The RØDE VideoMicro II (released in 2023) is a compact shotgun microphone designed to improve the audio quality of your vlogs, interviews, and other videography projects. While it boasts a super-portable form factor and user-friendly design, is it enough to be a serious contender in the world of on-camera audio? Let’s break down the mic’s strengths and weaknesses to see if it lives up to the hype.

Pros:

  • Ultra-compact and lightweight (2023): The claim to fame for the VideoMicro II is its tiny size and feather-light weight. It clips directly onto your camera’s hot shoe or a camera cage without adding noticeable bulk, making it perfect for travel and discreet use.
  • Simple to use (2023): With no batteries or complicated menus, the VideoMicro II is incredibly easy to use. Just plug it into your camera’s 3.5mm microphone jack and start recording. Perfect for beginners or those who value a quick setup.
  • Improved sound quality (2023): Compared to most built-in camera microphones, the VideoMicro II delivers a noticeable step up in audio quality. It captures clear and crisp sound, with a focus on the subject directly in front of the camera thanks to the supercardioid polar pattern.
  • Effective wind protection (2023): The mic comes with both a foam windscreen for light wind and a furry “dead cat” windscreen for more challenging outdoor conditions. These effectively minimize wind noise, ensuring your audio stays clean.
  • Long battery life (well, it doesn’t use batteries!): As a passive microphone, the VideoMicro II draws power directly from your camera, eliminating the need for batteries and the worry about running out of juice in the middle of a shoot.

Cons:

  • Limited features (2023): While simple to use, the VideoMicro II lacks some features found on more advanced mics. It offers no gain control or audio monitoring options, so you’ll need to rely on your camera’s audio settings.
  • Susceptible to handling noise (2023): The lightweight design can be susceptible to picking up vibrations and handling noise from the camera or cable. Using a shock mount (not included) can help mitigate this issue.
  • Not ideal for noisy environments (2023): The supercardioid pattern focuses on the subject in front but might not do well in very noisy environments where you need to capture ambient sound as well.
  • Limited included accessories (2023): While the windshields are a plus, some users might miss a carrying pouch or a TRS cable for connecting to smartphones (sold separately).

Overall:

The RØDE VideoMicro II (2023) is a solid choice for videographers seeking a compact and easy-to-use microphone that delivers a significant improvement over built-in camera mics. Its portability, user-friendliness, and decent audio quality make it ideal for vloggers, mobile journalists, and casual videographers working in controlled environments. However, if you need more advanced features like gain control or are shooting in complex acoustic situations, you might be better served by a more feature-rich shotgun microphone.