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How to Connect a Wireless Mic to a Camera

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Plug the receiver into the camera, turn the microphone on, and pair the two before you record. The receiver goes into the camera mic input, and the microphone clips to the speaker. Check the camera audio level before you start, and record a short clip to hear the result.

Plug the receiver into the camera

Pick the receiver plug that fits the camera. The PGDLOF receiver has USB-C, Lightning and a 3.5mm audio jack, so use the 3.5mm plug for the camera mic input. Push the plug fully into the input until it sits firm.

Turn the mic and receiver on

Turn the receiver and the microphone on, and wait for the pair light. The Gicorino receiver and microphone show a green LED when the connection works, so watch for the light before you record. The PGDLOF receiver and mic pair on their own when both are on. Turn Bluetooth off on the phone before you record, since the PGDLOF mic and the Gicorino mic both need Bluetooth off while you record.

Clip the mic and set the level

Clip the microphone to the speaker's shirt near the collar, with the mic facing the mouth. The PGDLOF mic has a rotating clip for collars, shirts, hats or gear, and the Gicorino clip turns a full 360 degrees so you can aim the mic. Set the camera audio level low, then record a short clip and listen back. If the sound clips, turn the camera level down; if it is too quiet, turn it up a little.

Check range and battery before you shoot

Check how far you can walk from the camera before the sound drops. The PQRQP mic holds a connection up to 328 feet, the PGDLOF mic up to 70 feet, and the Gicorino mic up to 20 meters. Charge the mic before a long shoot: the PGDLOF mic runs up to about 7 hours on a full charge, and a single Gicorino mic runs 6 hours, with the double pack running 12 hours.

What you need

PQRQP 3 in 1 Wireless Mini Microphone

PQRQP 3 in 1 Wireless Mini Microphone

A 3-in-1 wireless mic with a receiver for cameras, a 328-foot range, noise cancellation and one-touch mute.

  • Wireless range: 328 ft
  • Battery life: 18 hr
PGDLOF 3 in 1 Wireless Mini Microphone

PGDLOF 3 in 1 Wireless Mini Microphone

A 3-in-1 wireless mic with USB-C, Lightning and 3.5mm plugs, a 70-foot range and about 7 hours of battery.

  • Wireless range: 70 ft
  • Battery life: 7 hr
  • 1-year warranty stated
Gicorino Wireless Lavalier Microphone for iPhone/Android/Camera

Gicorino Wireless Lavalier Microphone for iPhone/Android/Camera

A wireless lavalier mic with a 3-in-1 receiver for cameras, a 20-meter range, noise reduction and a green LED that shows the connection.

    These come from our ranked list Best Wireless Mic for Camera, which compares them spec by spec.

    Frequently asked questions

    Can I plug a wireless mic into any camera?

    No. The camera needs a mic input for the receiver plug. The PGDLOF receiver has a 3.5mm plug for that input, so check the camera for a mic input before you buy a mic.

    Do I need Bluetooth to connect the mic?

    No. The PGDLOF mic pairs on its own with no adapter or Bluetooth, and the Gicorino mic needs no adapter, Bluetooth or app. Both need Bluetooth off on the phone while you record.

    How far can I walk from the camera?

    It depends on the mic. The PQRQP mic holds up to 328 feet, the PGDLOF mic up to 70 feet, and the Gicorino mic up to 20 meters.

    More how-to guides

    Product details come from each Amazon listing and can change. Check the listing before you buy.