. RØDE's NTG-3 manual lists a dedicated windshield as an option for added wind protection; still listen and check for wind noise after installation. The VideoMic Pro+ manual also states that its high-frequency boost option can be used with windproof accessories like the Deadcat. There is no source that supports "rabbit hair is reduced by a fixed dB value", so don't expect results by a fixed amount of noise reduction. [G-AUDIO-01, G-AUDIO-04]

Do a complete test before the official shooting

Record for a few seconds using the actual speaking volume and shooting position, play back and monitor vocals, ambient sounds, wind noise and clipping; change the microphone position or gain if necessary and re-record. The in-camera recording results are determined by the microphone, connection method, camera input and environment. You cannot judge based on the "quality of the preamp" alone, nor should you directly apply the settings of a certain set of equipment to other models.