Sound and Microphones When Filming with Drones and Action Cameras
Introduction
When someone mentions a drone, most people imagine stunning aerial shots, FPV fly-throughs, or cinematic scenes from above. But few realize that the image is only half of the experience. The other half is sound — and that is often underestimated. Drones do not record usable audio because the rotor noise is too loud and the recording would be unusable. The solution is external microphones or music tracks that can capture clean and quality audio, whether it’s an interview, location ambience, or environmental sounds.
On fpvvideo.cz we focus not only on drones (DJI Avata 2, DJI Mavic 3 Cine, FPV 5" and 2" builds), but also on action cameras and sound. That’s why we prepared an overview of what types of microphones exist, how they are used in video production, and why sound is just as important as image.
Types of Microphones for Video Production
1. Lavalier Microphones
Small, discreet microphones that clip onto clothing.
Ideal for interviews, vlogs, or reporting.
Advantage: discreet, close to the sound source, minimal ambient interference.
Disadvantage: captures less environmental ambience.
2. Shotgun Microphones
Microphones with a narrow pickup pattern aimed at a specific source.
Used for dialogues, concerts, or sports.
Advantage: reduces background noise, focuses on the voice.
Disadvantage: requires precise aiming.
3. Studio (Static) Microphones
Large condenser microphones for professional recording.
Suitable for voice-over, dubbing, or music.
Advantage: high quality, detailed sound.
Disadvantage: not suitable for mobile outdoor use.
4. Wireless Microphones (e.g. DJI Mic 3)
Modern solution for video creators — a set with two microphones and a receiver.
Allows freedom of movement, ideal for shooting indoors and outdoors.
Advantage: flexibility, mobility, clean sound.
Disadvantage: higher price, need to monitor battery.
Why a Drone Does Not Record Sound
Rotor noise — the sound of motors and propellers during flight is so loud that it drowns everything else.
Vibrations — microphones would pick up undesirable resonance.
Distance from the subject — the drone is often several meters away, making audio capture difficult.
Therefore sound is recorded separately — either with external microphones on the ground, or wirelessly directly from the person speaking. Alternatively, music can be used to add atmosphere.
Sound and Image: An Inseparable Pair
Video without sound feels amateur.
Professional production always combines high-quality image (DJI Avata 2, DJI Mavic 3 Cine, FPV drones) with clean sound.
During post-production, audio is synchronized with video.
Software such as Adobe Premiere, DaVinci Resolve or Final Cut is used.
Practical Shooting Tips
Outdoor (Prague, Bohemia, Moravia, Slovakia): use lavalier or wireless microphones to reduce wind noise.
Indoor (Prague West, Prague East, Central Bohemia): use directional microphones for clean dialogue capture.
FPV drones: audio is usually added externally, as the flight is too noisy.
Cinema drones (DJI Mavic 3 Cine): visuals are combined with sound from microphones or music.
Post-Production and Sound Editing
Synchronization — aligning audio and video.
Noise reduction — removing noise and unwanted sounds.
EQ and compression — adjusting voice to sound professional.
Mix — combining multiple tracks (dialogue, music, ambience).
Conclusion
Sound is a key part of every video. Drones deliver stunning visuals, but without a quality microphone and post-production, the final output feels incomplete. Whether you're filming in Prague, Moravia, Central Bohemia or Slovakia, remember: good sound is half of success.
