Sony ECM-G1 Introduced – Compact Shotgun Microphone for Vloggers

Audio News

by Francesco AndreolaJuly 14^th, 2022

Sony has recently released a new pocket-size digital shotgun microphone, the ECM-G1. It features a super-cardioid pickup pattern, comes with a 3.5mm microphone jack, and is compatible with Sony cameras featuring a Multi Interface (MI) hot shoe. It is now available for pre-order for $149.99.

Last month, Sony came up with a digital shotgun microphone to go with their mirrorless cameras and some of their Cinema Line cameras, the ECM-B10. Now, they are releasing an even more compact, affordable model, called ECM-G1.

It looks like a convenient tool for vloggers and content creators looking for a travel-friendly solution to record crisp voices and sounds, especially if you’re into selfie-style shooting. Let’s take a closer look.

Sony ECM-G1: features

The new Sony ECM-G1 is a compact and lightweight directional microphone designed to be mounted on-camera. It only adds 34g/1.2oz to your camera setup and measures 28×50.8×48.5mm/1x2x1.9” in size. Hence, it is smaller than the ECM-B10.

The microphone’s capsule has a large diameter of approximately 14.6mm and offers a super-cardioid pickup pattern. This means it should be able to clearly record sounds coming from the front side, while suppressing ambience noise hitting the microphone from other directions.

The ECM-G1 features a 3.5mm jack that makes it compatible with a wide range of devices. However, it also works with the digital Multi Interface (MI) shoe that can be found on many Sony mirrorless cameras, including the vlogging-oriented ZV-E10, and some cinema cameras (FX3/FX6). This connection results in convenient cable and battery-free setup, since both digital audio data and power are passed through the Multi Interface.

The ECM-G1 comes with an included windscreen to reduce wind noise when shooting outdoors and has anti-vibration dumpers to minimize frequency vibration noise.

Price and availability

The new Sony ECM-G1 is available for pre-order on B&H for $149.99. According to Sony, the microphone should start shipping to customers in August. In the box, you will find the microphone, windscreen, 3.5mm jack, and carrying pouch. For reference, the ECM-B10 currently retails for $249.99.

What is your go-to compact solution for recording high-quality audio while travelling? What do you think of the new Sony ECM-G1? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!