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Recording sound for DSLRs

Andrea Allen by Staff

Step 6 Ways to Record Sound with External Devices


Sound is a very important part of shooting video. Some would argue the most important part. But recording high quality sound can be a little tricky with DSLR cameras. Since DSLRs are designed for shooting stills but can also shoot video, many cameras limit your ability to record and to monitor sound through the camera. But there's hope!


As Philip explains, there are a few options you can use to get great sound.

External microphones
Your DSLR camera records sound, but the quality isn't that great. What's a quick way to record better sound? One word: external microphones. Okay, that's two words. External microphones usually attach to the top of your camera and plug into the camera's microphone jack on the side. There are different types of external microphones, but the two most common are shotgun and stereo microphones. Depending on what you are shooting you will want to use different microphones. Shooting with shotgun and stereo microphones isn't perfect, but it is much better than just using the mic built into your camera's body.

External audio recorders
Use these to record sound separately from the camera. Although these devices cost extra, they will really improve the ability to record and monitor sound. The hard thing about recording audio separately is that you’ll have to sync up the sound later in the editing process. There are programs you can use that will do it for you, like PluralEyes, but do some research for other options as well.

XLR boxes
XLR is a type of audio connection used on professional sound devices. Think of the microphone you use when you sing karaoke at the bar -- that uses an XLR cable. Use XLR boxes to give your camera professional inputs for sound. Some will even let you monitor levels on the box itself. XLR boxes allow you to plug in higher quality microphones that you might use to shoot a short film or interview.

EFor extra credit: Intrigued? Want to learn more about the basics of sound? Well you're in luck because Vimeo staffer Matt Schwarz has cooked up an awesome Lesson that's just waiting for your hungry eyes to ingest. Ok enough of this.. get to the learning!

Check out the other episodes in this series:

Ready for a challenge?

So do you feel confident enough to go out and shoot something? Philip has a great starting challenge for you called "An Object." Find an object and film it so that it's interesting! Use all the techniques you learned, keeping in mind your white balance, ISO settings, and frame rate. Keep your video under two minutes and really push your boundaries with framing and DOF. Watch Phil's example video here.

Accept this challenge

Category:
DSLR
Sound
Difficulty:
Beginner

6 Comments

Joy Moody

Joy Moody

What XLR boxes do you recommend?

Michael Sweerts

Michael Sweerts Plus

The video stops abruptly (just at a critical point). Is it possible to post the full video please?

Tiger by the Tail

Tiger by the Tail

Reording? you mean recording unless there is a new element to making video. Misspelling at :26

Shiply

Shiply PRO

Personally I always record sound separately. Onboard mics will always be prone to camera mechanism sounds.

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Lesson Summary

Recording high quality sound for your DSLR can be tricky business. Here are a few ways to help you record.

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