I’m a photographer and have battled wind noise on DSLR cameras before. Sometimes, even the finest mics and the best wind-reducing methods don’t stop all sound.
If you’re shooting outdoors and don’t want to edit out the hisses and pops, there are some tricks to reduce or prevent wind noise.
Here’s how to minimize it on your DSLR camera.
Table of Contents
Basics of Wind Noise
Photographers who use DSLR cameras to capture sounds and images might have experienced terrible wind noise.
This issue is more common when shooting outdoors, and it can demolish even the best shots.
To help you avoid this audio issue, let’s look at the fundamentals of wind noise and methods you can use to prevent it.
Types of Wind Noise
Two basic types of wind noise exist: direct and indirect. Direct noise is when wind directly affects the microphone or recorder. It will sound like a loud swooshing or hissing sound. This makes certain frequencies hard to identify.
Indirect noise is when wind affects objects near the recording equipment like trees, buildings, and foliage. It usually sounds like softer swooshing noises. It may distort higher frequencies, depending on the speed and direction of the wind.
If you’re shooting in windy areas, reduce potential negative impacts on audio recordings by:
- Using lightweight mic shields or covers to surround your microphone/recorder.
- Placing objects like blankets between recording equipment and gusty directions.
- Moving indoors or close to physical barriers (e.g., walls).
Causes of Wind Noise
As a photographer, I know the damage wind noise can do to a picture. In windy areas, this low-frequency hum or buzz can be heard. It’s usually caused by the microphone and lens, as well as wind speed and direction.
DSLRs tend to have a larger, more exposed mic than phones. Sound waves hit it and create vibrations, which amplify into noise. Other factors like wind speed, direction, and environment can also cause noise.
Wind noise is unavoidable. Knowing its source can help us reduce it. This way, we can get better-sounding shots.
Techniques to Reduce Wind Noise
Wind noise can be pesky for photographers. If their DSLR mics are exposed to the elements, it’s even worse! But there are some tricks to reduce this noise and get clear recordings.
Windscreen accessories and different recording settings are the top solutions. So, no more wind noise on your DSLR camera!
Use a Windshield
Windshields are great for reducing wind noise when recording with a DSLR camera. Some cameras come with them, but you can also buy them or make your own. It’s ideal to get one designed for your microphone, to get the best sound reduction.
Experiment with the size and shape of your windshield. Fuzzy windscreens are good outdoors, as they offer more surface area and trap low-frequency noise. For boom poles, use a larger version if there’s no space for traditional foam.
Bear in mind that even the best windshields won’t stop all wind noise. When shooting outdoors, you may need to use audio filters or editing tools to counteract the noise. With an effective windshield, you can greatly reduce interference in your DLSR setup.
Change the Direction of the Microphone
When you shoot outdoors, you might get wind noise. To reduce this, change your mic’s direction in your camera settings. Electret condenser mics are sensitive to sound waves from different directions and they pick up more background noise.
Try angling the mic a bit downwards so it won’t pick up the wind. This won’t always work, but it can help improve audio quality.
If wind buffeting is still an issue, adjust the mic direction or use a blimp cover for outdoor shoots.
Increase the Distance
Boost the gap between your mic and the wind noise source to lessen its effects on audio recordings. Say you’re recording outside with a shotgun/boom mic, move it away from any direct air sources.
Move it at least 3 feet (1 meter) aside from sources like fans, exhaust systems and air conditioners that cause wind noise on your take.
Also, using a Windscreen or foam cover over your mic can help block out some wind noise in your recordings. It creates a wall between sound waves and your microphone diaphragm.
Use a Deadcat Windscreen
A deadcat windscreen, often referred to as a “dead cat”, is a furry cover meant to fit over a microphone. It gets its name from resembling a clump of fur. This fur serves to reduce wind noise and other ambient sounds.
Deadcats are available as a separate purchase for most large-diaphragm and shotgun microphones. If you are using a microphone outdoors without any additional insulation, I suggest purchasing a deadcat.
It will reduce unwanted noise in the recording and also capture more low frequencies in the environment.
Rather than resorting to makeshift solutions such as wrapping the microphone in clothing or towels, the dense fur of a deadcat windscreen is much better. These materials lack the long-term effect on the sound quality that the fur provides.
Use a Foam Windscreen
A foam windscreen is a tool for reducing wind noise when recording audio with a DSLR camera. It is made from acoustic foam.
The texture is a bit rough and helps to break up sound waves in windy conditions. It also protects against moisture, making it good for outdoor and humid areas.
Place the foam around your microphone. Make sure it covers the top and sides. You should see an improvement in your recordings. Depending on how windy it is, you may need multiple layers of foam for better sound reduction.
Use a Directional Microphone
Using a directional microphone, like a shotgun microphone, is one way to reduce wind noise on DSLR cameras. It works by focusing reception in a specific direction and measuring sound levels across a range of frequencies. This will reduce noise from the sides and back of the mic.
When recording outdoors with DSLR, use a foam windshield held in one hand. Position the mic and windshield towards or away from your subject, depending on how loud you need it to be. Place them directly in front for maximum clarity. This may vary depending on wind, so experiment.
The combination of Foam Windshield & Directional Microphone should greatly reduce wind noise when recording outdoors with DSLR camera!
Conclusion
Wind noise on a DSLR camera can be cut down or nearly wiped out with the right use of wind protection. A nice windshield and a deadcat fur cover are great for cutting down wind noise.
It’s essential to pick a windshield that fits your mic’s size. This will make sure you get the proper protection from wind. Plus, the mic cover should fit tight around the mic. This lets air move around and stops external pressure from ruining the sound.
Lastly, where you place your mic is important when you’re in a loud place. By moving or turning your mic away from the windy direction, you can keep down the extra noise.
