Best External Microphone for Canon EOS Rebel T6s
The Canon EOS Rebel T6s is a fantastic entry-level DSLR, but its internal microphone is its Achilles’ heel, often picking up lens motor whirring and wind noise. To truly unlock this camera’s potential for vlogging or filmmaking, an external microphone is non-negotiable. After years of testing audio gear on Rebel bodies, I’ve found that the Rode VideoMic Pro+ is the definitive choice. In this guide, I’ll help you navigate the best options to ensure your audio finally matches your 1080p footage.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best External Microphone for Canon EOS Rebel T6s: Detailed Reviews
Rode VideoMic Pro+ View on Amazon View on B&H
The Rode VideoMic Pro+ is widely considered the gold standard for DSLR videography, and for good reason. For T6s users, its most valuable feature is the +20dB gain boost. Because the Rebel T6s has relatively noisy internal preamps, being able to turn the camera’s manual audio levels way down and letting the Rode do the heavy lifting results in much cleaner audio. I particularly love the safety channel feature, which records a second track at a lower volume to prevent clipping if things get loud unexpectedly. The Rycote Lyre shock mount is incredibly robust—I’ve tossed this in my bag countless times without a single snap. While it is a bit bulky on the T6s’s smaller frame, the audio fidelity and the “set it and forget it” auto-power feature (which turns the mic off when you turn the camera off) make it worth every penny.
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Rode VideoMicro View on Amazon View on B&H
If you find the Pro+ too expensive or cumbersome, the Rode VideoMicro is an absolute gem. It draws a tiny amount of “plug-in power” directly from the T6s’s microphone jack, meaning you never have to worry about a dead battery in the middle of a shoot. In my experience, this mic is perfect for travel vloggers who want to keep their setup light. Despite its size, it features a cardioid pickup pattern that does a great job of reducing peripheral noise. It even comes with a “deadcat” windshield, which is usually a $20 accessory on its own. The sound is much richer than the T6s internal mic, though it lacks the gain control of the Pro+, so you’ll need to be careful with the camera’s internal settings to avoid hiss. For the price, it is nearly impossible to beat this build quality.
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Movo VXR10 View on Amazon View on B&H
The Movo VXR10 is the underdog that surprised me. It is a direct competitor to the VideoMicro but often comes in at a lower price point. What’s impressive is that it features a durable aluminum body rather than plastic. When I tested this side-by-side with the Rode equivalent, the VXR10 actually had a slightly “hotter” output signal, which can be helpful for the T6s’s weak audio preamps. It includes both TRS and TRRS cables, so you can use it with your T6s today and your smartphone tomorrow. The downside is that the shock mount feels a bit stiffer than Rode’s, meaning it might pick up more handling noise if you’re walking aggressively while filming. However, if you’re just starting out and every dollar counts, this provides a massive leap in audio quality over the built-in microphone for a very small investment.
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Sennheiser MKE 600 View on Amazon View on B&H
For those looking to transition from hobbyist to professional, the Sennheiser MKE 600 is a powerhouse. This is a true shotgun microphone. It’s significantly longer than the Rode options, which gives it incredible side-noise rejection. I find this mic exceptional for interviews where you need to isolate a voice in a crowded room. While it is an XLR microphone, it can be powered by a single AA battery and used with a simple XLR-to-3.5mm adapter to plug directly into your Rebel T6s. The audio is incredibly natural and lacks the “tiny” sound of smaller on-camera mics. You will need a separate cold-shoe mount to attach it to your camera, as it’s designed more for boom poles, but the cinematic quality it provides is unmatched in this price bracket. It’s an investment that will stay in your kit long after you upgrade your camera body.
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Tascam TM-2X View on Amazon View on B&H
Most on-camera mics are “mono” shotgun mics designed to pick up sound directly in front of them. The Tascam TM-2X is different; it’s a stereo microphone using an XY pattern. This makes it perfect if you’re filming a live band, a nature scene, or any scenario where you want the viewer to feel the “space” of the environment. I’ve used this at small acoustic concerts, and the stereo separation is surprisingly wide for such a small unit. It includes an isolation arm to move the mic away from the camera body, which is critical for the T6s because its autofocus motors can be quite noisy. It’s not the best choice for a talking-head vlog because it picks up too much room noise, but for immersive soundscapes, it’s a unique and highly effective tool for any Rebel owner’s gear bag.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose a Microphone for the Rebel T6s
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rode VideoMic Pro+ | Professional Vlogging | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Rode VideoMicro | Travel/Compact | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Movo VXR10 | Budget Vlogging | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Sennheiser MKE 600 | Indie Film/Interview | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Tascam TM-2X | Live Music | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Canon T6s have a microphone jack?
Yes, the Canon EOS Rebel T6s features a standard 3.5mm TRS microphone input located on the left side of the camera body under a rubber flap. This allows you to connect a wide variety of external microphones. However, it does not provide phantom power for professional XLR mics, so you must use self-powered microphones or those designed for “plug-in power” over the 3.5mm connection.
How do I stop the “hissing” sound when using an external mic?
The “hiss” usually comes from the camera’s Auto Gain Control (AGC). To fix this on the T6s, go into the Sound Recording menu and switch it from ‘Auto’ to ‘Manual.’ Turn the camera’s recording level down to about 10-20%, and use the gain boost on a microphone like the Rode VideoMic Pro+ to get your levels right. This keeps the camera’s noisy electronics from interfering with your audio.
Will a smartphone microphone work with the T6s?
Not without an adapter. Smartphones use TRRS connectors (three rings), while the T6s uses a TRS connector (two rings). If you have a mic designed for a phone, you will need a “TRRS to TRS” adapter (like the Rode SC3) to make it work. Some mics, like the Movo VXR10, include both cables in the box, which is a huge plus for versatility.
Is the internal mic on the T6s really that bad?
For casual family clips, it’s fine. But for anything professional, it’s problematic. It is omnidirectional, meaning it picks up sound from everywhere, including the person operating the camera and the lens focusing. If you use an STM lens, it’s quieter, but older USM or DC lenses will create a loud grinding sound on your recording that is almost impossible to remove in post-production.
Do I need a “Deadcat” windshield for my T6s mic?
If you plan on filming outdoors, absolutely. Even a light breeze can create “booming” distortion that ruins a recording. A foam windscreen (the black spongy cover) is only effective for indoor use to stop “plosive” sounds (like ‘P’ sounds). For outdoor vlogging, a synthetic fur windshield (deadcat) is essential to break up the wind before it hits the microphone capsule.
Final Verdict
For the majority of Canon T6s users, the Rode VideoMic Pro+ is the investment that makes the most sense because it solves the camera’s preamp noise issues. However, if you are a casual traveler, the VideoMicro is a brilliant, lightweight alternative. For those strictly watching their budget, the Movo VXR10 provides a professional-sounding jump over internal audio for a fraction of the cost. Choose the mic that fits your primary shooting style, and you’ll see your production value soar.