Sony Digital Shotgun Microphone ECM-M1

The ECM-M1 is really good size (small & compact), but do not let that fool you from the power and versatility it comes with. It's really handy for all of the modes that you have access to once you have the ECM-M1. It really opens up a wide range if you're used to filming run and gun and really need a good audio onboard mic source. Another side note is that if you use this with a gimbal, it makes life so so easy while giving you peace of mind that your sound is A1.

The Sony ECM-M1 is a very compact digital shotgun microphone that allows you to quickly change audio recording direction from one if its 8 selectable pickup patterns. The sound quality is quite well. Its features are simple and very easy to use. It also has noise filters, gain, and audio level controls. It can be attached directly to Sony cameras with Muilti Interface hot shoe for cable-free connection such as A7R IV, A7R V, A1, or FX30. It is always in my camera bag for recording wildlife sounds for social media content.

The thing I love about this microphone is that is just works. You plug it into the camera and there is no other set up. It turns on with the camera, and it shuts off with the camera. This is a great benefit compared to others that I have used in its class. It is so versatile with so many modes of recording. It doesn't seem like much of a microphone, but it really can pick up from any direction as long as you have the setting wheel correct for what you want to record. The sound is excellent! The size of the microphone makes it a perfect carry option when you want to pack light or be discrete in what you are doing. It doesn't shout hey look at me, and less people want to "pet it". The one thing I really like about using this microphone is how similar the controls are to the rest of the microphone system. It matches well and functions, almost identically to the ECM-S1. The one thing I found didn't work very well was its ability to noise isolate itself on its suspension mount Under harsher conditions the body will contact the base and cause a clicking sound in the recording. This was only an issue when moving quickly or when you pan the camera quickly. It also was only noticeable side to side, then forward to back. This is the only reason I am giving it 4 out of 5 stars on performance.