Camera cleaning tools may not be very glamorous, but they are necessary. Keeping your equipment clean not only prevents you from having to spend time editing out water spots or smudges that were on your lens, but it can also keep your camera and lenses working better for longer. The LensPen is one of the most versatile and popular lens-cleaning tools around. And while it isn’t expensive when full-priced, it is currently 50 percent off, which is its lowest price ever on Amazon. It’s a great time to pick one (or some) up for yourself, or maybe as stocking stuffers for photographers you know.

LensPen NLP-1 $6.50 (was $12.95)

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The LensPen is a very simple tool that could really come in handy on or even in-between shoots. It utilizes a patented carbon cleaning compound on one end, which cleans your lens without any fluids required. The other end features a soft, retractable brush for when you just have some dust that needs to be swept away. It lasts a long time, but at this price, it wouldn’t hurt to pick up a few to keep in different camera bags so that you are never without.

More early Black Friday deals on cleaning tools

• MagicFiber Microfiber Cleaning Cloth, 6 Pack $9.45 (was $11.99)
• Altura Photo Professional Cleaning Kit $14.99 (was $19.99)
• Altura Photo Professional Full Frame Sensor Cleaning Kit $34.99 (was $39.99)
• Nikon 7072 Lens Pen Cleaning System $8.95 (was $11.95)
• Koala Lens Cleaning Cloth | Japanese Microfiber $9.99 (was $11.99)
• ZEISS Pre-Moistened Lens Cleaning Wipes $4.62 (was $9.99)
• 500 Pieces Lens Cleaning Paper Tissue and 2 Double Sided Cleaning Cloth-Lens $7.99 (was $8.99)

Early Black Friday deals on organization & storage solutions

For most of us (including myself), more than just our camera gear needs to be cleaned. Here are some deals to help you out if cleaning up and organizing your office or equipment storage area is on your list this fall and winter.

Storage bins

• Rubbermaid Cleverstore Clear Plastic Storage Bins with Lid, 95 Qt-4 Pack $101.06 (was $124.00)
• Fab totes Storage Bins [3-Pack], Foldable Storage Baskets $16.99 (was $32.99)
• Household Essentials Foldable Fabric Storage Bins | Set of 6 $18.28 (was $38.00)
• Sywhitta 3-Tier Plastic Rolling Utility Cart with Handle $19.97 (was $35.99)
• Closet Organizers and Storage – Trunk Car Organizer with Lids and Doors $109.99 (was $129.99)

Shelving systems

• Bezuny Garage Shelving,78″ $103.49 ($149.99)
• SORCEDAS Shelf 5 Wier Metal Storage Rack $30.99 (was $32.99)
• Honey-Can-Do, 5-Tier Chrome Heavy-Duty Adjustable Shelving Unit $56.99 (was $84.99)
• Atlantic Elite Media Storage Cabinet $101.14 (was $149.99)
• FURINNO JAYA Simply Home 5-Shelf Bookcase $54.33 (was $99.99)
• Rolanstar Bookshelf 5-Tier, 71.8’’H Industrial Book Shelf $149.99 (was $179.99)
• NUMENN 5 Tier Bookshelf $71.99 (was $119.99)

Desk organization

• Supeasy 5 Tier Desk Organizer with Handle $14.99 (was $29.99)
• Cable Management Cable Clips $8.99 (was $11.99)
• Meekakee Desk Organizer for Laptop $24.00 (was $48.00)
• WOWBOX 25 PCS Clear Plastic Drawer Organizer Set $12.79 (was $35.99)
• Under Desk Power Strip, Adhesive Wall Mount with USB $21.67 (was $29.99)
• Anker Outlet Extender and USB Wall Charger, 6 Outlets and 2 USB Ports $15.99 (was $24.99)
• Phomemo D30 Label Maker Machine with Tape $23.99 (was $52.99)

The post Save 50 percent on the LensPen with this early Black Friday deal appeared first on Popular Photography.

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While the cost of many memory cards has come down somewhat, large-capacity cards and the newest card format—CFexpress—still command steep prices. These tiny pieces of gear are necessities for us photographers and videographers, so it’s always worth keeping an eye on deals and waiting to pick up new ones until then. And right now is your chance to do just that. Multiple types of CFexpress cards (Type A and Type B) are at the lowest prices we’ve seen, saving you up to $370 in some cases. You aren’t totally left out if you are looking for new SDXC cards, either, as there are some good deals to be had on that front as well.

SanDisk 512GB Extreme PRO CFexpress Card Type B $229.99 (was $599.99)

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CFexpress cards are the new kids on the block, but they have become the memory card of choice for many camera manufacturers. This SanDisk CFexpress Type B with 512GB capacity is extremely speedy, promising up to 1700 MB/s read speeds and 1400 MB/s write speeds. It will allow you to smoothly record raw 4K video and easily handle the lightning-fast burst rates of cameras like the Canon EOS R3 (which also happens to be on sale for $500 off right now). This is the cheapest price we’ve seen on this card, so you won’t want to miss this deal.

More memory card deals

CFexpress Type A cards

• Sony CFexpress Type A 160GB – 2-pack $496.00 (was $598.00)
• Sony CFexpress Type A Memory Card 640GB $848.00 (was $999.99)
• Lexar Professional 320GB CFexpress Type A Gold Series + Type A/SD USB 3.2 Gen 2 Reader $479.99 (was $639.99)

CFexpress Type B cards

• Lexar Professional 256GB CFexpress Type B Gold Series $169.99 (was $225.99)
• Sony 512GB CFexpress Type B Tough $449.99 (was $649.99)

SDHC & SDXC cards

• Sony Tough SDHC UHS-II Class 10 U3 32GB $53.00 (was $59.99)
• Sony TOUGH-M series SDXC UHS-II Card 128GB $59.99 (Was $69.99)
• SanDisk 256GB Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-I $37.99 (was $62.49)
• SanDisk 1TB Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-I $199.00 (was $399.99)
• SanDisk 256GB Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-II $99.99 (was $119.99)
• Lexar Professional 2000x 128GB SDXC UHS-II $119.99 (was $169.99)
• OWC Atlas Pro 64GB SDXC UHS-II V60 $21.99 (was $29.99)

MicroSDXC

• SanDisk 512GB Extreme microSDXC UHS-I $39.99 (was $108.99)
• SanDisk 128GB Extreme microSDXC UHS-I $12.99 (Was $25.99)
• Lexar PLAY 1TB microSDXC UHS-I $69.12 (was $129.99)
• SAMSUNG PRO Plus 256GB microSDXC $19.99 (was $29.99)

Memory card readers

• SanDisk MobileMate USB 3.0 microSD Card Reader $9.99 (was $12.99)
• SanDisk ImageMate PRO USB-C Reader/Writer $32.22 (was $34.99)
• Lexar Professional CFexpress Type A/SD USB 3.2 Gen 2 Reader $56.30 (was $74.99)

The post Save up to $370 on memory cards at Amazon right now appeared first on Popular Photography.

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Neewer is well known for its affordable photography gear. It makes everything from tripods and lens filters to an expansive list of lighting equipment and accessories. And right now you can take advantage of these Amazon deals to save even more. Whether you are building out your lighting kit or just getting started with adding light to your photos or videos, now is a great time to pick up some pieces. Some of these are Amazon Lightning Deals, though, so you won’t want to wait to hit that buy button.

Neewer CB200B 210W LED Video Light $208.99 (was $279.99)

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If you’re a videographer working on a set, a powerful video light is a must. This Neewer LED video light offers up to 90000 Lux at 3.2 feet with zero flicker. You can adjust the brightness from zero to 100 percent and the temperature from 2700K to 6500K and control it all from an app. There are 12 preset effects and a Booster mode, which automatically turns the light to full power and turns the fan on. Or, if you need quiet on the set, silent mode offers 60W of power and 30000 Lux at 3.2 feet. And the Bowens Mount means that you can attach a full range of light modifiers to customize your look. Just make sure you check the box on the on-page coupon to get all the savings you can.

NEEWER 43 Inch Light Reflector / Diffuser 5 in 1 Collapsible Multi Disc with Bag $24.79 (was $40.95)

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A set of reflectors and diffusers is something that every photographer should have in their tool kit. It is a surprisingly versatile piece of equipment, able to soften, bounce, reduce, or even change the temperature of light. This Neewer five-in-one diffuser and reflector set isn’t expensive even when full price, but getting these 43-inch panels for only $24.79 is an absolute steal. It is a very simple and effective way to elevate your photos or videos.

More Neewer lighting deals

Constant & video lights

• NEEWER Ring Light Kit: 18″ $71.19 (was $88.99)
• NEEWER 700W Equivalent Softbox Lighting Kit $73.99 (was $111.99)
• NEEWER Upgraded 660 PRO II RGB LED Video Light with App Control&Stand Kit $251.99 (was $319.99)
• Neewer Photo Studio Light Box, 24” × 24” Shooting Light Tent with Adjustable Brightness $95.75 (was $119.69)
• NEEWER 18.3″ RGB LED Video Light Panel with App Control Stand Kit 2 Packs $251.99 (was $339.99)
• NEEWER Photography Lighting kit with Backdrops $165.99 (was $200.00)
• Neewer 2 Packs 660 PRO RGB LED Video Light with App Control Stand Kit $235.99 (was $329.99)
• NEEWER 2 Pack Bi Color 660 LED Video Light and Stand Kit $161.59 (was $105.99)

Compact Neewer lighting tools

• NEEWER Magnetic RGB Video Light $28.99 (was $33.99)
• NEEWER WP12 Underwater Diving Light $42.27 (was $75.49)
• NEEWER Dimmable 176 LED Video Light Lighting Kit $52.53 (was $75.05)
• NEEWER RGB62 Magnetic RGB Video Light with Upgraded APP Control $28.43 (was $39.49)
• NEEWER RGB Light Wand $93.07 (was $109.49)

Strobes

• NEEWER Q3 200Ws 2.4G TTL Flash with QPRO-N Trigger Compatible with Nikon $194.99 (was $249.99)
• NEEWER NW665-C E-TTL II Speedlite Flash $98.99 (was $139.99)
• NEEWER Z1-N TTL Round Head Flash Speedlite for Nikon DSLR Cameras $153.95 (was $209.99)
• Neewer Vision 4 300W Outdoor Studio Flash Strobe $214.49 (was $269.99)

Neewer light modifiers

• Neewer 30″x30″ Octagon Umbrella Speedlite Softbox with Bowens Mount Speedring $37.59 (was $46.99)
• NEEWER 33inch/85cm Parabolic Softbox $130.37 (was $155.97)
• NEEWER 26inch/65cm Parabolic Softbox $106.95 (was $129.94)

The post Save up to 39 percent on Neewer photo and video lighting gear at Amazon appeared first on Popular Photography.

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Lume Cube makes lighting solutions for creators that go everywhere from the studio, to a desk, and even up on a drone. The company also offers a number of products specifically geared toward creatives who rely on their smartphones for creation. Its offerings recently expanded by two, as the company released the Ring Light Mini and Mobile Creator Kit 2.0. The Ring Light Mini is a completely new product but is a smaller take on the popular Ring Light Pro. The Mobile Creator Kit 2.0, as the name implies, is an update on an all-in-one setup for creators.

Lume Cube Ring Light Mini

Lume Cube’s Ring Light Pro is a fantastic ring light, but it’s more than many people need. The new Ring Light Mini is essentially a smaller version of that light. It features the same premium edge-lit technology as the Pro version but with 120 high-quality inward-facing LEDs instead of the 256 LEDs found in the larger light. There is a built-in diffuser to provide balanced, smooth light with limited shadows and no bright spots.

As with most of Lume Cube’s lights, the Ring Light Mini offers fully adjustable color temperatures from cool (7500K) to warm (2700K). That gives you more creative control in order to match ambient light or skin tones. The brightness is also adjustable in one-percent increments for dialing in your ideal look. The back of the light features a small display with easy-to-use controls. Lume Cube built the light with a battery-free design. Instead, it relies on USB-C for power, which could be your laptop, portable battery pack, or a power block.

Light stand & mounting options

The Ring Light Mini comes with an extendable light stand. You can adjust the stand from 16 to 40 inches, and it offers a rotating mount with 180 degrees of tilt. That means you can use the light as a traditional ring light for portrait photos, vlogging, or streaming or flip it down for top-down content. The stand comes with multiple mounting options, including a tripod base and desk clamp, so you can use the light wherever it makes sense for you. And the smartphone mount easily moves from landscape to portrait mode.

Ring Light Mini specs

In terms of the nitty gritty, the Lume Cube Ring Light Mini is a 12-inch ring light. It offers a 96+ CRI rating for superb color accuracy and natural, vibrant light. And it provides 960 LUX at 1.6 feet. It comes with a 6.5-foot USB-C cable, so you won’t need to be right next to a power source.

Pricing & availability

The Lume Cube Ring Light Mini is available for purchase now on the Lume Cube website for $179.99.

Lume Cube Mobile Creator Kit 2.0

This kit comes with a compact smartphone tripod that can extend from 10 to 55 inches, so you can record yourself without needing someone else to hold the phone. The Bluetooth remote pairs with your phone, so you can start and end recording from a distance, saving you time and simplifying solo content creation. You can even mount the remote to the tripod to prevent losing it when you don’t need it in your hand.

Inside the box, you’ll also find a high-quality microphone, a powerful light, a custom phone clip with multiple cold shoe mounts, and a travel bag to keep it all organized. The entire setup is compact and lightweight, so that it’s easy to bring along. It is compatible with all smartphones, thanks to adaptors for both iPhone Lightning Port and 3mm Aux. Unfortunately, you’ll need to purchase a USB-C cable separately if you need that option. Lume Cube designed the kit to be modular, so you can use each piece individually or together.

Pricing & availability

The Lume Cube Mobile Creator Kit 2.0 is available for purchase now via the Lume Cube website for $199.99.

The post Lume Cube releases a new ring light and accessory kit for mobile content creators appeared first on Popular Photography.

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RØDE is one of the top producers of microphones for video applications, and now it has expanded its offerings with a new addition. The Australian company recently announced a new flagship wireless mic—the Wireless PRO—which it claims is the most powerful wireless microphone system available. The PRO, as the name suggests, is a more professional version of the beginner and budget-friendly Wireless ME, which was released earlier this year. It continues the legacy of the highly popular Wireless GO series, bringing even more features and quality to the table. Here’s what we know about the Wireless PRO.

What is the RØDE Wireless PRO?

The RØDE Wireless GO, which was released in 2019, was the first compact and easy-to-use wireless mic. It quickly took over the microphone market for content creators. You’ve probably seen creators wearing them on TikTok. The Wireless GO, followed by the Wireless GO II, has been the go-to for vloggers and videographers since. The Wireless PRO builds on that iconic status, and RØDE says that it “left no stone unturned when it comes to features in this new system.” It is the company’s new flagship model and is priced as such at $399. Its list of features, such as 32-bit float on-board recording, dual-channel design, advanced timecode capability, and more, make this mic ideal for serious content creators after the best.

RØDE Wireless PRO details

The Wireless PRO looks very similar to the Wireless GO II, except for the simplified logo design on the front. RØDE kept the compact, pocketable form factor that has worked so well. It is a dual-channel set with two transmitters and a receiver and utilizes the company’s Series IV 2.4 GHz digital transmission with 128-bit encryption. RØDE says this will result in incredibly clear audio, even at distances up to 853 feet (when in the line of sight).

The transmitters feature integrated clips along with broadcast-quality omnidirectional microphones. It is compatible with cameras, smartphones, tablets, computers, and other audio devices thanks to its analog 3.5mm TRS and digital USB-C outputs.

On-board recording

The most significant feature of the Wireless PRO is the 32-bit float on-board recording. This means that you have to worry much less about setting mic gain levels, as it will be next to impossible to clip audio when it gets too loud. You’ll have much more flexibility in adjusting levels in post-processing. That makes setup and recording faster and easier than ever before. Each transmitter features 32GB of internal memory, which provides over 40 hours of on-board recording. There are also dedicated buttons on the transmitters to simplify triggering recordings.

Adding to this feature is the advanced timecode sync capabilities, which make synchronizing audio and video in post-production easier. You’ll no longer need to deal with complex external timecode systems. You can set it up on a computer or smartphone via the RØDE Central app, which offers lots of flexible configuration options.

Recording to your camera

For those who want to record audio directly to the camera, you’re also in luck. The Wireless PRO gets RØDE’s GainAssist technology, which was introduced on the Wireless ME. This uses “intelligent algorithms to automatically control audio levels on the fly, ensuring the output is smooth and balanced and minimizing the risk of clipping.” It offers a 30dB gain range as well as pre-configured camera presets for lots of customizability and easy setup. You can also use the mics safety channel feature, which uses a second channel of audio 10dB lower than the primary channel, just in case any audio is clipped in the camera input.

These different recording features mean that you can get perfect audio in any situation. You’ll no longer have to guess and hope for the best, only to discover that your levels were off and the audio is beyond saving. It should make it much easier to get quality audio so that you can keep your focus on the creative and fun parts of the filmmaking process.

Additional features of the RØDE Wireless PRO mic

Beyond recording modes and specs, there are additional features on the Wireless PRO worth pointing out. The transmitters feature locking lavalier connectors for additional security. Plug-in power detection on the receiver automatically turns the unit on or off in sync with the connected camera to save you power when on location. The 3.5mm output on the receiver functions as a headphone output for audio monitoring and also offers flexible output level control. And it functions as an audio input for a headset or other TRRS mic, such as the RØDE smartLav+.

In case that isn’t enough, RØDE also says the new mic offers “merged and split recording modes, marker dropping, and customizable buttons.” You can easily configure the mic on a computer or smartphone using the RØDE Central app.

The Wireless PRO comes with a full accessory kit so that you have everything you need right away. It includes a smart charge case to protect everything and keep them charged up, two Lavalier II microphones, and two MagClip GO magnetic clips for flexible mounting. You’ll also get three high-quality furry windshields for improved recording in windy conditions, all necessary cables for connecting to devices, and a case to keep it all organized.

Pricing & availability

The RØDE WIreless PRO is currently shipping to retailers and isn’t quite available for purchase, but you can sign up to be notified when it is available on the RØDE website. RØDE says it will be available in late August for $399, so we don’t have long to wait.

The post The RØDE Wireless PRO is a more powerful wireless microphone appeared first on Popular Photography.

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Best overall		Blue Yeti X Professional Condenser USB Microphone		SEE IT
Best compact condenser mic		SAMSON Meteor Mic USB Studio Condenser Microphone		SEE IT
Best on-camera mic		Rode VideoMic GO Lightweight On-Camera Microphone with Integrated Rycote Shockmount		SEE IT

Don’t let bad audio happen to good videos! It may seem like obvious advice, but unfortunately, there are a ton of vloggers out there who simply aren’t concerned with capturing quality audio for their video content. In many ways, the audio quality on a video is more important than how it looks. A mediocre video with excellent audio quality will likely get more views and engagement than something beautifully shot but has a narrator who hasn’t taken the time to record the audio correctly. Luckily there are a ton of great mics on the market that make it easy for content creators to record quality audio without too much fuss. These are the best microphones for vlogging that will make your vlogs sound more professional and hopefully lead to more engagement online. 

• Best overall: Blue Yeti X Professional Condenser USB Microphone
• Best compact condenser mic: SAMSON Meteor Mic USB Studio Condenser Microphone
• Best on-camera mic: Rode VideoMic GO Lightweight On-Camera Microphone with Integrated Rycote Shockmount
• Best compact on-camera mic: Rode VideoMicro II
• Best wireless mic system: Rode Microphones Wireless GO II Compact Microphone System
• Best budget: Uniwit Mini Portable Vocal/Instrument Microphone for Mobile Phone

How we picked the best microphones for vlogging

The editors and writers at Pop Photo have decades of experience in just about every genre of photography and video. When selecting the best microphones for vlogging, we looked at a range of brands and various form factors suitable for different vlogging styles. In addition, how well the mics handled noise, especially background noise, was an important consideration. Lastly, we tried to pick products at different price points so that there were options no matter your budget. 

Related: The best cameras for vlogging

The best microphones for vlogging: Reviews & recommendations

Don’t let your voice fade into the background noise. From desktop mics for voiceovers to compact, camera-mounted shotgun mics, these vlogging microphones will elevate your sound quality.

Best overall: Blue Yeti X Professional Condenser USB Microphone

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Specs

• Connector type: USB
• Power source: USB
• Polar pattern: Omnidirectional, cardioid, bi-directional, stereo
• Form factor: Desk/studio

Pros

• Four pickup patterns
• Simple to use
• Excellent sound quality

Cons

• Has to be used on an even surface

Blue Yeti mics are a favorite of podcasters, streamers, and vloggers for a reason. This line of USB condenser mics is straightforward to use. It has an 11-segment LED light to monitor metering and make real-time adjustments as you record. In addition, Logitech G Hub and Blue Sherpa desktop apps will give you access to the Blue VO!CE broadcast effects to make sure your audio recordings sound their best for your vlog.

The Blue Yeti mic allows for four different polar patterns, meaning you can tailor settings to what you will be recording. As a result, it will provide excellent quality with manageable background noise, no matter if you do single-person voiceovers or large group conversations.

Best compact condenser mic: SAMSON Meteor Mic USB Studio Condenser Microphone

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Specs

• Connector type: USB
• Power source: USB
• Polar pattern: Cardioid
• Form factor: Desk/studio

Pros

• Attractive design
• Easy to use
• Small and portable

Cons

• No gain control on the mic

The Samson Meteor Mic has a smooth, flat frequency response of 20hz-20khz, which is great for capturing the details of your voice. Cardioid pickup patterns are all on the front of the microphone, which helps minimize any ambient sound from being picked up while recording. In addition, 1/ 8-inch stereo headphone output allows for zero-latency monitoring while recording, and the unique foldable legs double as a perfect compact stand for this mic. 

Best on-camera mic: Rode VideoMic GO Lightweight On-Camera Microphone with Integrated Rycote Shockmount

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Specs

• Connector type: 3.5mm mini-jack output
• Power source: Camera plug-in power – minimum 2.5V
• Polar pattern: Supercardioid
• Form factor: Shotgun

Pros

• Very lightweight
• Plug-and-play design
• Picks up minimal background noise

Cons

• Range can be a bit limited

Although most modern cameras can shoot good-quality video, the preamps tend to be lacking—the Rode VideoMic Go fixes that. Your camera powers this compact directional mic, so there is no need for an interface or extra batteries to keep it running. It attaches to the top of your camera and has a tight pickup area to capture the sound happening directly in front of your camera while minimizing distracting background noises. An integrated Rycote Lyre shock mount isolates the mic from bumps and vibrations in the recording. If you plan to be shooting a lot on location while vlogging, this accessory will make a big difference in your final product. 

Best compact on-camera mic: Rode VideoMicro II

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Specs

• Connector type: 3.5mm TRS
• Power source: Camera plug-in power
• Polar pattern: Supercardioid
• Form factor: Shotgun

Pros

• Very compact and lightweight
• Comes with foam and furry windshields
• Isolation mount minimizes knocks and bumps while shooting
• Also works with smartphones

Cons

• Requires an adapter to work with most iPhones 
• Doesn’t mount directly on a smartphone

If the Rode VideoMic GO isn’t quite small enough for you, the VideoMicro II is the way to go. Weighing only 1.37 ounces, this tiny powerhouse attaches to most cameras—as well as some smartphone cases, grips, and tripods—with a cold shoe mount and 3.5mm TRS plug. Rode designed a new feature—the HELIX isolation mount—specifically for the VideoMicro II. This new mount protects against knocks and bumps while recording. 

Two windshields are included for enhanced sound capture when outside or in noisy settings. We used the furry windshield while recording in a very loud warehouse, and the sound isolation is incredible. Without the mic, the audio is all but unusable because of the high level of background noise. However, when filming with the VideoMicro II and the furry windshield, we can clearly capture voices without the background noise totally taking over. Plus, with the easy plug-and-play design, it allows us to quickly and easily record high-quality audio in any environment.

Best wireless mic system: Rode Microphones Wireless GO II Compact Microphone System

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Specs

• Connector type: USB, 3.5 mm Jack
• Power source: In-built rechargeable lithium-ion battery
• Polar pattern: Omnidirectional
• Form factor: Clip-on pack

Pros

• Affordable for wireless options
• Simple to setup and use
• Extremely compact in size
• Excellent sound quality

Cons

• More expensive than wired options

This set of wireless lavaliers includes two transmitters with internal microphones and a receiver, allowing you to mic yourself and an interview subject and capture quality audio while on the go. It’s a versatile mic setup that could be useful for vlogging and shooting documentaries or short news videos. They have a 3.5mm TRS analog output, USB-C, and are iOS-compatible. The power source is a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can operate for 7 hours when fully charged and can be charged via USB. You can also use the Rode receiver as an interface. 

Best budget: Uniwit Mini Portable Vocal/Instrument Microphone for Mobile Phone

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Specs

• Connector type: 3.5 mm Jack
• Power source: Laptop or phone – 3V
• Polar pattern: Unidirectional
• Form factor: Handheld or desktop with stand

Pros

• Trendy, fun design
• Compact and easily packable
• Extremely affordable

Cons

• Not the highest quality

This tiny 58mm mic offers comedic relief and decent audio capture for a ridiculously low price. Designed to work with a smartphone, you will need to hold this mini condenser mic close to your mouth if you want the best results. Will it sound as good as the other mics in this guide? It certainly won’t—but it’s also significantly more budget-friendly than the other mics in this guide. If you are looking for something inexpensive and are shooting your vlogs on your phone, this is actually a pretty capable product to get you started. It has also become iconic on Tik Tok and other social media platforms, so it has some extra clout there.

Things to consider before buying a microphone for vlogging

Selecting the best microphones for vlogging depends a lot on the kind of content that you will be covering. There is a wide variety of microphones available that are good for different styles of audio recording. Realistically, however, you may need a variety of mics to use depending on what you are recording. It’s not unusual to see popular vloggers at home or in the studio, but also out in the world on-location showing you how they got their shots. So ultimately, the mic that you use to capture your audio for your vlog should be the one that makes the most sense for a given situation.

There can be a lot of technical jargon thrown around with microphones that may be confusing if you are new to the world of audio. We’ve highlighted some of the more important terms below to help you decide on the best microphones for your vlogging. 

Types of microphones

One of the important considerations for vlogging microphones is the form factor you need, which essentially is where and how you will use the mic. There are three main options: Studio mic, lavalier mic (wireless or wired), or shotgun mic. As the name implies, Studio mics are your best bet if you will be in a studio or office setting. They are usually attached to a stand or boom on a desk, so you need a surface for them. Studio mics also are generally connected to a computer via USB, meaning you can simply plug them into your laptop and start recording. 

If your vlog content features on-location shoots, shotgun or lavalier mics that plug into your camera or a dedicated audio interface will serve you better than a USB studio microphone. A shotgun mic sits on your camera’s hot shoe or a separate boom. They are a barrel-shaped mic and pick up sounds in the direction the mic faces. In addition, shotgun mics usually have a shock-absorbing mount so that they don’t pick up noise when moved around. 

Lavalier mics–which can be wired or wireless–are the other option for on-location run and gun shoots. These are small, two-part mics with a receiver on the camera and a microphone that clips onto a person. They are closer to the mouth of the user than shotgun mics, meaning they can easily pick up on someone’s speech, and it is easier to edit out background noise.

Polar pattern 

A mic’s polar pattern refers to the direction or angle a mic can pick up sound. You can think of it as lens focal length and angle of view. Certain polar pattern types will pick up an area entirely surrounding the mic, whereas others only pick up what is directly in front of it. There are many different polar patterns, but omnidirectional and unidirectional are the most relevant to vlogging.

Omnidirectional mics pick up sound from 360 degrees around the mic. These mics are ideal for recording group discussions or situations where you want to capture environmental sounds. Of course, more audio from more directions might sound ideal, but when it comes to vlogging, streaming, or podcasting, a cardioid mic–a unidirectional device–is usually the preferred mic type.

Unidirectional mics record out of one specific area of the microphone. A cardioid mic is a variety of unidirectional mic that records in a heart-shaped pattern. These are ideal because they do a really good job of focusing primarily on your voice. In fact, they pick up about one-third as much ambient noise as omnidirectional. So, if you are recording your vlogs in a place where there might be background noise from neighbors, city streets, or anything else, a cardioid mic will be a great pick. 

Dynamic vs condenser mics

The other thing to consider when shopping for a mic for vlogging is the difference between dynamic and condenser mics. A condenser mic is usually more sensitive, which means you will get a crisper detailed sound, but it also means they pick up more of those background noises—or things like heavy breathing and lip-smacking. Many vloggers prefer a condenser mic to a dynamic mic and simply choose to minimize distractions like breathing or lip-smacking when they make their edits. 

Budget

When shopping for a vlogging microphone, the final thing to consider is your budget. In recent years the cost of microphones has come down significantly, and you can pick up a very capable USB mic or on-camera shotgun mic for around $100. Although there are certainly fancier options on the market, many require an audio interface to operate and a sound person to dial in the levels. We selected the mics in our buying guide with the assumption that most vloggers work alone, so the picks in this buying guide reflect those lower-cost microphones that are easy to operate alongside filming. 

FAQs

Final thoughts the best microphones for vlogging 

• Best overall: Blue Yeti X Professional Condenser USB Microphone
• Best compact condenser mic: SAMSON Meteor Mic USB Studio Condenser Microphone
• Best on-camera mic: Rode VideoMic GO Lightweight On-Camera Microphone with Integrated Rycote Shockmount
• Best compact on-camera mic: Rode VideoMicro II
• Best wireless mic system: Rode Microphones Wireless GO II Compact Microphone System
• Best budget: Uniwit Mini Portable Vocal/Instrument Microphone for Mobile Phone

Ultimately, audio quality is one of the most important—if not the most important—elements when making a vlog or any other kind of video content for the web. A video with bad audio quality is more likely to struggle with keeping would-be fans engaged. Investing in a nice USB mic, an on-camera shotgun, or a set of wireless lav mics will go a long way in elevating the professional quality of your vlogs, live streams, or whatever else you happen to be filming. Don’t let bad audio quality hold you back with one of the best microphones for vlogging.

Why trust us

PopPhoto has a long history of delivering the opinions of some of the sharpest and most prolific camera dorks the world has to offer. Since 1937, we’ve been reviewing cameras, providing wisdom from well-known photographers, and generally just nerding out about all that goes into making great pictures. Our current crop of writers and editors have decades of professional photography and camera writing experience among them. Collectively, we’ve probably shot with just about every camera and lens combo you can imagine—as well as some obscure stuff you may not even know about. Remember the Casio Tryx folding camera? PopPhoto does.

We also get that buying a camera is a big decision, which is why we’re dedicated to helping folks choose the right one (or, in our case “ones”) for their needs. Case in point: Handing over top dollar for an expensive rig may leave you unsatisfied if it doesn’t fit your preferred shooting style. Sure, a $6,000 sports-oriented DSLR can capture landscapes, but do you really need to do it at 30 frames-per-second? No, you don’t.

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Memory cards aren’t exciting, but our digital cameras are all but worthless without them. Right now, Lexar is offering some large discounts on some of its most high-performance memory cards. That includes SDs, MicroSDs, and even CFExpress cards. Now is the time to stock up before you break your trusty old card and need to pay full price after losing a bunch of images. That’s no fun.

Lexar Professional 1667x 256GB (2-Pack) Memory SDXC UHS-II Cards $107 (was $174)

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Typically with memory cards, you can choose two options out of large capacity, fast speed, and a low price. This pair of cards, however, drops a serious deal on a total of 512GB of super-fast storage. These aren’t the absolute fastest cards that Lexar offers, but the 1667x speed is plenty speedy for high-res burst shooting and even 4K video. The UHS-II interface is totally backwards compatible with older cameras, but it can make the most out of new cameras’ read, write, and transfer speeds. These are pro-grade cards that will last you a long time if you take care of them. Seriously, don’t skimp when it comes to cards.

• Lexar Professional 2000x 128GB SDXC UHS-II Memory Card $95 (was $169)
• Lexar Professional 1667x 256GB SDXC UHS-II Memory Card $61.99 (was $89.99)
• Lexar Professional 1667x 128GB SDXC UHS-II Memory Card $30.99 (was $45)

Lexar MicroSD card Prime Day deals

• Lexar PLAY 1TB microSDXC UHS-I Micro SD Memory Card $62.99 (was $129)
• Lexar Professional 1066x 128GB microSDXC UHS-I Card w/ SD Adapter $13.99 (was $18.99)
• Lexar E-Series 512GB Micro SD Card, microSDXC UHS-I Flash Memory Card $33.99 (was $44.99)

Lexar CFExpress Prime Day deals

• Lexar Professional 160GB CFexpress Type A Gold Series Memory Card $254 (was $359)

More Lexar Deals

• Lexar Professional Multi-Card 3-in-1 USB 3.1 Reader $15.99 (was $29.99)
• Lexar NM710 SSD 2TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal Solid State Drive $88.99 (was $94)
• Lexar NQ100 480GB 2.5” SATA III Internal SSD $15.48 (was $32.99)

The post Lexar’s Prime Day deals ensure you’ll never get stuck without a memory card again appeared first on Popular Photography.

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Canon has had a fair amount of gear discounted this spring and summer, but savings just got even better. A selection of gear, some of which is already on sale, now has on-page checkmark coupons on Amazon, offering extra savings of up to $400. If you’ve been considering a new camera or lens from Canon, you won’t want to pass this up. These Canon coupon Canon EOS R6 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera + RF24-105mm F4 L is USM Lensdeals are likely some of the best we’ll see for a while. Just don’t forget to check that magical little coupon box in order to take advantage of the full savings.

If you don’t see something you want below, check out this longer list of Canon deals for items not included in this special coupon sale. Or, if you’re not a Canon person, you can still take advantage of some deals on photo gear.

Canon EOS R6 + RF24-105mm F4-7.1 is STM Lens $1,899.00 (was $2,599.00)

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While the Canon R6 Mark II brought some excellent changes, the original R6 is still a fantastic camera worth your money. It’s capable of up to 20 fps and offers advanced autofocus abilities. This kit comes with a versatile 24-105mm lens, which would be great for documenting your summer travels and fun. And it’s $700 off right now, which essentially gives you a free lens (the RF24-105mm is $400 on its own) and an extra $300 off the camera.

More Canon coupon deals

• Canon EOS R6 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera $1,599.00 (was $2,299.00)
• Canon EOS R6 Full-Frame Camera + RF24-105mm F4 L is USM Lens $2,699.00 (was $3,099.00)
• Canon RF14-35mm F4 L is USM Lens $1,199.00 (was $1,499.00)
• Canon RF70-200mm F4 L is USM $1,299.00 (was $1,799.00)
• Canon RF100mm F2.8 L Macro is USM $999.00 (was $1,199.00)
• Canon RF600/11 is STM(N) $599.00 (was $799.00)
• Canon RF800/11 is STM(N) $799.00 (was $999.00)
• Canon Rf 15-35mm F2.8 L is USM $1,999.00 (was $2,399.00)
• Canon SELPHY QX10 Portable Square Photo Printer $89.00 (was $149.00)
• Canon Zoom Digital Monocular Kit $189.00 (was $319.00)

The post Save up to $700 on Canon cameras and lenses with Amazon coupons appeared first on Popular Photography.

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Other World Computer is best known for its computer peripherals, but it has recently jumped hard into the memory card world. Early last year the company launched its Atlas Pro Ultra CFexpress cards, which promised reliably fast speeds and rugged build. And now it has expanded the Atlas lineup with 1TB and 2TB Atlas Ultra CFexpress memory cards. OWC built these new high-performance cards for cinema cameras and as a result, they are capable of capturing up to 8K raw videos. Here’s what we know about the new CFexpress cards from OWC.

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OWC Atlas Ultra memory cards

The Atlas Ultra line of CFexpress cards already included 165GB, 325GB, and 650GB capacities. But given the high-performance capabilities of these cards, and how OWC tailored them to professionals, it makes sense that OWC would offer higher capacity versions. Like the other cards in the lineup, the 1TB and 2TB Atlas Ultra CFexpress Type B cards will offer minimum sustained write speeds of 1500MB/s. They will also provide a max write speed of 1700MB/s and a max read speed of 1850MB/s.

The fast speeds and large capacity make them compatible with cameras that are capable of outputting high bitrate, raw 8K video. That includes data-hungry high-end cinema cameras such as the RED V-Raptor/XL and Komodo-X. And they will be able to keep up with the lightning fast burst rates of flagship mirrorless cameras like the Nikon Z8 and Z9 and Canon R5C.

The OWC Atlas cards aren’t just fast. They are also extremely rugged and durable. They are impact, bend, shock, ESD, UV ray, and x-ray resistant. And they come backed by a three year warranty.

Pricing & availability

The OWC Atlas Ultra CFexpress Type B memory cards in 1TB and 2TB capacities are available now for $579.99 and $999.99, respectively.

OWC Atlas Ecosystem

OWC says that “new capacity points complete a full ecosystem of cards, readers, and software.” It wanted to do more than just create cards, instead considering the entire process. As a result, the company also makes bus-powered portable memory card readers and docking stations with card readers that allow you to take full advantage of your card’s speed.

The Atlas Ecosystem also includes the OWC Innergize software. This software monitors the health of your cards so that you are less likely to have one fail mid shoot with no warning. It also enables firmware updates so ensure the cards work with future cameras, and performs card sanitization to prevent any dropped frames when shooting video or burst photos.

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The Sony ZV-E1 has only been available since April, but Sony has already announced an update to the full-frame vlogging camera. The camera was already quite excellent, with 4K video up to 60 fps. But now, with this free upgrade, the camera will be capable of 4K up to 120 fps. It joins an impressive lineup of Sony cameras capable of 4K 120p, including the Alpha 1 and Alpha 7S III, and the FX6, FX3, and FX30 from Sony’s Cinema Line.

Beyond the frame rate boost for 4K recording, the ZV-E1 upgrade will also enable Full HD 240p recording. Both of these settings will result in smooth slow-motion footage. It makes the camera much more versatile, opening up new opportunities for those who want to get creative with their filming.

How to install the ZV-E1 upgrade

If you already own a ZV-E1, you get access to this upgrade as of today, June 28. Installation is simple as well. The upgrade license can be found on Sony’s Creators’ Cloud. If you aren’t familiar, the Sony Creator’s Cloud provides a range of services and applications designed for the entire creative process, from the initial shoot to collaboration with other creators. It includes the Creators’ App, which is a mobile app for transferring your content from the camera directly to the cloud.

You can either log in to a Creator’s Cloud account or download the license without signing in. Either way, you will need the serial number of your camera. Once downloaded, you can complete the installation with an SD card or with a USB plug-in. The upgrade is free, as is the Creators’ Cloud.

The post The Sony ZV-E1 gets an upgrade to improve slow-motion recording appeared first on Popular Photography.

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