If you want to get the best audio quality in your video projects, you need to equip your DSLR camera with a decent external mic. You can’t rely on the built-in mic in the camera because internal mics can’t really capture the sound from the source with good definition and clarity. Even an entry-level external mic can increase the audio quality significantly. Now, we will discuss about the comparisons between two entry-level external mics that are quite popular on the market, which are Nikon ME 1 vs Rode VideoMic Pro. Which one is better for you?
Dimensions
If you are looking for an external mic that you can easily bring along to places, compactness and portability are probably some of your top priorities. Between these two models, Nikon ME 1 is the one that is more compact and lightweight. It comes with an integrated shock mount and camera mount so that it can be mounted on the top of your camera right away. The audio cable ends in a 3.5 mm jack, and there is a cable stop that helps to keep the cable in place in order to prevent the cable from contacting the mic accidentally.
On the other hand, Rode VideoMic Pro is relatively bigger and heavier. It extends farther to the front. It also has an integrated camera mount, and the shock mount system is very effective for dampening handling noise. Of course, it is also equipped with a 3.5 mm audio cable. On the rear, you can find the switches for adjusting the pre-attenuation pad and high pass filter. See our previous post about Zoom H1 vs Rode VideoMic Pro, too!
Technical Specs
| Nikon ME 1 | Rode VideoMic Pro |
|---|---|
| - Frequency response : 70 to 16,000 Hz | - Frequency Range : 40Hz - 20kHz (selected HPF @80) |
| - Type : Back-electret condenser microphone | - Output Impedance : 200Ω |
| - Sensitivity : -42 dB (0dB=1V/Pa, 1kHz) | - Sensitivity : -32.0dB re 1 Volt/Pascal (20.00mV @ 94 dB SPL) +/- 2 dB @ 1kHz |
Features
The next thing that you need to consider when choosing between Nikon ME 1 vs Rode VideoMic Pro is whether you will benefit more from a stereo mic or a shotgun mic. Nikon ME 1 is actually a stereo mic that is shaped like a shotgun mic. On the other hand, Rode VideoMic Pro is a true shotgun mic.
As a stereo mic, Nikon ME 1 records the sounds into two audio channels. This mic is more suitable if you want to capture the ambiance and three-dimensional effect. Meanwhile, Rode VideoMic Pro is a true shotgun mic that is very effective for capturing the sounds from a single direction and rejecting other sounds from other directions. It is great if you want to focus on a single source and to isolate the source from environmental noise, for example when recording speech.
Performance
In terms of performance, Nikon ME 1 is pretty good. It is a nice choice for beginners, as it is inexpensive. But the frequency response range only goes from 70 Hz – 16 kHz.
On the other hand, Rode VideoMic Pro offers better performance and output quality, as the frequency response range goes from 40 Hz – 20 kHz and the sensitivity is also better. The maximum SPL handling is also higher. It can capture clearer and more accurate details.
Nikon ME 1 Vs Rode VideoMic Pro
Conclusion
Unless you really, really prefer to use a stereo mic, Rode VideoMic Pro is more recommended. It has better overall output quality. The output is more accurate and detailed. It is very good for capturing sounds from one direction and rejecting environmental noise.