Microphone for making Skillshare videos

StoneJack wrote:

rotten-avocado wrote:

StoneJack wrote:

Get a cheap lav mike, connect to the camera's mic input. That way, trust me, you will get very good audio at low cost. Also, one option is Rode Video Micro on boom, connected to camera input.

Alternatively, invest in XLR mike, boom stand, expensive Sennheiser MK mike and get almost similar audio.

Choose your poison.

Okay, but I saw plenty of users here not recommending lav mics for this purpose.
The other option you mentioned is what I had in mind, to keep the mic above my head.
If the audio quality will be similar to a more expensive XLR mic, then I guess the more affordable option is fine.

I understand you want to film a teaching video series (eg. talking head style).

You have following audio options:

1. Use lav mike (could be concealed under your shirt, if you don't want it visible) with a tape. GIves good audio because of proximity to mouth. Records to camera or recorder. Most cost efficient, as I mentioned. There are also wireless lavs if you want less wires.

2. Camera mike. Generally not a good option because of distance and noises etc. Records to camera. While easiest, also worst.

3. Boom mike overhead (not seen on camera). Records either to camera or recorder. Costly to set up initially, but could be used later easily. Most probably might be XLR mike, in which case it also requires additional investment in recorder with XLR input. However, Rode Videomicro can also plug in camera, you will need a longer cable though.

4. A mike on table, visible. Might be an USB mike (i like them, for example, makes things easier for mixing later). MIght also record to recorder. I have Shure USB mike and it is fantastic. Some may not like a view of mike on table, but in opinion, it is okay.

1, 2, 3 give you good audio, you just choose what you prefer. You can later work on sound and improve it so do not fret much on that, in average conditions you should get sufficient sound.

Just to add one point to this: when you need a long line to connect a mic to a recorder or camera it is desirable to use a balanced line, otherwise your (unbalanced) line will pick up noise. Balanced output from mics use xlr connectors.