Best Microphones for Sony FX3 & FX6

The Sony FX3 and FX6 are Sony’s best selling cinema mirrorless cameras. These cameras are great for shooting videos and movies. As we all know, the built-in microphones in Sony FX3 and FX6 are not very good enough for high quality movies and films. So you’d better get an external microphone for Sony FX3 & FX6. Currently, there are a lot of great microphones online, we have reviewed and tested latest best selling microphones, and below are top recommended ones for Sony FX3 and FX6:

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone – Check Price at Amazon/B&H Photo Video/Adorama

The Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 is a superb shotgun microphone for professional film, TV, and on-location audio capture. Its moisture-resistant design provides reliable performance even in humid conditions that can cause condensation issues for other mics. The MKH 416-P48U3 delivers clean, balanced sound with its sharp directivity that minimizes off-axis sound, low self-noise, and strong signal output.

With its wide 40Hz-20kHz frequency response, the MKH 416-P48U3 captures audio with full dynamics and natural bass roll-off. The gentle boost from 5kHz to 15kHz enhances speech intelligibility. The hypercardioid polar pattern attenuates sound at 125Hz-2kHz by around 10dB at 90° for excellent isolation. Dialogue, foley, and effects are recorded with excellent clarity and articulation.

The MKH 416-P48U3 can handle high SPLs without distortion. Its transformerless, floating balanced output prevents interference for pristine signal integrity. The microphone is phantom powered and compatible with recorders, mixers, and camera preamps.

With a matte black metal body, the MKH 416-P48U3 minimizes visual reflections when boom mounted. Use the included MZQ 100 clip or a shockmount for vibration dampening. The foam windscreen reduces wind noise, and a furry windshield offers maximum outdoor noise reduction. Overall, the Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 is a reliable shotgun mic that delivers superb professional audio.

Features:

• For Pro Film, TV & Location Recording
• Moisture-Resistant for Humid Conditions
• No Switches, Buttons, or Dials
• 40 Hz to 20 kHz Frequency Response
• Hypercardioid at Low & Mid Frequencies
• Lobar Pattern at High Frequencies
• Low 13 dBA Self-Noise
• High Sensitivity of -32 dB
• Windscreen Reduces Wind Noise

Sennheiser MKE 600 Shotgun Microphone – Check Price at Amazon/B&H Photo Video/Adorama

Upgrade your video productions with the Sennheiser MKE 600 shotgun mic. Its supercardioid/lobar polar pattern provides tight directionality to isolate sound sources and suppress off-axis audio. This allows superior audio capture compared to a camera’s built-in omnidirectional mic, especially for distant subjects. The MKE 600’s sensitivity and low-noise circuitry deliver clean audio without excessive gain on noisy preamps.

With a natural 40Hz roll-off and switchable 100Hz high-pass filter, the MKE 600 reduces rumble and other low-frequency noise for focused sound. A gentle treble boost enhances speech intelligibility. The lightweight metal housing ensures durability without weighing down your rig.

The MKE 600 can be powered by either a single AA battery for up to 150 hours or 48V phantom power via the 3-pin XLR output. Use the included hot shoe shockmount for camera/tripod mounting or an optional shotgun mount for boompoles. The XLR to 3.5mm adapter cable allows direct connection to a camera’s mic input.

The 10-inch interference tube design rejects off-axis sounds to isolate dialogue, nature sounds, and other key audio. Overall, the Sennheiser MKE 600 provides professional-quality directional recording that significantly improves upon built-in camera mics, making it an excellent choice for independent productions, documentaries, and other video applications requiring clean, focused sound.

Features:

• Flexible use on any camera due to compact form
• Exceptional directivity
• Maximum rejection of side noise
• Switchable low-cut filter
• Phantom or battery powering
• Battery switch with “Low Batt” indicator
• All-metal housing
• Very good suppression of structure-borne noise

Rode NTG5 Moisture-Resistant Short Shotgun Microphone – Check Price at Amazon/B&H Photo Video/Adorama

The Rode NTG5 Moisture-Resistant Short Shotgun Microphone is Rode’s high-end microphone for professional cameras. Rode NTG5 can let you capture natural, uncolored sound indoors or outside for your next indie film, TV shoot, or documentary project without weighing down your rig. Professional-level features such as ultralow-noise circuitry, a smooth off-axis response, and a tightly controlled low end make it ideal for a range of location recording scenarios. The NTG5’s extremely high sensitivity allows it to produce robust output levels without having to apply extreme gain at your mic preamp.

Features:

• For Indie Films, TV & Documentaries
• Moisture-Resistant for Humid Conditions
• Phantom Powered
• Simple Operation with No Controls
• Transparent Tone with Tight Low End
• Ultralow-Noise Circuitry
• Ultrahigh Sensitivity Needs Less Gain
• Slight Presence Boost & Bass Attenuation
• Includes Furry Windshield & Pistol Grip
• Compact, Ultralightweight Housing

Rode NTG4+ Shotgun Microphone – Check Price at Amazon/B&H Photo Video/Adorama

The Rode NTG4+ Shotgun Microphone is another great microphone for Sony FX3 and FX6 for shooting indie films, TV and more. Customize your tone and capture quality sound indoors or outside for your next indie film, TV shoot, or documentary project with the Rode NTG4+ battery- or phantom-powered shotgun microphone. Specialized features such as low-noise circuitry, digitally switchable pad and frequency settings, and minimal handling noise reduce the need to repair and restore audio in post production.

Features:

• For Indie Films, TV & Documentaries
• Convenient Digital Switching
• Internal Battery or Phantom Powered
• Switchable Treble Boost and -10 dB Pad
• Selectable 75 Hz Low-Cut Filter
• Low-Noise Circuitry
• High Sensitivity and High Max SPL
• Warm and Natural Tone
• Windscreen Reduces Wind Noise
• Lightweight Metal Housing

Rode VideoMic Pro+ Shotgun Microphone – Check Price at Amazon/B&H Photo Video/Adorama

The Rode VideoMic Pro+ is an excellent shotgun microphone for run-and-gun shooters and mobile journalists. Its supercardioid polar pattern provides tight directional audio pickup to isolate subjects while minimizing off-axis sounds. The low-noise electronics and condenser capsule deliver detailed audio superior to built-in camera mics.

With versatile rechargeable lithium-ion or AA battery powering plus USB power, you can use the VideoMic Pro+ anywhere. Features like the high-pass filter, treble boost, and 3-stage gain control allow you to optimize settings for clear, balanced audio capture. The integrated Rycote shockmount reduces handling noise, and the redesigned windscreen minimizes wind rumble.

The VideoMic Pro+ conveniently mounts on a camera or boompole via the integrated shoe. It connects to cameras through the included 3.5mm TRS cable or optional XLR and TRRS cables. The selectable safety channel provides a duplicate lower signal to prevent clipping.

With its compact form factor, flexible power and mounting options, and audio-enhancing controls, the Rode VideoMic Pro+ is a versatile on-camera shotgun microphone that delivers excellent directional audio for run-and-gun video productions and mobile journalism where portability and sound quality are key.

Features:

• Still with the best-in-class Rycote Lyre suspension system onboard, the VideoMic Pro+ improves on the existing VideoMic Pro capsule/line tube and windshield, plus boasts a host of new features.
• Automatic Power Function (with plug-in power availability) is perfect for the run-and-gun shooter, automatically turning the microphone off when unplugged from the camera.
• Built-in Battery Door makes replacing the battery a breeze – plus it won’t get lost.
• Power options the VideoMic Pro+ can be powered by the all-new and included RØDE LB-1 Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery, 2 x AA Batteries or continuously via Micro USB.
• Digital Switching – will ensure the user has ultimate capture of the audio signal at the source, reducing post production and editing times.

Conclusion:

When shooting video with the Sony FX3 or FX6 cinema cameras, quality audio capture is essential. The built-in mics simply won’t provide the focused, professional-level sound needed for film, documentary, or broadcast productions. An external shotgun microphone is therefore highly recommended.

The Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 is an excellent moisture-resistant option with superb clarity and isolation. For more affordable but still pro-quality directional pickup, the Sennheiser MKE 600 and Rode NTG5 are great choices. Those needing a versatile mic with battery or phantom powering plus tone-shaping controls should consider the Rode NTG4+ or VideoMic Pro+.

All of these shotgun mics will provide clean, focused audio that significantly improves on the FX3/FX6’s built-in mics. Factors like budget, powering options, size, controls, and intended use should guide your selection. But any of these models will capture quality sound for professional-level film and video work. Just be sure to pair your FX3 or FX6 with one of these excellent external shotgun microphones to elevate your productions with audio to match the superb imaging of Sony’s cinema cameras.