What budget shotgun mic is best for filmmaking? Audio Technica AT875r

This is my recommendation for budget filmmaking. The Audio Technica AT875r is a great value at $160 US. I recommend this mic over the more expensive mics like the Rode NTG-2. The At875r is great for recording dialogue indoors. If you need a more directional mic look at the AT-897.

I was asked to make a recommendation by members of the Fragile Filmmaker Facebook group.

This video was shot on a canon T2i.

Links to Amazon:

Links to B&H Photo:
Audio-Technica AT875 Short Condenser Shotgun Microphone

Auray WSS-2012 Professional Windshield

[markkeady]

Your advice about spending on audio was what I needed to hear. My head was telling me the same thing and I pulled the trigger on the AT875r and a recorder. This is validation. Thanks!

[MrNevermore]

Man, the image quality of this video is superb, and shot with a t2i, awesome stuff.

[StudioProductions]

WOW!!! this vid on a T2i...that's amazing man. I have a T3i and i'm looking to upgrade, but i see it's really all about the lens. Absolutely great man. Your quality is what made me want to watch your video. Looked like something i've seen on a documentary on TV

[SeeingCoolPlaces]

Great review! My vote for what to say at the end of your videos: "And remember, if you want something done right, DO IT YOURSELF!"

[TheCentury]

Great recommendation! Totally agree. At first I sought out to invest around $2500 into a camera and lens and around $500 total into a sound... but the more I learnt about the audio in filmmaking the more I'm getting convinced that sound is as much important as a video... eventually opted for a XLR-KRM for my Sony a6600 with Audio-technica AT875r plus two of Sanken COS-11d, with this set up I can film interviews and documentaries with an ease of mind... Rode VideoMic Pro honestly sucks it's sound is so bass-based and really it isn't clear enough, and there are really no good options for videomics (3.5 mm input) other than Shure VP83 but it's so bulkier than AT875r... yes you could get VP83 plus 2 less expensive LAV mics like Deity W.lav pro (with a 3.5 mm) plus some recorder and this setup is definitely cheaper but... eventually you would have to improve your audio and 3.5 mm just doesn't cut it! So my opinion it's better to invest into full XLR setup from the very start. And honestly when I open any video on a YouTube and if the sound isn't good - I'm just closing this video instantly no matter how pretty the image is. I think most people still underestimate how important the sound quality is.

[jacksonhpeters.]

Not yet. The project I need this for currently is indoors, so I should be fine short term. I'll definitely check it out...

[Brandon-mkxf]

Great video! Hope you do something great with your life.

[jean-pierrechapoteau]

I bought this mic because of your review. and I love it. Thank you. 

[BojakkProductions]

Thanks, man. You sold me on on this mic. I was VERY close to buying the Rode NTG-2, but now I'm going to go ahead and grab this one to go with my Zoom H4n.

[Pauldingparanormalsociety]

I came here for the mic review and got blown away by the quality of the video. Amazing. I would love to see you do a video on your setup, both background, layout, and camera settings. I'm already looking at the T2i online and seriously considering it and selling what I currently use. I'm looking to take my projects to the next level and brother, you got it covered. I also loved your crappie boom mic tutorial. I'll be making one of those as well.

[DIYCameraGuy]

The next step in quality for me is the NTG-3. I don's see anything on the market that can compete until you get the that higher price point. I am slowly ramping up the shows on the new channel. I have a lot of DIY projects ready to shoot. I just need to find the time to get all of the videos shot. I will check out your channel in the next few days. Thanks again.

[iamjsmith]

Awesome video man. I love your teaching style and I will definitely be getting this mic to use for indoor scenes!

[bombdiggity]

Love it! Awesome video! Can't wait to watch what else you guys come out with.

[DIYCameraGuy]

It does work well outdoors. You will need wind protection. It is not quite as directional as the AT897. I don't have enough experience with that much to recommend it but many of my friends like it. I would get the AT875 and Auray windshield.

[TerryPullen]

Great video.  I really aprieciated the framing, focus, quality sound and great information.  More videos please.

[TerryRossArticraft]

They always say you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover. But, when watching microphone reviews on YouTube, maybe you should. I have to say, DIYCameraGuy, that your review looks better and sounds better then any other microphone review I've seen. (I've been watching everyone I can find.) In fact, it looks and sounds GREAT! Bravo, and thanks. (You must know what you're talking about.)

[AnaloguePhoto]

Nice to see another video about this amazing mic. I initially bought a Sennheiser me67. Really content with that mic, sound wise. But I can't say that the AT875R sounds in any way less good. Got that mic too, since it's so much more compact and comes with a very satisfying sound. Both considering it's price and it's size.
Looking forward to more interesting videos like this one and the very interesting solution to achieve a simple yet functional shock mount. 

[mikeb]

Great test & invaluable tips. Thanks a lot!

[dangraphic]

Thank you for this, I took the NTG-2 off my wishlist. :)

[mystickid]

Hi Mike,

Again I am excited to see what tutorials and filmmaking content you are bringing for 2014. Great stuff so far as many have mentioned. I love your lighting here, looks dramatic. Please do a detailed tutorial. We would love to see it. Thanks!