Most built-in microphones for cameras produce less than stellar outputs. For people wanting to upgrade but don’t care to spend too much, the Azden SMX-10 is a welcome solution. It’s a small mic that’s ideal for consumer handheld cameras, measuring 7” in length with a 3/4" diameter. The SMX-10 is powered by one AAA battery that can last up to 400 hours according to the manufacturer. The reviewer tested the unit and, true enough, it did perform very well. With its low price and notable performance, the reviewer recommends the Azden SMX-10 for those wanting cleaner and more polished recordings.

The built-in microphones found on most cameras aren’t exactly professional grade. If you find yourself in need of an external mic, the Azden SMX-10 is a good place to start looking. The SMX-10 is quite small, measuring only 7 inches long with a diameter of less than 3/4". The body has a simple on-off switch and a lo-cut switch to minimize rumble and wind noise. Powered by a single AAA battery, the reviewer noted that the SMX-10 is rated for up to 400 hours. The package comes with a unique shock mount and a simple foam windscreen. Despite its size, it is a stereo model with great isolation. Testing the SMX-10 against a camera’s built-in mic, the reviewer stated that plugging in the SMX-10 removed most of the noise that the built-in mic was picking up. The extraneous sounds were minimized to acceptable levels. The Adzen SMX-10 sounds very good and the stereo pickup is nice. If you are after better sounds than those captured by your camera’s built-in microphone without paying an arm, the Adzen SMX-10 is the external microphone to pick up.