# Should I use the built-in camera mic or an external one? > Built-in camera microphones capture audio from the camera's position, not the subject's position. Since the camera is typically 1-3 meters from the subject… URL: https://camerashop.com.eg/should-i-use-built-in-mic-or-external/ Language: en ## Built-in camera microphones capture audio from **the camera’s position, not the subject’s position**. Since the camera is typically 1-3 meters from the subject, the built-in mic picks up mostly room echo and ambient noise with the subject’s voice buried in the background. An external mic placed close to the subject is a dramatic improvement. ## **Why built-in mics sound bad** **Distance from the subject:** The most important factor in audio quality is proximity. A mic at 2 meters captures 4x more room noise than a mic at 1 meter (inverse square law). **Omnidirectional pickup:** Most built-in mics pick up sound from all directions equally — subject, room echo, air conditioning, traffic, keyboard, everything. **No wind protection:** Built-in mics have minimal windscreens. Even a slight breeze produces low-frequency rumble that overwhelms the voice. **Handling noise:** Every button press, zoom ring turn, and autofocus motor sound is picked up by the built-in mic because it is physically attached to the camera body. ## **External mic options by budget** **On-camera shotgun ($50-200):** Mounts on the hot shoe, points at the subject. Better directionality than the built-in mic. Good for vlogging and casual content. Rode VideoMicro or VideoMic GO are popular budget options. **Wireless lavalier ($100-350):** Clips to the subject, captures voice directly. The biggest audio quality leap for the money. DJI Mic 2, Hollyland Lark, Rode Wireless GO II. **Boom shotgun ($200-500):** Professional shotgun on a boom pole above the subject. Film and broadcast standard. Rode NTG5, Sennheiser MKE 600. **USB desktop mic ($80-300):** For podcasting, streaming, and desk content. Blue Yeti, Rode NT-USB Mini, Shure MV7. ## **External microphones at Camera Shop Egypt** [ ![](https://camerashop.com.eg/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/RODE_Wireless_PRO_2-Person_Clip-On_Wireless_Microphone_11.webp) ](https://camerashop.com.eg/product/28547/) [ Compare ](https://camerashop.com.eg/compare/?product_id=28547) [ Quick view ](https://camerashop.com.eg/product/28547/) [ Add to wishlist ](https://camerashop.com.eg/wishlist/) ### [RODE Wireless PRO 2-Person Clip-On Wireless Microphone](https://camerashop.com.eg/product/28547/) [Audio](https://camerashop.com.eg/product-category/audio/), [Microphones](https://camerashop.com.eg/product-category/audio/microphones/) In stock 20,000 EGP [Add to cart](https://camerashop.com.eg/product/28547/?add-to-cart=28547) SKU: 17427 System Configuration2-Person (2 Transmitters + 1 Dual-Channel Receiver)Microphone TypeBuilt-in Omnidirectional + 2x Included Lavalier MicsInternal Recording32-Bit Float, Up to 40 Hours per Transmitter (32GB Storage)Wireless RangeUp to 853 ft (260 m) — RODE Series IV TechnologyBattery LifeUp to 7 Hours (Transmitters & Receiver); Charging Case Recharges 2xEncryption128-BitConnectivity3.5mm, USB-C, Lightning (cable set included)Special FeaturesIntelligent GainAssist, Timecode Support, High-Pass Filter (75/100 Hz), Headphone OutputCompatibilityCamera, Smartphone, Computer; RODE Series IV Ecosystem [](#) [ -10% ![](https://camerashop.com.eg/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/RODE-Wireless-GO-II-2x1-3.webp) ](https://camerashop.com.eg/product/rode-wireless-go-ii/) [ Compare ](https://camerashop.com.eg/compare/?product_id=14981) [ Quick view ](https://camerashop.com.eg/product/rode-wireless-go-ii/) [ Add to wishlist ](https://camerashop.com.eg/wishlist/) ### [RODE Wireless GO II](https://camerashop.com.eg/product/rode-wireless-go-ii/) [Audio](https://camerashop.com.eg/product-category/audio/), [Microphones](https://camerashop.com.eg/product-category/audio/microphones/) In stock 15,675 EGP Original price was: 15,675 EGP.14,108 EGPCurrent price is: 14,108 EGP. [Select options](https://camerashop.com.eg/product/rode-wireless-go-ii/) This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page SKU: RODE GO System TypeDual-Channel 2.4 GHz WirelessTransmission TechnologySeries IV 2.4 GHz DigitalRangeUp to 656 ft (200 m) Line-of-SightOnboard RecordingUp to 7 Hours Uncompressed (24-bit / 48 kHz WAV) or 24 Hours Compressed per TransmitterAudio Resolution24-bit / 48 kHz (Uncompressed); Export up to 32-bit Float / 48 kHzOutput ModesStereo or Dual-MonoLatency3.5 – 4 msOutput Connections3.5mm TRS Analog + USB Type-C Digital Audio InterfaceBattery Life7-Hour Rechargeable + USB PowerApp CompatibilityRØDE Central (Mac, Windows, iOS, Android)connector[1×1, ](https://camerashop.com.eg/connector/1x1/)[2×1](https://camerashop.com.eg/connector/2x1/) [](#) [ ![](https://camerashop.com.eg/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/1748424687_1895907-removebg-preview.png) ](https://camerashop.com.eg/product/hollyland-lark-max-2-ultimate-combo-2-person-wireless-microphone-system-for-cameras-and-mobile-devices-space-gray-2-4-ghz/) [ Compare ](https://camerashop.com.eg/compare/?product_id=35115) [ Quick view ](https://camerashop.com.eg/product/hollyland-lark-max-2-ultimate-combo-2-person-wireless-microphone-system-for-cameras-and-mobile-devices-space-gray-2-4-ghz/) [ Add to wishlist ](https://camerashop.com.eg/wishlist/) ### [Hollyland LARK MAX 2 Ultimate Combo 2-Person Wireless Microphone System for Cameras and Mobile Devices (Space Gray, 2.4 GHz)](https://camerashop.com.eg/product/hollyland-lark-max-2-ultimate-combo-2-person-wireless-microphone-system-for-cameras-and-mobile-devices-space-gray-2-4-ghz/) [Audio](https://camerashop.com.eg/product-category/audio/), [Microphones](https://camerashop.com.eg/product-category/audio/microphones/) In stock 10,000 EGP [Add to cart](https://camerashop.com.eg/product/hollyland-lark-max-2-ultimate-combo-2-person-wireless-microphone-system-for-cameras-and-mobile-devices-space-gray-2-4-ghz/?add-to-cart=35115) SKU: 17485 System Configuration2-Person Wireless Microphone SystemWireless Frequency2.4 GHzAudio Quality48 kHz / 32-Bit Float RecordingMax SPL128 dB SPLNoise CancellationAI Deep-Learning, 5–25 dB Stepless ReductionBattery Life11 Hours per Charge / 36 Hours with Charging CaseReceivers IncludedCamera-Mount Receiver + USB-C Plug-In ReceiverMonitoring2.4 GHz OWS Wireless Monitor Earphones (Included)TimecodeBuilt-In Timecode Generator on Each TransmitterMicrophone PatternOmnidirectional (Built-In + Lavalier Mics Included) [](#) [ -32% ![](https://camerashop.com.eg/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Hollyland-LARK-M2S-Ultimate-Combo-2-Person-Wireless-Microphone-System-for-Cameras-and-Mobile-Devices-2.4-GHz-Space-Gray-1.png) ](https://camerashop.com.eg/product/hollyland-lark-m2s-ultimate-combo/) [ Compare ](https://camerashop.com.eg/compare/?product_id=34259) [ Quick view ](https://camerashop.com.eg/product/hollyland-lark-m2s-ultimate-combo/) [ Add to wishlist ](https://camerashop.com.eg/wishlist/) ### [Hollyland LARK M2S Ultimate Combo](https://camerashop.com.eg/product/hollyland-lark-m2s-ultimate-combo/) [Audio](https://camerashop.com.eg/product-category/audio/), [Microphones](https://camerashop.com.eg/product-category/audio/microphones/) In stock 8,883 EGP Original price was: 8,883 EGP.6,000 EGPCurrent price is: 6,000 EGP. [Add to cart](https://camerashop.com.eg/product/hollyland-lark-m2s-ultimate-combo/?add-to-cart=34259) SKU: 17477 System Type2-Person Wireless Microphone SystemTransmission DistanceUp to 1000 ft (approx. 300 m)Frequency Band2.4 GHzAudio Sampling24-bit, 48 kHzSignal-to-Noise Ratio70 dBMaximum SPL116 dBMicrophone PatternOmnidirectional (built-in transmitter mics)Receivers IncludedCamera-Mount Receiver, USB-C Plug-In Receiver, Lightning Plug-In ReceiverBattery LifeUp to 9 hrs (transmitters); 30 hrs total with charging caseCharging Case Battery1300 mAh, recharges full system multiple times [](#) [ -47% ![](https://camerashop.com.eg/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1707731179_1809525-removebg-preview.png) ](https://camerashop.com.eg/product/hollyland-lark-m2-duo-2-person-wireless-combo-microphone-system-2-4-ghz-shine-charcoal/) [ Compare ](https://camerashop.com.eg/compare/?product_id=31615) [ Quick view ](https://camerashop.com.eg/product/hollyland-lark-m2-duo-2-person-wireless-combo-microphone-system-2-4-ghz-shine-charcoal/) [ Add to wishlist ](https://camerashop.com.eg/wishlist/) ### [Hollyland LARK M2 DUO 2-Person Wireless Combo Microphone System (2.4 GHz, Shine Charcoal)](https://camerashop.com.eg/product/hollyland-lark-m2-duo-2-person-wireless-combo-microphone-system-2-4-ghz-shine-charcoal/) [Audio](https://camerashop.com.eg/product-category/audio/), [Microphones](https://camerashop.com.eg/product-category/audio/microphones/) In stock 9,405 EGP Original price was: 9,405 EGP.5,000 EGPCurrent price is: 5,000 EGP. [Add to cart](https://camerashop.com.eg/product/hollyland-lark-m2-duo-2-person-wireless-combo-microphone-system-2-4-ghz-shine-charcoal/?add-to-cart=31615) SKU: 17425 Wireless Frequency2.4 GHzAudio Quality24-bit, 48 kHz Hi-FiTransmission DistanceUp to 1000 ft (approx. 305 m)Microphone TypeBuilt-in OmnidirectionalSignal-to-Noise Ratio70 dBMaximum SPL115 dBTransmitter Battery Life10 hours (90 mAh each)Charging Case Battery1950 mAh — up to 40 hours total system runtimeReceivers Included3 — Camera-mount (dual-channel), Lightning plug-in, USB-C plug-inApp CompatibilityiOS & Android via LarkSound App [](#) [ ![](https://camerashop.com.eg/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/AirWave-K1-3-600x347.png) ](https://camerashop.com.eg/product/airwave-k1/) [ Compare ](https://camerashop.com.eg/compare/?product_id=36419) [ Quick view ](https://camerashop.com.eg/product/airwave-k1/) [ Add to wishlist ](https://camerashop.com.eg/wishlist/) ### [AirWave-K1](https://camerashop.com.eg/product/airwave-k1/) [Audio](https://camerashop.com.eg/product-category/audio/), [Microphones](https://camerashop.com.eg/product-category/audio/microphones/) In stock 3,135 EGP [Add to cart](https://camerashop.com.eg/product/airwave-k1/?add-to-cart=36419) SKU: 17493 الإرسال اللاسلكيرقمي 2.4GHzالنمط الاتجاهيمتعدد الاتجاهاتنطاق التردد50Hz – 20kHzالحساسية-35dB ±2dB @ 1kHzزمن الاستجابة الصوتيأقل من 20msعمق البت / معدل أخذ العينات24-bit / 48kHzنطاق التشغيلحتى 100م (خط الرؤية المباشر) / 30م (بدون خط رؤية)عمر البطارية (جهاز الإرسال)6 ساعات؛ علبة الشحن توفر شحنًا إضافيًا يعادل 1.5× ضعف الشحنة الكاملةوزن جهاز الإرسال9 جرام (0.3oz)نسبة الإشارة إلى الضوضاءأكثر من 80dB [](#) ## **When built-in mic is acceptable** **B-roll and ambient sound:** When you are capturing environmental audio (street sounds, nature, crowd noise) the built-in mic is fine because you want the ambient perspective. **Reference audio:** Always record on the built-in mic as a backup reference track, even when using external audio. It helps with syncing and serves as an emergency backup. **Very casual content:** Quick social media stories, behind-the-scenes clips, and personal records where audio quality is not critical. For anything where voice clarity matters — tutorials, interviews, vlogs, courses, presentations — always use an external mic. ## The single biggest upgrade to your video content is not a better camera or lens — it is an external microphone. A $100 wireless lavalier transforms amateur-sounding video into professional content. Audio quality matters more than video quality to viewers. ## Gear that does this Available in Egypt and suited to what this guide covers. - [DJI Osmo Pocket 3](https://camerashop.com.eg/product/dji-osmo-pocket-3/) - 25000 EGP, in stock, SKU 17100 - [Sennheiser ME 2 Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone with Locking 3.5mm Connector](https://camerashop.com.eg/product/sennheiser-me-2-omnidirectional-lavalier-microphone-with-locking-3-5mm-connector/) - 14630 EGP, in stock, SKU 17323 - [Sennheiser Pro Audio Sennheiser EW 100-ME2 Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System-G](https://camerashop.com.eg/product/sennheiser-pro-audio-sennheiser-ew-100-me2-wireless-omni-lavalier-microphone-system-g/) - 31350 EGP, in stock, SKU 17524