Interview audio benefits from getting a microphone as close to each speaker’s voice as possible, which is why camera-mounted options range from directional shotgun mics aimed at a seated subject to wireless lavalier systems clipped directly to each person. The six options below cover both approaches for fast, reliable interview setups.
| Lens | Best For | Research Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rode VideoMic Pro+Best Shotgun Microphone |
On-camera shotgun, rechargeable battery | 90/100 | Check Price |
| DJI Mic 2Best Wireless Lavalier System |
Dual wireless transmitters, camera-mount receiver | 92/100 | Check Price |
| Sennheiser MKE 400Best Compact Shotgun Mic |
Compact on-camera shotgun, battery powered | 87/100 | Check Price |
| Rode Wireless GO IIBest for Dual-Speaker Interviews |
Dual-channel wireless, onboard recording | 89/100 | Check Price |
 Sennheiser MKE 600Best XLR Shotgun for Interviews |
XLR shotgun, requires phantom power or battery | 88/100 | Check Price |
 Deity V-Mic D3 ProBest Budget Shotgun Mic |
On-camera shotgun, multiple gain modes | 84/100 | Check Price |
Detailed Reviews and Top Picks
1. Rode VideoMic Pro+
90/100
Best Shotgun Microphone
Key spec: On-camera shotgun, rechargeable battery
A well-established on-camera shotgun microphone that captures clear, directional audio from a seated interview subject without needing a lavalier on the person themselves, useful for quick setups or subjects unfamiliar with wearing a mic.
- Directional pickup pattern focuses on the subject in frame
- Built-in rechargeable battery with automatic power-saving
- Onboard high-pass filter reduces low-frequency room rumble
Pros
- No need to mic the subject directly, faster for one-off interviews
- Reliable battery life for a full day of interviews
- Solid build quality for regular use
Cons
- More susceptible to room noise than a lavalier placed close to the subject
- Requires reasonably close camera-to-subject distance for best results
2. DJI Mic 2
92/100
Best Wireless Lavalier System
Key spec: Dual wireless transmitters, camera-mount receiver
This wireless system pairs two clip-on transmitters with a compact receiver that mounts to the camera hot shoe, letting an interviewer and subject each wear their own microphone for consistently close, clean audio regardless of camera distance.
- Two wireless transmitters cover both interviewer and subject
- Internal recording backup on each transmitter protects against dropouts
- Compact receiver mounts directly to a camera hot shoe
Pros
- Consistently clean audio regardless of how far the camera sits from the subject
- Internal backup recording adds a safety net against wireless interference
- Quick to clip on and start recording
Cons
- Visible clip-on transmitters are less discreet than a hidden lavalier setup
- Higher cost than a single shotgun microphone
3. Sennheiser MKE 400
87/100
Best Compact Shotgun Mic
Key spec: Compact on-camera shotgun, battery powered
A smaller, lighter shotgun option than some competitors, this microphone suits interviewers who want directional pickup without adding significant bulk to a compact camera setup.
- Compact size keeps camera setups lightweight
- Directional capsule reduces off-axis room noise
- Simple gain control for quick adjustment between interviews
Pros
- Genuinely compact for smaller mirrorless camera rigs
- Good directional performance for the size
- Straightforward, quick setup
Cons
- Smaller capsule size trails larger shotguns in ultimate sound quality
- Fixed direction requires reasonably accurate camera aim at the subject
4. Rode Wireless GO II
89/100
Best for Dual-Speaker Interviews
Key spec: Dual-channel wireless, onboard recording
Similar in concept to the DJI Mic 2, this system provides two wireless channels for an interviewer and subject, with the flexibility to record each speaker to a separate track for easier editing control afterward.
- Two wireless transmitters for interviewer and subject
- Records to separate tracks for independent level control in editing
- Onboard recording backup on each transmitter
Pros
- Separate tracks give more editing flexibility than a mixed signal
- Reliable range for typical interview room distances
- Established, well-supported wireless system
Cons
- Visible transmitters are less discreet than hidden lavaliers
- Slightly bulkier receiver than the smallest camera-mount shotgun mics
5. Sennheiser MKE 600
88/100
Best XLR Shotgun for Interviews
Key spec: XLR shotgun, requires phantom power or battery
A larger, more directional shotgun microphone favored by interview setups that already have an XLR audio path, offering noticeably tighter pickup than compact camera-top options.
- XLR connection integrates with existing audio recorders or mixers
- Tighter directional pattern than compact shotgun alternatives
- Switchable low-cut filter for room noise reduction
Pros
- Excellent directional rejection of off-axis room noise
- Pairs well with a separate recorder for higher-quality capture
- Durable, professional build quality
Cons
- Requires an XLR input or adapter, not a simple plug-and-play camera mount
- Larger size than compact on-camera shotgun options
6. Deity V-Mic D3 Pro
84/100
Best Budget Shotgun Mic
Key spec: On-camera shotgun, multiple gain modes
An affordable shotgun microphone with switchable gain and mix modes, giving interviewers some flexibility to balance the subject’s voice against room ambience without a separate mixer.
- Switchable gain modes for different room and distance conditions
- Affordable pricing relative to premium shotgun alternatives
- Compact, lightweight on-camera design
Pros
- Good value for the flexibility of adjustable gain modes
- Easy to mount and use quickly
- Solid audio quality for the price
Cons
- Build materials are less refined than premium competitors
- Battery life trails some higher-end alternatives
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Verdict
The DJI Mic 2 and Rode Wireless GO II are the strongest choices for interviews specifically, since separate lavaliers on each speaker produce the most consistent audio. For quick, no-setup interviews, the Rode VideoMic Pro+ or Sennheiser MKE 400 cover the essentials without needing to mic the subject directly.