Nikon D5100 Microphone Options Explained

The Nikon D5100 has a 3.5mm mic jack. External microphones can be used.

The D5100 has a built-in mono microphone. The audio quality isn’t incredible, but it is useful for syncing audio from a external recorder.

A video editor can sync audio captured with an external recorder to the audio recorded by the Nikon D5100’s built-in microphone. All commonly used editors have the ability to sync multiple audio tracks in post production.

Wider focal length lenses are more useful for video. There are many affordable lenses for the Nikon D5100.

Does the Nikon D5100 record audio?

Yes, the Nikon D5100 records audio when shooting.

Audio will be recorded with the built-in mono microphone.

Quality will not be great. It will pick up wind noise outside or echos when used indoors. An external microphone can greatly improve the audio quality of the D5100.

Can the Nikon D5100 use an external mic?

Yes, the Nikon D5100 can use an external mic with 3.5mm jack.

A shotgun mic or wired lavaliere can be plugged into the D5100.

Wireless microphones, like the DJI Mic 3 or Rode Wireless Micro can be used.

Can a XLR microphone be used?

No, there is no was to use an XLR microphone directly with the D5100.

An external recorder like a Zoom H1n or Tascam DR-40X can be used to record audio. Tracks can then by synced during post production.

Can headphones be used on the Nikon D5100?

No, the Nikon D5100 does not have a headphone jack. The 3.5mm mic jack is only for microphones.

The jack is not those found on laptops for headphones with integrated microphones.

Headphones can not be used to monitor audio recording.

Does the Nikon D5100 have a speaker?

Yes, the Nikon D5100 has a mono speaker. It can be used to listen to audio during playback of a video.

Video can quickly use of storage space, but there are cheap compatible SD cards for the Nikon D5100 available.

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External Mics for the Nikon D5100

These external microphones are compatible with the Nikon 5100.

Any mic with a 3.5mm jack can be used. These are some of the most popular options.

Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone

• Official Nikon Product
• Windscreen included
• Cable stop to prevent noise

The Nikon ME-1 is a stereo microphone that will reduce autofocus noise from the D5100.

The ME-1 Stereo Microphone connects to compatible cameras that have a 3.5mm mic jack.

Rode VideoMic GO

• High quality directional mic.
• Does not require a battery.
• Windshield included.
• Connects via a 3.5mm mini-jack.

The Rode VideoMic Go has been a popular microphone for a long time.

It’s easy to find a deal on a used microphone that has barely been used.

TAKSTAR SGC-598 Shotgun Microphone

• High sensitivity condenser microphone designed for DSLR cameras.
• Cardioid design can reduces ambient noise.
• Selectable +10dB sensitivity tone up and 200Hz bass filter.
• Shock proof design to reduce noise
• Requires 1x AA battery

The Takstar SGC-598 is a cheap shotgun mic for the Nikon D5100. It makes sense because of the the D5100 is selling for much less than it’s original price.

Wireless Mics for the Nikon D5100

Wireless microphones are better for recording multiple people. They have wireless receivers that can be plugged into the D5100.

They are also great if the subject is going to be moving.

DJI Mic Mini

• Noise cancelling
• Ultralight
• 48hr battery life

Rode Wireless GO II

• Can be used with a lavaliere or headset microphone
• Transmitter and receiver weigh 31g
• Up to 70m range
• 7 hours of battery life