RØDE - VideoMic NTG

I use my iPhone 14 as a webcam (easy if you have a Mac). I record the video (HD) directly to my computer for easy editing. I use an external mic (Røde). it has worked better than my Android (Pixel 9), the Sony (ZV-1F Vlog), and a bulky Canon with lens.

Rode video mic. But it’s consumer grade. A big step up from phone mic for close (2-4ft). Not “top quality” because that implies you’re using a proper preamp

The rode videomic is all right for getting the ambient sound. Mine can also plug into one of the two dji mic remote wireless microphones so I can place them independently of the camera. The internal sound recording is good enough for matching the audio if you forget to clap.

Videomic ntg with cutoff filter is a blast.

I use the Rode VideoMic NTG. If too bulky/expensive, there is also the VideoMic Go II

Videomic NTG with WS11 dead cat

I used an apogee duet for 10+ years professionally. It's great. I'd prob get a rode condenser mic if i were you. If you know how to work it, an sm57 can also take you around the world

All cameras have bad preamps and recording directly to them gives sup-par results. Only you can decide the levels of your standard. The RØDE mics are not bad - the camera's preamp is. Zoom H4n was a good choice 10 years ago. A contemporary suggestion would be a Tascam X6 if you want build in microphones like the Zoom H4n. If you want to add your own mics; Zoom F3 or Tascam FR-AV2 are good options.

Not strictly true. This is for self tape auditions so realistically they’re not looking for studio quality. The rode video mic would be good as attaches to the phone / iPad. If you can conceal a clip on wireless mic, rode do these too?

Sure it might be little better but it’s twice the price and still not a real shotgun 😊 at that price I would look at videomic ntg that is even boomable and works with DJI mic or rode wireless pro. I use that one and often make it wireless and boom it for the forehead sound 😊