{"id":2976,"date":"2026-08-17T02:06:00","date_gmt":"2026-08-17T02:06:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cameraegg.org\/camerareview\/?p=2976"},"modified":"2026-08-17T02:10:50","modified_gmt":"2026-08-17T02:10:50","slug":"best-microphones-for-nikon-z5-ii","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cameraegg.org\/camerareview\/best-microphones-for-nikon-z5-ii\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Microphones for Nikon Z5 II"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"gagen-article gagen-v2\"><div class=\"article-intro\">\n  <p>The original Z5 had a mic jack and no headphones. The Z5 II adds a 3.5 mm headphone jack \u2014 the same jack is also the MC\u2011DC3 remote \u2014 plus a menu switch for mic-jack plug-in power. There is still no digital hot shoe, so every microphone here is analog 3.5 mm TRS. R\u00d8DE\u2019s VideoMic NTG is the shotgun that uses that stack: its own gain dial, a \u221220 dB safety channel, and auto-sensing TRS into the camera. If you walk away from the camera, skip the shotgun and buy a camera-kit wireless with a 3.5 mm receiver.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"quick-picks-box\">\n  <div class=\"qp-header\">\n    <h2>Our Top Picks at a Glance<\/h2>\n    <p class=\"qp-sub\">Reviewed August 2026 \u00b7 Z5 II = analog 3.5 mm mic (plug-in power) + headphone\/MC\u2011DC3 jack \u00b7 MOV\/NEV 24-bit PCM<\/p>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"qp-cards\">\n    <div class=\"qp-card qp-card--gold\">\n      <span class=\"qp-num\">01<\/span>\n      <span class=\"qp-badge\">\ud83c\udfc6 Best Overall<\/span>\n      <strong class=\"qp-name\">R\u00d8DE VideoMic NTG<\/strong>\n      <div class=\"qp-rating\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605 <span class=\"qp-score\">4.7 \/ 5.0<\/span> <span class=\"qp-reviews\">\u00b7 2026 pick<\/span><\/div>\n      <p class=\"qp-why\">Supercardioid on-camera shotgun with a variable gain dial, \u221220 dB safety channel, pad, HPF, and auto-sensing 3.5 mm. 94 g, 30+ hour battery. Raise the mic, drop camera sensitivity.<\/p>\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B081S9BCHF?tag=e6890-20\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"qp-btn\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Check Price at Amazon<\/a>\n      <a href=\"#best-overall\" class=\"qp-jump\">Read full review \u2193<\/a>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"qp-card qp-card--green\">\n      <span class=\"qp-num\">02<\/span>\n      <span class=\"qp-badge\">\ud83d\udc8e Best Value<\/span>\n      <strong class=\"qp-name\">DJI Mic Mini 2 (2 TX + 1 RX)<\/strong>\n      <div class=\"qp-rating\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2606 <span class=\"qp-score\">4.5 \/ 5.0<\/span> <span class=\"qp-reviews\">\u00b7 2026 pick<\/span><\/div>\n      <p class=\"qp-why\">Two-person wireless for about $99. Receiver analog 3.5 mm TRS into the Z5 II. Buy the camera RX kit, not Mobile RX-only. Sony digital-shoe adapter does nothing here.<\/p>\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/s?k=DJI+Mic+Mini+2+2+TX+1+RX+Charging+Case&#038;tag=e6890-20&#038;linkCode=osi\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"qp-btn\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Check Price at Amazon<\/a>\n      <a href=\"#best-value\" class=\"qp-jump\">Read full review \u2193<\/a>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"qp-card qp-card--blue\">\n      <span class=\"qp-num\">03<\/span>\n      <span class=\"qp-badge\">\ud83d\udcb0 Budget Pick<\/span>\n      <strong class=\"qp-name\">R\u00d8DE VideoMic GO II Helix<\/strong>\n      <div class=\"qp-rating\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2606 <span class=\"qp-score\">4.3 \/ 5.0<\/span> <span class=\"qp-reviews\">\u00b7 2026 pick<\/span><\/div>\n      <p class=\"qp-why\">Same annular-line-tube idea as the NTG, no battery, plug-in power from the Z5 II mic jack. Leave [Mic jack plug-in power] ON. No on-mic gain dial \u2014 set sensitivity on the camera.<\/p>\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0D6X93C58?tag=e6890-20\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"qp-btn\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Check Price at Amazon<\/a>\n      <a href=\"#budget-pick\" class=\"qp-jump\">Read full review \u2193<\/a>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"affiliate-disclosure\"><p><em>Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate affiliate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"info-module buying-guide\" id=\"who-should-buy\">\n  <h3>Who should buy what<\/h3>\n  <ul>\n    <li><strong>Talking to the lens, seated, or B-roll:<\/strong> <a href=\"#best-overall\">VideoMic NTG<\/a>. Gain and safety channel live on the mic. Use the Z5 II meters and waveform; record MOV or NEV for 24-bit PCM.<\/li>\n    <li><strong>You or talent walks off camera, or two voices:<\/strong> <a href=\"#best-value\">DJI Mic Mini 2<\/a> camera kit (2 TX + 1 RX + case). Clip the transmitters. Run the included 3.5 mm TRS into the mic jack.<\/li>\n    <li><strong>Replace the built-in mics with no battery to charge:<\/strong> <a href=\"#budget-pick\">VideoMic GO II Helix<\/a>. Plug-in power ON. Camera sets the level.<\/li>\n    <li><strong>MC\u2011DC3 occupying the headphone jack:<\/strong> <a href=\"#mke-400\">MKE 400 II<\/a> has its own headphone out. Or set [Z connector function] to [Headphone] when you are not using the remote.<\/li>\n    <li><strong>Skip as a new Z5 II buy:<\/strong> Sony MI-shoe mics and the DJI Sony camera adapter (this body is ISO 518 analog). USB mics into the camera USB-C. DJI Mobile RX-only kits (no 3.5 mm). Nikon ME\u20111 as a ~$180 stereo mic with no gain dial. Wireless GO II unless you specifically need transmitter onboard recording.<\/li>\n  <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2>Comparison Table<\/h2>\n<div class=\"comparison-module\">\n  <table class=\"comparison-table\">\n    <thead><tr><th>Product<\/th><th>Z5 II connection<\/th><th>Power<\/th><th>Job<\/th><th>Price<\/th><th>Buy<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>\n    <tbody>\n      <tr class=\"highlight-row\"><td><strong>R\u00d8DE VideoMic NTG<\/strong><\/td><td>3.5 mm auto-sensing TRS \u00b7 USB-C is for computers, not the camera<\/td><td>350 mAh \u00b7 30+ h \u00b7 USB-C charge<\/td><td>On-camera shotgun + gain\/safety<\/td><td>~$223\u2013$249<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B081S9BCHF?tag=e6890-20\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"table-price-btn\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Check<\/a><\/td><\/tr>\n      <tr class=\"highlight-row\"><td><strong>DJI Mic Mini 2 (2 TX + 1 RX)<\/strong><\/td><td>RX analog 3.5 mm TRS \u00b7 not the Sony digital adapter<\/td><td>TX ~11.5 h \u00b7 RX ~10.5 h \u00b7 case ~48 h<\/td><td>Two-person wireless lav<\/td><td>~$99<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/s?k=DJI+Mic+Mini+2+2+TX+1+RX+Charging+Case&#038;tag=e6890-20&#038;linkCode=osi\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"table-price-btn\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Check<\/a><\/td><\/tr>\n      <tr class=\"highlight-row\"><td><strong>R\u00d8DE VideoMic GO II Helix<\/strong><\/td><td>3.5 mm TRS \u00b7 needs plug-in power ON<\/td><td>None (camera 2\u20135 V or USB)<\/td><td>Simple shotgun<\/td><td>~$99<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0D6X93C58?tag=e6890-20\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"table-price-btn\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Check<\/a><\/td><\/tr>\n      <tr><td>Sennheiser MKE 400 II<\/td><td>3.5 mm TRS \u00b7 headphone on the mic<\/td><td>2\u00d7 AAA or plug-in power<\/td><td>Compact shotgun + monitor when remote uses the jack<\/td><td>~$200<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B09Q89JQBF?tag=e6890-20\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"table-price-btn\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Check<\/a><\/td><\/tr>\n      <tr><td>R\u00d8DE VideoMicro II<\/td><td>3.5 mm TRS \u00b7 plug-in power ON<\/td><td>None<\/td><td>Tiny shotgun, no USB<\/td><td>~$80<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0BM8HQL6L?tag=e6890-20\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"table-price-btn\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Check<\/a><\/td><\/tr>\n      <tr><td>DJI Mic 2 (2 TX + 1 RX)<\/td><td>3.5 mm analog RX<\/td><td>TX onboard 32-bit float backup<\/td><td>Wireless with a file on the transmitter<\/td><td>~$200\u2013$270<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/s?k=DJI+Mic+2+2+TX+1+RX+Charging+Case&#038;tag=e6890-20&#038;linkCode=osi\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"table-price-btn\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Check<\/a><\/td><\/tr>\n    <\/tbody>\n  <\/table>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2>How We Picked These Microphones<\/h2>\n<ul>\n  <li><strong>Z5 II I\/O is analog, with two 3.5 mm jacks:<\/strong> Nikon spec: stereo mini-pin mic input with plug-in power; headphone\/remote cord jack that takes headphones or an MC\u2011DC3. Setup menu [Z connector function] is [Auto switch] or fixed [Headphone]. Four-pole headphone plugs can fail Auto switch \u2014 Nikon says use three-pole or lock the jack to Headphone. Video menu includes microphone sensitivity, attenuator, frequency response, wind noise reduction, [Mic jack plug-in power], and headphone volume. Nikon: turn plug-in power OFF on mics that do not need it, to avoid supply noise. The old page said this body \u201ctypically requires an adapter for headphones.\u201d It does not. That was the original Z5.<\/li>\n  <li><strong>What the camera actually records:<\/strong> Linear PCM 48 kHz \/ 24-bit in NEV and MOV; AAC 48 kHz \/ 16-bit in MP4. Built-in stereo still exists for scratch. Waveform display is in the video options. USB-C is SuperSpeed data, charging, and PD \u2014 not a USB microphone input. Accessory shoe is ISO 518 with sync and data contacts for flash, not a Sony-style digital audio shoe. Nikon\u2019s own list is ME\u20111 on the 3.5 mm jack and ME\u2011W1 Bluetooth. Third-party 3.5 mm mini-jack mics are explicitly allowed.<\/li>\n  <li><strong>Hero SKUs from the makers, not a fake lab:<\/strong> R\u00d8DE VideoMic NTG (VMNTG): supercardioid, annular line tube as on NTG5, equivalent noise 15 dB SPL A-weighted, variable gain, pad, 75\/150 Hz HPF, HF boost, safety channel, auto-sensing 3.5 mm, USB-C 24-bit\/48 kHz, 94 g, 350 mAh, 30+ hours. R\u00d8DE VideoMic GO II: 33 g mic \/ 89 g with Helix kit, 3.5 mm TRS plus USB-C, plug-in power 2\u20135 V, no battery; DSP (HPF\/pad) is USB + R\u00d8DE Central, not on the analog camera feed. DJI: Mic Mini receiver OUT is analog for cameras; the Sony MI-shoe adapter is Sony-only digital 24-bit. Buy 2 TX + 1 camera RX, not Mobile RX. Mini 2 camera kit is about $99. DJI\u2019s own 400 m \/ 48-hour-with-case figures are line-of-sight lab numbers, not a city street.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2>Best Microphones for Nikon Z5 II: Detailed Reviews<\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"top-recommendation\" id=\"best-overall\" data-badge=\"best-overall\">\n  <div class=\"top-badge badge-best-overall\">\ud83c\udfc6 Best Overall<\/div>\n  <h3>R\u00d8DE VideoMic NTG <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B081S9BCHF?tag=e6890-20\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"title-amazon-btn\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">View on Amazon<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/search?Ntt=Rode+VideoMic+NTG&#038;BI=8941&#038;KBID=10361&#038;SID=12345&#038;DFF=d50\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"title-bh-btn\">View on B&#038;H<\/a><\/h3>\n  <div class=\"product-highlights\">\n    <div class=\"highlight-item\"><span class=\"highlight-label\">Best For:<\/span> On-camera dialogue with gain and a safety track<\/div>\n    <div class=\"highlight-item\"><span class=\"highlight-label\">Key Feature:<\/span> Variable gain \u00b7 \u221220 dB safety channel \u00b7 auto-sensing 3.5 mm<\/div>\n    <div class=\"highlight-item\"><span class=\"highlight-label\">Rating:<\/span> <span class=\"star-rating\">4.7 \/ 5.0 \u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span><\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  <table class=\"spec-table\">\n    <tr><th>SKU \/ ASIN<\/th><td>VMNTG \u00b7 B081S9BCHF<\/td><\/tr>\n    <tr><th>Pattern \/ noise<\/th><td>Supercardioid \u00b7 15 dB SPL A-weighted (R\u00d8DE)<\/td><\/tr>\n    <tr><th>Controls<\/th><td>Gain dial \u00b7 pad \u00b7 75\/150 Hz HPF \u00b7 HF boost \u00b7 safety channel<\/td><\/tr>\n    <tr><th>I\/O<\/th><td>Auto-sensing 3.5 mm to Z5 II \u00b7 USB-C is a computer\/phone mic, not the camera<\/td><\/tr>\n    <tr><th>Power<\/th><td>350 mAh \u00b7 30+ h \u00b7 ~2 h USB-C charge \u00b7 94 g<\/td><\/tr>\n    <tr><th>Street<\/th><td>About $223\u2013$249<\/td><\/tr>\n  <\/table>\n  <p><strong>Why it is Overall on a Z5 II.<\/strong> This body will not take digital audio through the shoe. The useful controls are analog 3.5 mm plus the camera\u2019s sensitivity\/attenuator. The NTG is the shotgun that puts a real gain dial and a \u221220 dB safety channel on that cable, so you can run camera sensitivity lower and keep preamp hiss down. Auto-sensing 3.5 mm means the included cable talks TRS to the Z5 II without a TRRS adapter. Peak LED on the mic. Auto on\/off with the camera is in R\u00d8DE\u2019s feature list. USB-C is for voiceover on a laptop \u2014 do not expect the Z5 II USB-C port to see it as a mic. Leave [Mic jack plug-in power] OFF; the NTG has its own battery. Nikon recommends that for any mic that does not need camera power.<\/p>\n  <p><strong>Skip this if<\/strong> the subject walks away from the camera. A supercardioid on the shoe cannot follow a lav. That job is Mini 2. Skip if you refuse to charge a 350 mAh cell \u2014 GO II Helix is plug-in power. Skip bundle ASINs stuffed with random headphones.<\/p>\n  <div class=\"pros-cons\">\n    <ul class=\"pros\">\n      <li>Gain and safety channel on analog 3.5 mm, which is all the Z5 II has<\/li>\n      <li>30+ hour battery; USB-C for the computer, not a second camera cable<\/li>\n    <\/ul>\n    <ul class=\"cons\">\n      <li>Adds length on the shoe; needs a deadcat outdoors<\/li>\n      <li>Does not replace a wireless lav<\/li>\n    <\/ul>\n  <\/div>\n  <p class=\"purchase-links\"><span class=\"amazon-region-btn\">Check Price on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B081S9BCHF?tag=e6890-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Amazon US<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/s?k=Rode+VideoMic+NTG&#038;tag=pctest07-21&#038;linkCode=osi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">UK<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.ca\/s?k=Rode+VideoMic+NTG&#038;tag=pctestt-20&#038;linkCode=osi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">CA<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.de\/s?k=Rode+VideoMic+NTG&#038;tag=67990-21&#038;linkCode=osi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">DE<\/a> \u2192<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/search?Ntt=Rode+VideoMic+NTG&#038;BI=8941&#038;KBID=10361&#038;SID=12345&#038;DFF=d50\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"purchase-link-bh\">Check Price on B&#038;H<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"top-recommendation\" id=\"best-value\" data-badge=\"best-value\">\n  <div class=\"top-badge badge-best-value\">\ud83d\udc8e Best Value<\/div>\n  <h3>DJI Mic Mini 2 (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case) <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/s?k=DJI+Mic+Mini+2+2+TX+1+RX+Charging+Case&#038;tag=e6890-20&#038;linkCode=osi\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"title-amazon-btn\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">View on Amazon<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/search?Ntt=DJI+Mic+Mini+2&#038;BI=8941&#038;KBID=10361&#038;SID=12345&#038;DFF=d50\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"title-bh-btn\">View on B&#038;H<\/a><\/h3>\n  <div class=\"product-highlights\">\n    <div class=\"highlight-item\"><span class=\"highlight-label\">Best For:<\/span> Walk-and-talk and two-person interviews<\/div>\n    <div class=\"highlight-item\"><span class=\"highlight-label\">Key Feature:<\/span> Analog 3.5 mm camera RX \u00b7 ~$99 two-person kit<\/div>\n    <div class=\"highlight-item\"><span class=\"highlight-label\">Rating:<\/span> <span class=\"star-rating\">4.5 \/ 5.0 \u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2606<\/span><\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  <table class=\"spec-table\">\n    <tr><th>Kit<\/th><td>2 TX + 1 camera RX + charging case (not Mobile RX)<\/td><\/tr>\n    <tr><th>Z5 II cable<\/th><td>Included Camera Audio Cable, 3.5 mm TRS analog<\/td><\/tr>\n    <tr><th>DJI claims<\/th><td>TX ~11.5 h \u00b7 RX ~10.5 h \u00b7 case ~48 h \u00b7 up to 400 m LOS<\/td><\/tr>\n    <tr><th>Street<\/th><td>About $99<\/td><\/tr>\n  <\/table>\n  <p><strong>Why it is Value here.<\/strong> The NTG is the better on-camera mic. Value is the job the NTG cannot do: a capsule on a person. Mini 2\u2019s camera receiver outputs analog on 3.5 mm, which is what the Z5 II mic jack wants. DJI\u2019s Sony MI-shoe adapter is 48 kHz\/24-bit digital on Sony bodies \u2014 it does not make a Nikon shoe digital. The old page\u2019s Wireless GO II is still a fine system with transmitter onboard files; it costs more than this kit for the same \u201cclip it on and walk\u201d outcome. Buy the 2 TX + 1 RX + case with the 3.5 mm cable in the box. Auto on\/off with the camera is a Mimo-app option when the RX is on the TRS cable.<\/p>\n  <p><strong>Skip this if<\/strong> you only talk into the lens from a chair. The NTG or GO II is simpler. Skip Mobile RX kits \u2014 DJI: the mobile receiver has no 3.5 mm camera out. Skip if you need a 32-bit float file on the transmitter; that is Mic 2, not Mini 2.<\/p>\n  <div class=\"pros-cons\">\n    <ul class=\"pros\">\n      <li>Two transmitters and a 3.5 mm RX for about $99<\/li>\n      <li>The analog path this Nikon actually has<\/li>\n    <\/ul>\n    <ul class=\"cons\">\n      <li>400 m is a line-of-sight claim; pockets and 2.4 GHz crowds eat range<\/li>\n      <li>No 32-bit float onboard like Mic 2<\/li>\n    <\/ul>\n  <\/div>\n  <p class=\"purchase-links\"><span class=\"amazon-region-btn\">Check Price on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/s?k=DJI+Mic+Mini+2+2+TX+1+RX+Charging+Case&#038;tag=e6890-20&#038;linkCode=osi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Amazon US<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/s?k=DJI+Mic+Mini+2+2+TX+1+RX+Charging+Case&#038;tag=pctest07-21&#038;linkCode=osi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">UK<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.ca\/s?k=DJI+Mic+Mini+2+2+TX+1+RX+Charging+Case&#038;tag=pctestt-20&#038;linkCode=osi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">CA<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.de\/s?k=DJI+Mic+Mini+2+2+TX+1+RX+Charging+Case&#038;tag=67990-21&#038;linkCode=osi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">DE<\/a> \u2192<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/search?Ntt=DJI+Mic+Mini+2&#038;BI=8941&#038;KBID=10361&#038;SID=12345&#038;DFF=d50\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"purchase-link-bh\">Check Price on B&#038;H<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"top-recommendation\" id=\"budget-pick\" data-badge=\"budget\">\n  <div class=\"top-badge badge-budget\">\ud83d\udcb0 Budget Pick<\/div>\n  <h3>R\u00d8DE VideoMic GO II Helix <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0D6X93C58?tag=e6890-20\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"title-amazon-btn\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">View on Amazon<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/search?Ntt=Rode+VideoMic+GO+II+Helix&#038;BI=8941&#038;KBID=10361&#038;SID=12345&#038;DFF=d50\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"title-bh-btn\">View on B&#038;H<\/a><\/h3>\n  <div class=\"product-highlights\">\n    <div class=\"highlight-item\"><span class=\"highlight-label\">Best For:<\/span> Plug-in-power shotgun, no cell to charge<\/div>\n    <div class=\"highlight-item\"><span class=\"highlight-label\">Key Feature:<\/span> HELIX mount \u00b7 3.5 mm + USB-C \u00b7 33 g mic<\/div>\n    <div class=\"highlight-item\"><span class=\"highlight-label\">Rating:<\/span> <span class=\"star-rating\">4.3 \/ 5.0 \u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2606<\/span><\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  <table class=\"spec-table\">\n    <tr><th>SKU \/ ASIN<\/th><td>VMGOII \/ VMGOIIH \u00b7 B0D6X93C58<\/td><\/tr>\n    <tr><th>Weight<\/th><td>33 g mic \u00b7 89 g with Helix kit (R\u00d8DE)<\/td><\/tr>\n    <tr><th>Camera I\/O<\/th><td>3.5 mm TRS (SC14 in the box) \u00b7 plug-in power 2\u20135 V<\/td><\/tr>\n    <tr><th>USB-C<\/th><td>Computer\/phone mic; 3.5 mm becomes headphones in USB mode<\/td><\/tr>\n    <tr><th>Street<\/th><td>About $99<\/td><\/tr>\n  <\/table>\n  <p><strong>Why not the original VideoMicro as Budget.<\/strong> The old page used VideoMicro because it was tiny and free of batteries. GO II Helix still draws plug-in power from the Z5 II, still has no onboard battery, and adds the annular line tube plus a USB-C jack for the computer. Current kit is VMGOIIH with the HELIX isolation mount. R\u00d8DE is explicit: on analog 3.5 mm it is plug-and-go with no HPF\/pad switches; those DSP options are USB + Central. Set [Microphone sensitivity] manual on the camera. Leave [Mic jack plug-in power] ON or the capsule is dead.<\/p>\n  <p><strong>Skip this if<\/strong> you wanted the NTG\u2019s gain dial and safety channel on the analog feed. Skip if the talent leaves the frame \u2014 still a shotgun on the shoe. Skip original VideoMic GO (9 V, no USB).<\/p>\n  <div class=\"pros-cons\">\n    <ul class=\"pros\">\n      <li>Uses the Z5 II plug-in-power jack Nikon documents<\/li>\n      <li>USB-C for voiceover the same afternoon<\/li>\n    <\/ul>\n    <ul class=\"cons\">\n      <li>No analog safety channel; camera gain is the only level control<\/li>\n      <li>Foam in the box is not a deadcat<\/li>\n    <\/ul>\n  <\/div>\n  <p class=\"purchase-links\"><span class=\"amazon-region-btn\">Check Price on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0D6X93C58?tag=e6890-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Amazon US<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/s?k=Rode+VideoMic+GO+II+Helix&#038;tag=pctest07-21&#038;linkCode=osi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">UK<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.ca\/s?k=Rode+VideoMic+GO+II+Helix&#038;tag=pctestt-20&#038;linkCode=osi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">CA<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.de\/s?k=Rode+VideoMic+GO+II+Helix&#038;tag=67990-21&#038;linkCode=osi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">DE<\/a> \u2192<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/search?Ntt=Rode+VideoMic+GO+II+Helix&#038;BI=8941&#038;KBID=10361&#038;SID=12345&#038;DFF=d50\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"purchase-link-bh\">Check Price on B&#038;H<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2>If You Need Something Else<\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"top-recommendation\" id=\"mke-400\" data-badge=\"premium\">\n  <div class=\"top-badge badge-premium\">\ud83c\udfa7 When the remote owns the headphone jack<\/div>\n  <h3>Sennheiser MKE 400 II <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B09Q89JQBF?tag=e6890-20\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"title-amazon-btn\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">View on Amazon<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/search?Ntt=Sennheiser+MKE+400+II&#038;BI=8941&#038;KBID=10361&#038;SID=12345&#038;DFF=d50\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"title-bh-btn\">View on B&#038;H<\/a><\/h3>\n  <table class=\"spec-table\">\n    <tr><th>SKU \/ ASIN<\/th><td>508898 \u00b7 B09Q89JQBF<\/td><\/tr>\n    <tr><th>Pattern<\/th><td>Supercardioid \u00b7 3-step sensitivity \u00b7 low-cut<\/td><\/tr>\n    <tr><th>Monitor<\/th><td>Headphone jack on the mic with volume<\/td><\/tr>\n    <tr><th>Power<\/th><td>2\u00d7 AAA or plug-in power \u00b7 auto on\/off with camera<\/td><\/tr>\n  <\/table>\n  <p>The old page sold this because it thought the Z5 II had no headphone jack. The Z5 II does. The remaining reason to buy MKE 400 II is the jack on the microphone: if an MC\u2011DC3 is in the camera\u2019s headphone\/remote port, you can still monitor on the Sennheiser. Furry windshield in the box. TRS and TRRS cables. It is not Overall \u2014 no continuously variable gain, no safety channel, and street price sits near the NTG.<\/p>\n  <p class=\"purchase-links\"><span class=\"amazon-region-btn\">Check Price on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B09Q89JQBF?tag=e6890-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Amazon US<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/s?k=Sennheiser+MKE+400+II&#038;tag=pctest07-21&#038;linkCode=osi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">UK<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.ca\/s?k=Sennheiser+MKE+400+II&#038;tag=pctestt-20&#038;linkCode=osi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">CA<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.de\/s?k=Sennheiser+MKE+400+II&#038;tag=67990-21&#038;linkCode=osi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">DE<\/a> \u2192<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/search?Ntt=Sennheiser+MKE+400+II&#038;BI=8941&#038;KBID=10361&#038;SID=12345&#038;DFF=d50\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"purchase-link-bh\">Check Price on B&#038;H<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"top-recommendation\" id=\"videomicro-ii\" data-badge=\"premium\">\n  <div class=\"top-badge badge-premium\">\ud83e\udeb6 Smaller than GO II<\/div>\n  <h3>R\u00d8DE VideoMicro II <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0BM8HQL6L?tag=e6890-20\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"title-amazon-btn\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">View on Amazon<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/search?Ntt=Rode+VideoMicro+II&#038;BI=8941&#038;KBID=10361&#038;SID=12345&#038;DFF=d50\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"title-bh-btn\">View on B&#038;H<\/a><\/h3>\n  <table class=\"spec-table\">\n    <tr><th>SKU \/ ASIN<\/th><td>VideoMicro II \u00b7 B0BM8HQL6L<\/td><\/tr>\n    <tr><th>Size<\/th><td>~80 mm \u00b7 39 g \u00b7 HELIX mount<\/td><\/tr>\n    <tr><th>I\/O<\/th><td>3.5 mm only \u00b7 plug-in power ON \u00b7 no USB<\/td><\/tr>\n    <tr><th>Street<\/th><td>About $80<\/td><\/tr>\n  <\/table>\n  <p>Buy this instead of GO II Helix only if length and USB-C do not matter. Same rule: [Mic jack plug-in power] ON. The original VideoMicro is the old Budget; this is the current tiny R\u00d8DE. It will not give you NTG controls.<\/p>\n  <p class=\"purchase-links\"><span class=\"amazon-region-btn\">Check Price on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0BM8HQL6L?tag=e6890-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Amazon US<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/s?k=Rode+VideoMicro+II&#038;tag=pctest07-21&#038;linkCode=osi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">UK<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.ca\/s?k=Rode+VideoMicro+II&#038;tag=pctestt-20&#038;linkCode=osi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">CA<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.de\/s?k=Rode+VideoMicro+II&#038;tag=67990-21&#038;linkCode=osi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">DE<\/a> \u2192<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/search?Ntt=Rode+VideoMicro+II&#038;BI=8941&#038;KBID=10361&#038;SID=12345&#038;DFF=d50\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"purchase-link-bh\">Check Price on B&#038;H<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"top-recommendation\" id=\"dji-mic-2\" data-badge=\"premium\">\n  <div class=\"top-badge badge-premium\">\ud83d\udcbe Wireless with a file on the TX<\/div>\n  <h3>DJI Mic 2 (2 TX + 1 RX) <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/s?k=DJI+Mic+2+2+TX+1+RX+Charging+Case&#038;tag=e6890-20&#038;linkCode=osi\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"title-amazon-btn\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">View on Amazon<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/search?Ntt=DJI+Mic+2&#038;BI=8941&#038;KBID=10361&#038;SID=12345&#038;DFF=d50\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"title-bh-btn\">View on B&#038;H<\/a><\/h3>\n  <table class=\"spec-table\">\n    <tr><th>Why not Value<\/th><td>Street ~$200\u2013$270 vs Mini 2 at ~$99<\/td><\/tr>\n    <tr><th>Z5 II<\/th><td>Still analog 3.5 mm from the RX<\/td><\/tr>\n    <tr><th>Extra<\/th><td>32-bit float onboard recording on the transmitters<\/td><\/tr>\n  <\/table>\n  <p>The camera still records the analog feed. Mic 2 earns the extra money when dropouts or a slammed limiter would ruin the take and you want a 32-bit file on the transmitter. Mini 2 is Value for the same 3.5 mm RX path without that recorder.<\/p>\n  <p class=\"purchase-links\"><span class=\"amazon-region-btn\">Check Price on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/s?k=DJI+Mic+2+2+TX+1+RX+Charging+Case&#038;tag=e6890-20&#038;linkCode=osi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Amazon US<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/s?k=DJI+Mic+2+2+TX+1+RX+Charging+Case&#038;tag=pctest07-21&#038;linkCode=osi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">UK<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.ca\/s?k=DJI+Mic+2+2+TX+1+RX+Charging+Case&#038;tag=pctestt-20&#038;linkCode=osi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">CA<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.de\/s?k=DJI+Mic+2+2+TX+1+RX+Charging+Case&#038;tag=67990-21&#038;linkCode=osi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">DE<\/a> \u2192<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/search?Ntt=DJI+Mic+2&#038;BI=8941&#038;KBID=10361&#038;SID=12345&#038;DFF=d50\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"purchase-link-bh\">Check Price on B&#038;H<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<div class=\"faq-module\">\n  <div class=\"faq-item\"><h3>Does the Z5 II have a headphone jack?<\/h3><p>Yes. It shares the jack with the MC\u2011DC3 remote. [Z connector function] in the setup menu is [Auto switch] or [Headphone]. Nikon: use a 3-pole plug on Auto switch; 4-pole headsets may need the jack locked to Headphone. The original Z5 did not have this jack. The previous version of this page was wrong.<\/p><\/div>\n  <div class=\"faq-item\"><h3>Can I plug a USB microphone into the Z5 II?<\/h3><p>Not for in-camera recording. USB-C is data, charging, and PD. Record USB mics on a computer. The NTG and GO II Helix are USB mics on a laptop; on the camera they go in the 3.5 mm jack.<\/p><\/div>\n  <div class=\"faq-item\"><h3>MOV or MP4 for sound?<\/h3><p>NEV and MOV get Linear PCM 48 kHz \/ 24-bit. MP4 is AAC 48 kHz \/ 16-bit. If the external mic is why you bought the camera, do not throw the extra bits away in MP4 unless you need the smaller file.<\/p><\/div>\n  <div class=\"faq-item\"><h3>Should plug-in power be on?<\/h3><p>ON for GO II Helix and VideoMicro II. OFF for the NTG and for wireless receivers that supply their own output \u2014 Nikon says unused plug-in power can add supply noise. Confirm on the mic maker\u2019s sheet if you are unsure.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2>Final Verdict<\/h2>\n<div class=\"conclusion-module verdict-box\">\n  <div class=\"verdict-picks\">\n    <div class=\"verdict-item\">\n      <span class=\"verdict-label\">\ud83c\udfc6 Best Overall:<\/span>\n      <div class=\"verdict-product\"><strong>R\u00d8DE VideoMic NTG<\/strong> <span class=\"verdict-reason\">\u2013 analog 3.5 mm with a gain dial and a safety channel.<\/span><\/div>\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B081S9BCHF?tag=e6890-20\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"verdict-btn\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Buy Now<\/a>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"verdict-item\">\n      <span class=\"verdict-label\">\ud83d\udc8e Best Value:<\/span>\n      <div class=\"verdict-product\"><strong>DJI Mic Mini 2 (2 TX + 1 RX)<\/strong> <span class=\"verdict-reason\">\u2013 two-person wireless on the analog jack for about $99.<\/span><\/div>\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/s?k=DJI+Mic+Mini+2+2+TX+1+RX+Charging+Case&#038;tag=e6890-20&#038;linkCode=osi\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"verdict-btn\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Buy Now<\/a>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"verdict-item\">\n      <span class=\"verdict-label\">\ud83d\udcb0 Budget Pick:<\/span>\n      <div class=\"verdict-product\"><strong>R\u00d8DE VideoMic GO II Helix<\/strong> <span class=\"verdict-reason\">\u2013 plug-in-power shotgun, no battery, camera sets the level.<\/span><\/div>\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0D6X93C58?tag=e6890-20\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"verdict-btn\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Buy Now<\/a>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  <p class=\"verdict-summary\">The Z5 II is analog 3.5 mm with plug-in power, 24-bit PCM in MOV\/NEV, and a headphone jack that also takes an MC\u2011DC3. There is no digital shoe. VideoMic NTG is Overall for talking to the camera. Mini 2 camera kit is Value when people walk. GO II Helix is Budget plug-in power. MKE 400 II is the monitor-on-the-mic spare, not a headphone-jack substitute. Do not buy Sony MI mics or USB mics for this body.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Z5 II is analog 3.5 mm with plug-in power, 24-bit PCM in MOV\/NEV, and a headphone jack that also takes an MC-DC3. No digital shoe. VideoMic NTG is Overall. DJI Mic Mini 2 camera kit is Value for walk-and-talk. VideoMic GO II Helix is Budget plug-in power.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[11,3],"tags":[721,501,126,2331,751],"class_list":["post-2976","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-microphone","category-nikon","tag-external-microphone","tag-microphone","tag-nikon-z5-ii","tag-on-camera-microphone","tag-vlogging-microphone"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cameraegg.org\/camerareview\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2976","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cameraegg.org\/camerareview\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cameraegg.org\/camerareview\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cameraegg.org\/camerareview\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cameraegg.org\/camerareview\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2976"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.cameraegg.org\/camerareview\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2976\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9626,"href":"https:\/\/www.cameraegg.org\/camerareview\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2976\/revisions\/9626"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cameraegg.org\/camerareview\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2976"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cameraegg.org\/camerareview\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2976"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cameraegg.org\/camerareview\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2976"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}