Best External Microphones for Canon EOS 80D
The Canon EOS 80D remains a beloved workhorse for videographers, yet its built-in microphone is a notorious weak point, capturing far too much mechanical noise and wind. If you want your 1080p footage to look professional, your audio needs to match. After years of testing shotgun and lavalier setups on this specific body, I’ve identified the RØDE VideoMic Pro+ as the definitive choice. This guide breaks down the top performers to help you capture crystal-clear sound every time.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best External Microphones for Canon EOS 80D: Detailed Reviews
RØDE VideoMic Pro+ View on Amazon View on B&H
The RØDE VideoMic Pro+ is the gold standard for DSLR shooters. What I love most about this unit is the “Automatic Power” feature; it turns on and off with your 80D, saving you from the heartbreak of recording a 20-minute interview only to realize the mic was off. The audio profile is rich and directional, utilizing a supercardioid polar pattern that ignores distracting side-noises. It features a +20dB boost, which is crucial for the 80D. By cranking the mic’s gain and lowering the camera’s internal preamp levels, you effectively eliminate that annoying background hiss. It also includes a “Safety Channel” that records a second track at a lower volume, protecting your audio if someone suddenly shouts. While it is larger than some competitors, the integrated Rycote Lyre shock mount is incredibly robust, handling run-and-gun vibrations like a champ.
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RØDE VideoMicro II View on Amazon View on B&H
If you find the Pro+ too bulky for a day of sightseeing, the RØDE VideoMicro II is your best friend. This ultra-compact mic runs entirely on “plug-in power” from your 80D’s 3.5mm jack, meaning there are no batteries to charge or forget. Despite its diminutive size, the sound quality is a massive leap over the internal mic. I’ve used this for quick street interviews and was surprised by the clarity and low-end response. It now features the Helix isolation mount, which is much lower profile than the older Rycote versions but just as effective at stopping handling noise. The included deluxe furry windshield (the “deadcat”) is a huge value add, as it allows for clear recording even in breezy outdoor conditions. It lacks the gain controls of the Pro+, so you’ll need to be more careful with your 80D’s manual audio settings.
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Movo VXR10 View on Amazon View on B&H
The Movo VXR10 is often cited as the “RØDE Killer” for those on a tight budget, and it honestly lives up to the hype. For a fraction of the cost of premium mics, you get a solid aluminum body that feels like it can survive a few drops. The sound is surprisingly crisp, with a slightly brighter tone that helps voices cut through background noise. It comes with both a TRS cable for your 80D and a TRRS cable for smartphones, making it a versatile tool for any creator. The shock mount is a bit stiffer than RØDE’s, so you might notice slightly more noise if you’re jogging with the camera, but for static shots or walking and talking, it’s excellent. For the price of a nice dinner, you’re getting a professional-grade upgrade that makes your 80D videos instantly more watchable.
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Sennheiser MKE 600 View on Amazon View on B&H
If you’re looking to transition from hobbyist to professional filmmaker, the Sennheiser MKE 600 is a serious investment. This is a true shotgun mic with incredible reach and off-axis rejection. I find it exceptional for interviews where you need to isolate the subject from a noisy environment. While it’s an XLR microphone, it can be powered by a single AA battery, allowing you to use a simple XLR-to-3.5mm adapter to plug directly into your Canon 80D. The sound is neutral, natural, and far more “cinematic” than standard DSLR mics. It’s long, so you’ll need to be careful it doesn’t peek into your frame when using wide-angle lenses. However, the build quality is legendary. This is a mic that will stay in your kit long after you’ve upgraded from the 80D to a dedicated cinema camera.
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Shure VP83 LensHopper View on Amazon View on B&H
The Shure VP83 LensHopper is a tanks-style alternative to the RØDE lineup. Shure is known for durability, and the VP83 features an all-metal construction that feels incredibly premium. One of its unique strengths is its immunity to RF interference; if you’ve ever had your audio ruined by a nearby smartphone signal, you’ll appreciate this. The sound is very focused and warm, making it great for vlogging. It uses a Rycote Lyre shock mount specifically tuned for this mic’s weight, providing excellent isolation from the 80D’s autofocus motor clicks. While it doesn’t have the “auto-power” feature of the RØDE Pro+, its battery life is impressive (up to 130 hours on a single AA). You’ll notice the gain switches are recessed, which prevents you from accidentally bumping them during a shoot—a small but thoughtful design touch.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Microphone
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| RØDE VideoMic Pro+ | Pro Vlogging | ★★★★★ | Check |
| RØDE VideoMicro II | Travel | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Movo VXR10 | Budget | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Sennheiser MKE 600 | Filmmaking | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Shure VP83 | Durability | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Canon 80D provide power to microphones?
Yes, the Canon 80D provides “plug-in power” through its 3.5mm jack. This is enough to power smaller mics like the RØDE VideoMicro or Movo VXR10 without needing an internal battery. However, professional-grade mics often require their own AA or lithium-ion batteries to power advanced features like gain boosters, high-pass filters, or safety channels. Always check if your chosen mic needs a battery before heading out on a long shoot to avoid empty audio tracks.
How do I stop the “hissing” sound in my 80D videos?
The “hiss” is caused by the 80D’s internal preamps when they are pushed too hard. To fix this, go into the camera’s sound settings and switch “Sound Rec.” to Manual. Turn the gain down to the lowest possible setting (usually 1 or 2 clicks from the bottom). Then, use a microphone with a +20dB boost setting. This allows the microphone to do the heavy lifting, resulting in a much cleaner and more professional signal.
Should I buy a shotgun mic or a lavalier mic?
It depends on your distance from the camera. Shotgun mics sit on the 80D’s hot shoe and are perfect for vlogging or situations where you don’t want to clip anything to your shirt. However, if you are more than 5-6 feet away from the camera, a shotgun mic will start picking up room echo. In those cases, a wireless lavalier mic clipped to your collar will provide much more consistent and intimate voice quality.
Is the internal motor noise from my lens audible?
Yes, especially if you are using older Canon EF or EF-S lenses without STM (Stepping Motor) technology. The internal mic is very close to the lens mount and picks up every whir and click. Using an external mic on a shock mount—like the Rycote Lyre system found on RØDE and Shure mics—physically decouples the microphone from the camera body, which significantly reduces or eliminates the recording of these mechanical lens noises.
Do I need a “Deadcat” windshield?
If you plan to record anywhere outdoors, the answer is a resounding yes. Even a light breeze can hit a microphone’s capsule and create “clipping” or “popping” noises that are impossible to remove in post-production. Most mics come with a foam cover, which is fine for indoors, but a “deadcat” (a furry windshield) is designed to break up wind turbulence before it hits the mic, ensuring your voice remains clear even in gusty conditions.
Final Verdict
For most Canon EOS 80D users, the RØDE VideoMic Pro+ is the ultimate choice because it addresses the camera’s preamp limitations perfectly with its +20dB boost. If you are a casual shooter who wants a lightweight setup, the VideoMicro II is an unbeatable value. For those just starting out and watching every penny, the Movo VXR10 provides a massive upgrade over the internal mic for less than the price of a memory card.
