Nikon ME-1 Review

Stereo Microphone

12,085 reviews
nikonusa.com
Nikon
  • 3.5mm Stereo Mini-Pin Jack
  • Low-Cut Filter
  • Unidirectional
  • For Digital SLR Cameras

Introduction

In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 12,085 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the Nikon ME-1. This analysis is performed by the RR artificial intelligence and updated daily with newly submitted reviews. The RR AI utilizes a complex algorithm to first scrutinize user reviews for credibility, filtering out unreliable ones. It then proceeds to dissect and evaluate the valuable insights within these reviews, providing users with ratings regarding the features of this product. Based on these assessments, users can make informed decisions about whether this product is suitable for them or not.

Ratings Based on Features

These results are a summary of user reviews of the Nikon ME-1. For example, 77% of 2,350 users who have commented on the Sound quality of the Nikon ME-1 have given positive feedback.

77%
Sound quality
77% of users are satisfied, based on 2,350 reviews
80%
Value for money
80% of users are satisfied, based on 2,321 reviews
97%
Light weight
97% of users are satisfied, based on 1,177 reviews
94%
Easy to use
94% of users are satisfied, based on 588 reviews
Average Rating (12,085 ratings)
85%
Amazon.com ( 615 ratings )
86%
Amazon.de ( 608 ratings )
84%
Amazon.co.jp ( 603 ratings )
86%
Amazon.co.uk ( 601 ratings )
84%
Amazon.fr ( 601 ratings )
82%
Amazon.ca ( 600 ratings )
86%
Amazon.it ( 599 ratings )
84%
Amazon.es ( 599 ratings )
86%
Amazon.sa ( 598 ratings )
86%
Amazon.sg ( 598 ratings )
86%
Amazon.com.mx ( 574 ratings )
86%
Amazon.com.tr ( 574 ratings )
86%
Amazon.in ( 574 ratings )
86%
Amazon.ae ( 574 ratings )
86%
Amazon.com.au ( 574 ratings )
86%
Amazon.nl ( 573 ratings )
86%
Amazon.se ( 573 ratings )
86%
Amazon.pl ( 573 ratings )
86%
Amazon.eg ( 573 ratings )
86%
Amazon.com.br ( 571 ratings )
86%
Amazon.cn ( 183 ratings )
86%
B&H Photo Video ( 112 ratings )
84%
Adorama ( 35 ratings )
82%
Show more

Highlighted Customer Reviews

Showing 1 to 20 of 112 Reviews

Good mic if you know what you are doing

Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone Review

Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone

Jan 5, 2013

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

I use this mic with my Nikon D800. It is a simple and easy device to use. Also records good audio. If you record in a noisy situation, it is okay because you do not hear auto focusing noise of the lens in the recorded video. But when I shoot videos in quiet places, the mic picks up noise from every single auto focusing movement of the lens which is not pleasant to the viewers later. Now in a still situation, I set the camera on a tripod and set the lens on manual focus. For example, we had a Christmas program in our church last month. Singers and the violinist came out to the same spot to perform. So I set my camera on a tripod and set the lens on manual focus. I did not touch the camera or the lens until the program finished. Later when I replayed it, the picture and sound were excellent. Good video! But most of the cases I cannot use the manual focus option of the lens when shooting videos. So you need to think carefully what you are going to do with this mic. I would recommend this mic to people with caution. I would greatly appreciate it if someone could post a solution to this problem of noise picking from auto focusing lens. ... More

I love it - thanks to previous reviewes!

Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone Review

Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone

Apr 6, 2015

Reviewed by Lowell W. on B&H Photo Video

Before I purchased this product, I saw a pattern of two concerns in the product reviews: the mic was non-directional and there was noise generated by operating the camera. To address these, I purchased a 10' Rhodes extension cord and mounted the mic on a table tripod. This allowed me to get the mic off the camera - eliminating the camera noise. It also allows me to get the mic closer to the subject (could also use a boom) to reduced secondary sounds.

Decent Mic for the money

Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone Review

Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone

Apr 26, 2014

Reviewed by jcyoungquist on B&H Photo Video

I know almost nothing about audio when it comes to filming with my DSLR. I bought this because I'm planning to film some interviews, and I want them to appear and sound more professional than the camera's mic. My Nikon D5300 audio settings were set too high by default. When plugged in with the default settings, you get a low hiss with the audio. I googled it and found that others had the same problem. The solution is to set the audio settings to Manual, then lower the default level. My camera's default audio level was set on 15. I started with a very low setting, and worked my way back up until I found the level that produced enough volume, but did not produce the hiss. I found that the sweet spot is around 8 on my Nikon D5300. With that troubleshooting behind me, I'm pretty satisfied with the mic. For the money, you're getting a good mic. Like I said, I know nothing about audio other than what I want to achieve. I'm sure that in order to get better sound quality, I would have to spend more money. ... More

Huge Improvement

Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone Review

Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone

Nov 26, 2013

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

The Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone creates a huge improvement over the in-camera microphone on my Nikon D4. I was shocked when I hooked up my videos with music to external speakers or listened with headphones. The bass blew me away. I recorded a friend singing and playing the guitar, and it was like being there in person. Voice tone and resonance were there. I could hear the strings vibrate and his fingers move up and down the strings. If sound matters, this is one accessory to not be without.

DOES THE JOB

Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone Review

Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone

May 14, 2014

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

On a Nikon 5300 this will work very well if you keep in mind that the camera has a built in volume control. If not adjust it will make whoosing sound, but after adjusting it works fine. 2 Techs from Nikon were not aware that the control was on the camera, not the mic. PS it does not mention this in either the Nikon instruction booklet for either the camera or mic.

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Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone
$139
B&H Photo Video
Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone
Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone
$149.95
Adorama
Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone

Not good with D800 internal preamp

Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone Review

Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone

Apr 2, 2013

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

Unfortunately, when used with a Nikon D800 (and I suspect any other DSLR as of April 2013), this mic is not a good match with the camera's internal preamp. Setting the camera to AUTO gain mode, there is a considerable amount of hiss. In MANUAL mode you can reduce the gain, reduce the hiss, but the recording level is then too low. This problem plagues virtually every DSLR, and the solution is to get an outboard low-noise preamp such as the ones by JuicedLink and BeachTek. Apparently, this problem has been known since the introduction of video-capable DSLR'sa long time before the introduction of the D800. Shame on Nikon for not seizing the opportunity to fix this problem once and for all. ... More

So far, so great

Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone Review

Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone

Aug 5, 2012

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

So, I've had this two weeks now and only just got the chance to test it out. And my initial impression is that it's a terrific mic. My 8 year old daughter and her best friend had to earn some money. Coincidentally my car needed washing. Sounds from the subtle suds bubbling on my black ride, to the water spray, to the ear-pain-inducing shreiks of two girls fighting over control of the garden hose the ME-1 picked up all very well. Sound had a nice tone - not tinny yet not muffled on the low end -- very clean and crisp. The size isn't obtrusive and a small groove on the back of the mic mount holds the wire tight, sending it in the right direction to keep it out of the way of the viewfinder and screen. So far, this is a great accessory and I would recommend it, in a heartbeat. ... More

Excellent Microphone for The Price

Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone Review

Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone

Jul 28, 2013

Reviewed by Photo Nut on B&H Photo Video

The Nikon ME-1 microphone works very well on the camera hot shoe and off camera with a mini pin jack extension cable. It is very important to go to the camera menu, Movie Settings, Microphone and choose your volume settings. I use the Manual Sensitivity. It is important to choose the volume setting for the conditions you are shooting in. If you set the volume too high you will get sound noise. I found this best for me but try Auto Sensitivity but listen for any noise in a test recording. Have Fun!

Nice travel mike

Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone Review

Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone

Jul 3, 2012

Reviewed by Victor on B&H Photo Video

I bought it to use with my D800 and/or Zoom H4N. I had a chance to compare it with Rode video pro which easy beats Nikon by sound quality, boosted level and directional recording...except one. The size. And this fact dominates when I travel. ME-1 allows to avoid annoying autofocus clicks when shooting video on DSLR. Due to omni-directional nature, lack of pre-amplifier and Nikon D800 recording software the quality is not comparable with pro equipment but remember that this mike was designed for occasional shooters. And, for home/vacation use it does its work very well.

Doesn't suppress autofocus noise

Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone Review

Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone

Jun 13, 2013

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

I bought this for my Nikon D7000 because, based on review comments, it would help to suppress the annoying clicking sound that autofocusing puts into movies. The stereo sound was much improved from the mono microphone built into the D7000, but the clicking sound, if anything, was more pronounced! Sadly, I'll do without autofocus in the few movies I take and promptly returned it. On the bright side, the folks at B&H were wonderful in both shipping promptness and processing my return of the microphone, and were a pleasure to work with.

For interviews etc.

Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone Review

Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone

Nov 9, 2011

Reviewed by Tony Rundle on B&H Photo Video

Be aware that this is an omni-directional mic, and so picks up everything around you. It seems quite expensive for what it is. You should consider a Rode or Sennheiser shotgun mic if you want something directional. On the plus side, it is compact and means you don't get constant background noise from the camera even when the focus isn't changing. It seems expensive for what it is.

Not the best alternative as a microphone for live streaming

Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone Review

Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone

Jul 29, 2020

Reviewed by Kenneth on B&H Photo Video

This may not be a fair assessment since I thought I would try it out as a live streaming mic. I am using my Z7 Nikon as a live-streaming webcam, and I was looking to improve the audio quality and syncing on my iMac which has an HDMI capture device. After receiving, I tried all the settings possible on my Nikon mic menu options and I was not pleased with the sound. Even called Nikon support, which is always accessible and terrific, and they could not come up with a solution. Purchased an Audio-Technica external mic, as well, just to see if one was better than the other. Not even a contest. This might be a good mic for movies, which I generally do not shoot on my Z7, but for live-streaming, I would not recommend it and sending my ME-1 back to B&H. ... More

Remarkable for its size!

Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone Review

Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone

Feb 28, 2012

Reviewed by Erin on B&H Photo Video

I used this mike in the Nikon School Video Workshop and I was amazed at the sound it picked up, and a big plus is that is doesn't need batteries, operates off the camera battery - I'm using it with the D7000. It doesn't fit all situations, nor can one expect it to.

Great Mic for your Nikon DSLR

Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone Review

Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone

Mar 31, 2012

Reviewed by MBM on B&H Photo Video

This is my second one of these. I sold my little Sennheiser to get another one of these. to my ear they give the same sound, but I would like it to be a bit more directional. A better dead cat style sock is needed outdoors. The best thing is there is no battery or on/off switch! It is nice not having to think about the mic, it is on when you record and off when you stop. Awesome!

awesome mic!

Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone Review

Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone

Feb 6, 2012

Reviewed by creativecrayon on B&H Photo Video

This is a vary good mic if your looking for interviewing people speaking also it is great for recording surrounding sounds also, amazing build quality vary impressive. although a little background noise when not needed. all around great little travel mic for a good price!

The answer to my problem!

Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone Review

Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone

Apr 16, 2012

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

I recently purchased a Nikon D-800 and was interested in doing some video of my grandson. Trying to use the on-board microphone resulted in capturing camera noises. After searching the internet, it seemed that using an external microphone would help and this ME-1 was the answer.

i'm still in doubt for this purchase

Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone Review

Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone

Dec 18, 2011

Reviewed by JuanKm on B&H Photo Video

I don't really know if i made a good choice with this item, i mean, clearly, there's a difference when you use the mic, but, i don't see a huge difference between this and the incorporated mic. Yes, the zoom noise is reduced, Yes, the wind noise reduces, but, anyway, you have to speak really loud is you're outside,,,it is not a unidirectional mic, so every noise will be recorded. I think for it's price should be better.

Must have accessory for videography!

Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone Review

Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone

Jun 26, 2014

Reviewed by Only the Best on B&H Photo Video

High quality stereo microphone with low frequency noise switch and vibration isolation mount which eliminates auto-focus and other camera noise heard when only the camera's built-in microphone is used.

Very good microphone.

Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone Review

Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone

May 31, 2012

Reviewed by David on B&H Photo Video

This microphone really improves the sound when recording with a DSLR, the best part is that with the microphone you dont hear the sounds of the autofocus which is really notiseble othervise. The only drawback I have is that it looks and feels very flimsy.

Works Great!

Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone Review

Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone

May 11, 2020

Reviewed by William on B&H Photo Video

I am very please with my purchase of the ME-1. It's a compact design that fits nicely atop my camera. The sound quality and stereo separation is quite good considering its size. I would strongly recommend that this mic be used at all times with the wind sock when doing video outside. Even the slightest breeze causes noise which is likely associated with the mic's sensitivity. All-in-all a great addition to my camera accessory kit.

Showing 1 to 20 of 112 Reviews