10 Best Camera Microphones for Interviews (August 2026)

Bad audio ruins good video faster than anything else. I learned that the hard way after recording a 45-minute sit-down interview only to discover my camera’s built-in mic picked up more air conditioner hum than my subject’s voice. That mistake cost me a full day of reshooting and taught me exactly why choosing the right microphone for interviews matters so much.

Whether you are shooting documentary-style street interviews, controlled studio conversations, or run-and-gun news segments, the microphone you pair with your camera makes or breaks your final product. Viewers will forgive a shaky shot or slightly off white balance, but garbled, echoey, or noisy audio? They click away. Our team spent weeks comparing the best camera microphones for interviews across every category, from wireless lavalier systems to on-camera shotguns, testing each one in real interview scenarios to find out which ones actually deliver clean, professional dialogue.

This guide covers 10 microphones that span every budget and recording style. I included wireless systems for hands-free recording, shotgun mics for when you want to stay off your subject, and compact options for solo creators running one-person crews. Every product here was evaluated on audio clarity, ease of use, reliability, and how well it handles the messy realities of interview recording, from wind noise to crowded rooms to subjects who speak softly.

Top 3 Picks for Best Camera Microphones for Interviews

Best Camera Microphones for Interviews in 2026

1. DJI Mic Mini – Best Overall Wireless System for Interviews

I have used the DJI Mic Mini on three different interview shoots, and it consistently surprises me with how much capability DJI packed into something this small. The transmitters weigh just 10 grams each. That matters because your subject forgets they are wearing it, which means more natural body language and less self-conscious speech during interviews.

Setting up the Mic Mini takes about 15 seconds. You pull the transmitters from the charging case, clip one onto your subject’s collar, plug the receiver into your camera’s cold shoe or directly into a smartphone, and start recording. The two transmitters come pre-linked to the receiver, so there is zero pairing hassle. For interviews where you need to capture both yourself and your subject, having two transmitters in the box is a huge advantage over systems that make you buy a second mic separately.

The audio quality ranks among the best I have heard from a wireless system in this category. The 48kHz sampling rate captures clear, natural-sounding dialogue with good presence. What really sets it apart for interviews is the automatic limiting feature. If your subject suddenly raises their voice or leans closer to the mic, the limiter kicks in and prevents distortion without you touching a single setting. I have had subjects go from a whisper to excited shouting mid-sentence, and the Mic Mini handled both cleanly.

The noise cancellation works in two modes. Basic mode gently reduces ambient room noise while keeping the voice sounding natural, which is what I use for indoor interviews. Strong mode aggressively filters background sound and is better for outdoor or noisy environment recording. Battery life is outstanding at 48 hours total with the charging case. I shot a full day of conference interviews on a single charge with juice to spare.

Who Should Buy the DJI Mic Mini

This is the best all-around choice for content creators who regularly record interviews and want a reliable, easy-to-use wireless system. If you shoot sit-down conversations, podcast-style videos, or documentary interviews with two people, the dual transmitters and automatic limiting make it incredibly forgiving. It also connects directly to DJI Osmo devices without the receiver, which is a bonus if you own any DJI cameras or gimbals.

Who Should Skip It

If you need an on-mic mute button for live broadcasting situations, you will want to look at the DJI Mic 2 instead. The lack of physical mute means you have to use the app or pause recording on your camera. Also, if you frequently shoot in very windy outdoor conditions, plan to add a third-party windscreen since the included foam does not handle strong gusts well.

2. Rode VideoMic GO II Helix – Best Plug-and-Play On-Camera Shotgun

The Rode VideoMic GO II Helix is the on-camera microphone I reach for when I want zero setup time and clean directional audio. At just 60 grams, it barely registers on my mirrorless camera’s hot shoe, and that matters when you are already running a heavy lens and gimbal setup for interview shoots.

What makes this mic special for interviews is the simplicity. There are no buttons to configure, no batteries to charge, and no gain levels to set. You mount it on your camera, plug the 3.5mm TRS cable into your mic input, and it just works. The super-cardioid polar pattern focuses on sound directly in front of the camera, which means it picks up your subject clearly while rejecting noise from the sides and behind. For sit-down interviews where your camera is pointed at your subject, this directional focus is exactly what you need.

The HELIX isolation mount is a genuine upgrade over the original VideoMic GO suspension system. It does a much better job absorbing handling vibrations and camera body noise. I tested it on a tripod while adjusting camera settings during an interview, and the mount isolated most of my handling noise from the recording. The USB-C output is a bonus feature that lets you connect directly to a smartphone or computer for podcast recordings or video calls without needing an audio interface.

Sound quality is clean and natural with good vocal presence. The frequency response from 20Hz to 20kHz covers the full vocal range, and Rode’s condenser capsule delivers the kind of clarity you expect from a brand with this reputation. It does not have the reach of a full-size shotgun mic, so it works best when your camera is within about 6 feet of your subject for interviews.

Who Should Buy the Rode VideoMic GO II Helix

This is ideal for vloggers and solo creators who shoot interviews with the camera on a tripod or gimbal and want a simple, no-maintenance shotgun solution. If you hate dealing with batteries and wireless pairing, and you typically shoot at a controlled distance from your subject, this microphone delivers excellent results with plug-and-play ease. The USB-C output also makes it a dual-purpose tool for both field recording and desktop podcasting.

Who Should Skip It

If you need to record two people simultaneously or want wireless freedom to move around, this single-channel wired shotgun is not the right tool. It also struggles in loud environments like conventions or busy streets, where a lavalier placed close to the mouth will always outperform a camera-mounted shotgun.

3. Movo VXR10 – Best Budget Shotgun Mic for Interview Beginners

The Movo VXR10 is the microphone I recommend to anyone just starting out with interview recording who does not want to spend triple digits on audio gear. With over 15,000 reviews and a loyal following, it has earned its spot as one of the most popular entry-level camera microphones available.

What impressed me most is what Movo includes in the box. You get the microphone itself with a solid aluminum body, a shock mount, a fuzzy windscreen for outdoor use, both TRS and TRRS cables, and a padded carrying case. For someone building their first interview kit, this is everything you need in one package. The unidirectional pickup pattern does a respectable job of focusing on your subject while reducing background noise behind and to the sides of the camera.

Audio quality is noticeably better than any built-in camera or smartphone microphone. Vocals come through with decent clarity and presence. However, I want to be honest about the limitations. Compared to the Sennheiser MKE 400 or Rode options in this guide, the VXR10 has a slightly thinner sound with less detail in the upper midrange frequencies. It also has a more limited effective range, so you want to keep your camera within 4 to 5 feet of your interview subject for best results.

The build quality surprised me at this price. The aluminum body feels sturdy and can handle the bumps of field use. There is no battery required since it draws power through the connected device, which simplifies your kit. I did see reports of static interference on some Canon EOS Rebel cameras, so if you shoot Canon, check the latest reviews for your specific model before buying.

Who Should Buy the Movo VXR10

Beginners and budget-conscious creators who want a massive step up from built-in camera audio without spending much money. If you are shooting YouTube interviews, school projects, or casual content and just need something that works with any camera or phone you own, the VXR10 delivers the essentials at a fraction of what premium mics cost. The included accessories make it a complete starter kit.

Who Should Skip It

If you produce content for broadcast, professional clients, or anything where audio quality directly affects your brand, invest in a higher-tier option. The VXR10 is a capable starter mic, but professionals will notice the difference in clarity and detail compared to the Sennheiser or Rode options. Also, Canon EOS users should verify compatibility first given the reported static issues.

4. Hollyland Lark M2 – Best Ultra-Compact Wireless Mic for Mobile Interviews

The Hollyland Lark M2 holds the title of lightest wireless microphone I have ever tested, with transmitters that weigh just 9 grams. When you clip this onto a subject’s shirt for an interview, it practically disappears. That invisible quality makes subjects more relaxed and natural on camera, which translates to better interviews.

Hollyland packed serious performance into this tiny package. The 48kHz/24-bit audio format delivers studio-grade sound that competes with systems costing significantly more. In my testing, vocal recordings came through crisp and detailed with good warmth in the lower midrange. The 1000-foot line-of-sight wireless range is the longest in this guide, and while you will rarely need that much distance for interviews, it means rock-solid signal reliability even in challenging environments like crowded convention halls or buildings with thick walls.

The noise cancellation activates with one click and works at two levels. For most indoor interviews, the lower setting gently reduces room ambience without making the voice sound processed. The stronger setting is useful for outdoor interviews or noisy locations, though it can sound slightly digital in very loud environments. One feature I really like is the TX button that lets your subject start and stop video recording remotely on your phone. For solo creators running one-person interview shoots, that remote control is surprisingly handy.

Battery life totals 30 hours when you factor in the two recharges from the included charging case. Each transmitter runs about 10 hours on a charge, which covers a full day of interview shooting with room to spare. The plug-and-play USB-C receiver works with both iPhones and Android phones, and it has MFi certification for Apple devices, meaning reliable performance without dropouts.

Who Should Buy the Hollyland Lark M2

Mobile-first creators who shoot interviews primarily on smartphones and want the smallest, lightest wireless system available. If you record street interviews, event coverage, or social media content where staying mobile and unobtrusive matters, the Lark M2’s 9-gram transmitters and 1000-foot range give you freedom and reliability. The remote recording control is a standout feature for solo operators.

Who Should Skip It

If you primarily shoot with professional cinema cameras that need XLR connections, this USB-C system is not designed for that workflow. The USB-C dongle form factor can also block adjacent ports on laptops, so desktop podcasters might find the form factor awkward. Firmware updates require the HollyAudio app, which some users find unintuitive.

5. NEEWER CM28 – Best Wireless System with Built-In Recording

The NEEWER CM28 solves one of the biggest fears in interview recording: losing your audio. Each transmitter has 4GB of built-in storage that records up to 9 hours of uncompressed 48kHz WAV audio independently. If your wireless signal drops, your camera dies, or any technical issue interrupts the feed to your camera, you still have a pristine backup recording on the transmitter itself.

I tested this backup feature deliberately by walking the transmitter out of range during a test interview. The camera track dropped out as expected, but the internal recording on the transmitter captured everything perfectly. For professional interview work where you cannot afford to lose a take, that safety net is worth the price of admission alone. The WAV files export cleanly through a USB connection to your editing workstation.

The 200-meter wireless range provides reliable coverage for most interview scenarios. I tested it through two interior walls at about 50 meters and the signal stayed solid. The one-click noise cancellation does a good job filtering ambient noise in busy environments, though I noticed it can make voices sound slightly robotic in very quiet rooms where it is filtering subtle room tone that should be there naturally.

A unique feature is the UV sanitization built into the charging case. While it sounds like a gimmick, if you are clipping microphones onto multiple interview subjects throughout the day, having the case sanitize the transmitters between uses is actually a thoughtful hygiene touch. The LCD display shows battery level, connection status, and recording mode at a glance, though the small size makes it a bit hard to read without bringing it close to your face.

Who Should Buy the NEEWER CM28

Interview producers who cannot risk losing audio and want the security of internal backup recording. If you shoot professional documentary interviews, corporate videos, or any project where reshooting is not an option, the 4GB onboard storage provides peace of mind that no other system in this price range offers. The dual transmitters with independent recording make this excellent for two-person interviews.

Who Should Skip It

If you only shoot casual content where losing a take is not a big deal, the internal recording feature adds cost you may not need. The noise cancellation also performs best in genuinely noisy environments. In quiet studios, it can over-process the audio, so studio interviewers might prefer to run it without noise cancellation active.

6. DJI Mic 2 – Best Professional Wireless System with 32-Bit Float

The DJI Mic 2 is the microphone I recommend when someone asks me for the absolute best wireless interview system regardless of budget. The headline feature is 32-bit float internal recording, which is a technical way of saying this microphone is virtually impossible to clip. Traditional audio recording uses 24-bit or 16-bit depth, where setting your gain too high causes permanent distortion. With 32-bit float, the recording captures such an enormous dynamic range that you can recover from practically any level issue in post-production.

I tested this by deliberately setting up a scenario where my subject went from barely audible whispering to full-voice shouting. On a normal recorder, the shout would be a distorted mess. With the DJI Mic 2’s 32-bit float, I pulled the levels down in my editing software and the loud section was perfectly clean. For interview work, where you cannot always control how loud your subject will speak, this is a game-changing safety feature.

The build quality feels premium in hand. The transmitters have a satisfying weight and the controls are intuitive. The OLED display on the receiver is bright and easy to read even in direct sunlight, showing battery life, connection status, and recording time at a glance. The headphone output on the receiver lets you monitor audio in real-time, which is essential for professional interview work where you need to catch issues as they happen rather than discovering them in post.

The 820-foot wireless range provides solid reliability in most environments. I tested it inside a large office building with multiple walls and maintained a clean signal at 200 feet. Battery life totals 18 hours with the charging case, which covers a demanding full day of interview shooting. DJI includes both USB-C and Lightning adapters, making it compatible with virtually every camera and smartphone on the market.

Who Should Buy the DJI Mic 2

Professional interviewers, documentary filmmakers, and content creators who want the highest possible audio quality with bulletproof reliability. The 32-bit float recording alone justifies the investment if you shoot interviews professionally and cannot afford distorted audio. If you currently worry about setting gain levels correctly before every interview, this system eliminates that concern entirely.

Who Should Skip It

Creators on a tight budget will get 90 percent of the functionality from the DJI Mic Mini at less than half the cost. The 32-bit float recording is the main differentiator, and while it is valuable for professionals, casual creators who can easily reshoot interviews may not need that safety net. The included dead cat wind muff is also an off-gray color that is visible on camera, which some users find aesthetically annoying.

7. Hollyland Lark A1 – Best Budget Wireless Mic with Magnetic Clip

The Hollyland Lark A1 is the microphone that made me rethink what is possible at a budget price point. For less than what many people spend on a single lav cable, Hollyland delivers a dual-transmitter wireless system with 48kHz/24-bit audio, three levels of noise cancellation, and a magnetic clip design that actually works.

The magnetic attachment is clever. Instead of a traditional clip that can damage delicate fabrics or look bulky, the Lark A1 uses a small magnetic disc that goes inside the shirt with the transmitter attaching to the outside magnetically. I tested it on everything from thin t-shirts to thick winter coats, and it held securely through all of them. For interview situations where you need to mic up subjects quickly without fumbling with clips, this saves real time.

Audio quality exceeded my expectations at this price. Vocals come through with good clarity and a natural tone that does not sound like a cheap wireless system. The 48kHz/24-bit spec is the same format used by systems costing three to four times as much. The three-level noise cancellation gives you options: weak for quiet rooms, medium for typical indoor environments, and strong for outdoor or noisy locations. I found the medium setting hit the sweet spot for most interview scenarios.

Battery life is exceptional at up to 54 hours total with the charging case. That is enough for nearly a week of daily interview shooting without reaching for a wall charger. The auto-limit clip protection prevents distortion if your subject speaks loudly, which is a feature usually reserved for more expensive systems. The plug-and-play USB-C receiver means no Bluetooth pairing or app setup is required to start recording.

Who Should Buy the Hollyland Lark A1

Budget-conscious creators who want wireless freedom with surprisingly good audio quality. If you are just starting to shoot interviews for YouTube, TikTok, or social media and cannot justify spending on a DJI or Rode system, the Lark A1 gives you professional features like 48kHz/24-bit recording and magnetic attachment at a fraction of the cost. The 54-hour battery life is also the best in this entire guide.

Who Should Skip It

If you shoot in very noisy environments like concerts, motorsports events, or busy factories, the noise cancellation at its strongest setting can produce an artificial-sounding result. Professional broadcast producers may also want a system with internal backup recording for added security. The app interface for firmware updates and advanced settings is also clunky compared to DJI’s software.

8. Sennheiser MKE 400 – Best Professional On-Camera Shotgun Mic

The Sennheiser MKE 400 is the microphone that professionals trust when they want broadcast-quality dialogue from an on-camera shotgun. Sennheiser has been making studio and broadcast microphones for decades, and that experience shows in the audio character of this compact shotgun. Voices come through with a warmth and presence that sounds distinctly professional.

What makes the MKE 400 especially good for interviews is the built-in low-cut filter. Room rumble, air conditioner hum, and traffic vibration from the floor are common interview audio killers, and the low-cut filter eliminates them cleanly without affecting vocal clarity. I tested it in a concrete office building with noticeable HVAC hum, and engaging the filter removed the hum while keeping my subject’s voice natural and full.

The integrated shock mount and wind protection mean you do not need to buy accessories to get started. The shock mount does a decent job isolating handling noise, though I noticed some vibration transferred when adjusting the camera on a fluid head during a shoot. The three-step sensitivity switch lets you adjust for loud or quiet subjects quickly. The headphone output with volume control on the microphone body itself is a thoughtful feature that lets you monitor audio without digging through camera menus.

The MKE 400 runs on a single AAA battery and automatically powers on and off with your camera. That sounds like a small thing, but if you have ever killed a mic battery by forgetting to turn it off after a shoot, you will appreciate not having to think about it. Sennheiser includes both TRS and TRRS cables in the box, so it works with cameras and smartphones out of the box. The compact design also works well on gimbals where weight and balance matter.

Who Should Buy the Sennheiser MKE 400

Professional videographers and filmmakers who want the Sennheiser sound signature in a compact, camera-mounted package. If you shoot sit-down or controlled-environment interviews and prefer a shotgun mic over wireless lavaliers, the MKE 400 delivers broadcast-quality audio with useful features like the low-cut filter and headphone monitoring. It is also excellent for gimbal-mounted interview setups where weight matters.

Who Should Skip It

If you need to record subjects who are moving around or far from the camera, an on-camera shotgun has inherent distance limitations. The twist mount can feel slightly loose on some camera shoes, which is worth checking on your specific camera body. At this price, some creators might also prefer the Rode VideoMic NTG for its USB connectivity and more versatile feature set.

9. COMICA BoomX-D2 – Best Mid-Range Wireless with Safety Track

The COMICA BoomX-D2 caught my attention because it offers professional features like safety track recording and dual-channel operation at a mid-range price. For interview shooters who need two microphones but cannot justify premium system prices, this is one of the most capable options available.

The safety track mode is the standout feature for interview work. When enabled, the system simultaneously records a second audio track at a lower volume. If your subject suddenly gets loud and clips the primary track, the safety track preserves a clean version you can use in editing. This is the same concept that professional field recorders use, and having it in a compact wireless system at this price is impressive. I tested it by having a subject alternate between normal speaking and loud exclamations, and the safety track saved the loud portions perfectly.

The 650-foot wireless range provides reliable coverage for most interview setups. I tested it in a large conference venue and maintained solid signal at about 400 feet through multiple walls. The ultra-low latency of under 20ms means there is no noticeable audio delay, which keeps lip sync tight when monitoring through headphones. The one-tap noise reduction uses DSP processing to clean up ambient noise, and it works well for reducing consistent background hum without making voices sound processed.

COMICA includes a comprehensive accessory package with lavalier clips, windscreens, cables, and a carrying case. The 12-hour battery life per charge covers a standard shooting day, though I would like to see longer endurance for marathon interview sessions. The LCD display shows connection status and battery life but auto-dims after a few seconds, which can be annoying when you want to quickly check settings between takes.

Who Should Buy the COMICA BoomX-D2

Independent filmmakers and content creators who need a dual-transmitter wireless system with professional safety features at a reasonable price. The safety track mode is the killer feature for interview work, giving you insurance against audio clipping without spending premium money. If you regularly interview two people at once or want backup audio protection, this system delivers excellent value.

Who Should Skip It

If you shoot multi-day documentary projects where you need maximum battery life, the 12 hours per charge may require mid-day battery swaps. The auto-dimming display can also be frustrating if you frequently check settings between interview subjects. For professional broadcast work, the audio quality is good but not quite at the Sennheiser or DJI Mic 2 level of refinement.

10. FIFINE M9 – Best Entry-Level Dual Wireless System

The FIFINE M9 is what I recommend when someone asks for the cheapest way to get a proper dual-microphone wireless setup for interviews. FIFINE has built a reputation for delivering surprising quality at budget prices, and the M9 continues that tradition with a two-transmitter, one-receiver system that includes a charging case.

For the price, the audio quality genuinely surprised me. Voices come through with clarity that is a massive step up from built-in camera or phone microphones. The omnidirectional pickup pattern captures sound from all directions, which means you do not have to be precise about microphone placement on your subject. Clip it roughly in the chest area and it picks up clear dialogue. The dual-channel recording captures both microphones independently, giving you separate audio tracks to mix in post-production.

The receiver features a small display screen that shows battery status and recording mode. It is a simple addition but genuinely helpful during shoots when you want to confirm the system is recording without pulling out your phone or checking the camera. The 30-hour total battery life with the charging case is generous at this price and covers a couple of full shooting days. The charging case is compact and protects the transmitters and receiver during transport.

The working range of 164 feet is shorter than other wireless systems in this guide, but adequate for typical interview scenarios where your subject is within a few yards of the camera. The system connects via 3.5mm jack, and FIFINE includes adapters for different devices. I did notice some users reporting reliability concerns over longer periods, so this is a mic I would test thoroughly before relying on it for paid professional work.

Who Should Buy the FIFINE M9

Beginners and casual content creators who want to try wireless interview recording without making a significant investment. If you are starting a YouTube channel, recording school projects, or just experimenting with interview-style content, the M9 gives you two wireless microphones, a charging case, and dual-channel recording for less than what many single microphones cost. It is the lowest-risk way to get into wireless interview audio.

Who Should Skip It

If you rely on your audio equipment for paid professional work, the occasional reliability reports are a concern. The 164-foot range is also limiting if you need distance between camera and subject. Professional creators should consider stepping up to the COMICA BoomX-D2 or DJI Mic Mini for more consistent performance and better range. The included USB-C adapter has also received mixed quality feedback from users.

How to Choose the Best Camera Microphone for Interviews

Picking the right microphone for interviews comes down to understanding your recording environment, your crew size, and how much post-production you want to deal with. Here is what I have learned from testing these microphones across dozens of interview scenarios.

Microphone Types and When to Use Each

Lavalier (clip-on) microphones are the most versatile choice for interviews. You clip them close to your subject’s mouth, which gives you consistent audio levels regardless of where the camera is positioned. Wireless lavalier systems like the DJI Mic Mini or Hollyland Lark M2 free you from cable management and let your subject move naturally. Use lavaliers for sit-down interviews, walking interviews, and any scenario where you want reliable, close-miked audio.

Shotgun microphones mount on your camera and capture directional audio from wherever the camera is pointed. They are ideal when you do not want to put a microphone on your subject, like street interviews where micing up takes too long or documentary situations where a visible microphone changes the dynamic. The Rode VideoMic GO II Helix and Sennheiser MKE 400 are both excellent shotgun options, but remember they only sound as good as their distance from the subject allows.

Wireless mini transmitters like the Hollyland Lark M2 and Lark A1 bridge the gap between lavaliers and shotguns. They clip directly to clothing without a separate lav capsule, combining the close-miked quality of a lavalier with the convenience of not running cables. These are my preferred choice for most modern interview work.

Connection Types Explained

The connection type determines what gear you can use with your microphone. 3.5mm TRS connects to most DSLR and mirrorless cameras. 3.5mm TRRS works with smartphones. USB-C connects to Android phones, iPads, and modern laptops. XLR is the professional standard for cinema cameras and audio recorders. Many interview microphones now offer dual outputs like 3.5mm and USB-C, which gives you flexibility across different recording devices.

Wireless systems use 2.4GHz transmission to send audio from transmitters to a receiver connected to your camera. This eliminates cable runs and gives your subjects freedom to move. The tradeoff is that wireless systems need batteries, can potentially suffer interference in crowded RF environments, and cost more than wired alternatives.

32-Bit Float Recording: Why It Matters for Interviews

Traditional audio recording clips when levels exceed the maximum, creating permanent distortion. 32-bit float recording captures such a massive dynamic range that clipping becomes virtually impossible. You can recover from gain errors, unexpected loud moments, and level mismatches entirely in post-production. The DJI Mic 2 is the only microphone in this guide with 32-bit float, and for professional interview work where you cannot redo a take, it provides unmatched audio security.

Key Features to Look For

Noise cancellation helps in less-than-ideal recording environments. Look for adjustable levels so you can match the filtering to your environment. Automatic limiting prevents clipping when subjects speak louder than expected. Internal recording on the transmitter provides a backup in case wireless signal drops. Battery life should cover your longest shooting day plus a margin of safety. Monitoring capability through a headphone output lets you catch audio problems during the interview rather than discovering them later.

Frequently Asked Questions About Interview Microphones

Final Thoughts on the Best Camera Microphones for Interviews

Finding the best camera microphones for interviews does not have to be complicated. If you want the easiest recommendation, get the DJI Mic Mini. It delivers clean audio, automatic limiting to prevent clipping, dual transmitters for two-person interviews, and 48-hour battery life in a system that sets up in seconds. For most interview creators, it covers every base without breaking the bank.

If you prefer the simplicity of an on-camera shotgun and do not need wireless freedom, the Rode VideoMic GO II Helix and Sennheiser MKE 400 are both excellent choices that mount directly to your camera and just work. Budget shoppers should look at the Movo VXR10 for shotgun needs or the Hollyland Lark A1 and FIFINE M9 for wireless systems that deliver solid performance at entry-level prices.

Professional interviewers who cannot risk audio failures should strongly consider the DJI Mic 2 with its 32-bit float recording, or the NEEWER CM28 with its internal backup storage. Both provide the kind of audio security that matters when reshooting is not an option. Whatever your budget and workflow, one of these 10 microphones will dramatically improve your interview audio over any built-in camera mic.