Sony ECM-GZ1M Review
Zoom Microphone for Cameras with Multi-Interface Shoe
- Helps Cut Out Unwanted Background Noise
- Includes Windscreen to Reduce Wind Noise
- Two Pick-Up Pattern Choices
- Monaural Electret Condenser Capsule
- Sony Proprietary Multi-Interface Shoe
- Hot Shoe Powered Directional Microphone
Introduction
In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 22,963 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the Sony ECM-GZ1M. 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 Sony ECM-GZ1M. For example, 64% of 715 users who have commented on the Value for money of the Sony ECM-GZ1M have given positive feedback.
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 20 of 40 Reviews
Zoom does not work on NEX-6
Sony ECM-GZ1M Zoom Microphone for Cameras with Multi-Interface Shoe
Reviewed by Mark Lewus on B&H Photo Video
The ECM-GZ1M is a shotgun microphone that is marketed as compatible with any Sony camera that has a multi-interface shoe. Since (for marketing reasons) most Sony mirrorless cameras don't have an external microphone jack, the ECM-GZ1M makes audio and power connections through a 1mm pitch connector strip built into the back edge of the proprietary hotshoe. At the time of this writing there is no off-camera flash cable available for the multi-interface shoe, so you can only use one multi-interface device at a time: mic, light, flash, etc. There are varying opinions about the robustness of the connector pins on the hotshoe, After several months of careful use I have had no issues. However this is not a slam it home connector as are most hotshoe connectors- one look will tell you that care ought to be exercised when connecting and disconnecting devices. Sony recommends you keep a plastic cover on both sides, camera and mic, when not in use and this seems like a very good idea lest a velcro loop in your camera bag (or whatever) grab one of the connector pins and bend it. It is also a substantial inconvenience since the covers are small and easily lost. The mic is advertised to work in two modes. First, a fixed shotgun mode, and second, a zoom mode where the microphone's pickup pattern follows the focal length of the lens. Unfortunately this zoom mode does not work on the NEX-6. When you set the mic to zoom mode the camera responds this feature is not supported. This error occurred with the 16-50 F3.5-5.6, 16-70 f4, and 10-18 f4 Sony brand lenses. Prudence suggests you should not assume it will just work on the a6000 and a7/a7r until someone verifies it. This sort of thing has been a problem with Sony's stable of proprietary, similarly named, and rapidly changing hot shoes. It's nearly impossible to determine which accessory works with which device unless you actually test it. I'm hoping this particular problem is just a firmware problem that can be sorted out on the NEX-6. So how does the microphone work in shotgun mode? Pretty good. it isolates subject audio at a reasonable distance - say 10 feet / 3m - much better than the built-in mic and also much better than the ECM-XYST1M stereo microphone which I also own, even when set for minimum width pickup. However, in my subjective (uninstrumented) tests it does not work as well as a Rode VideoMic through a 1/8 jack. It's pickup pattern is wider, and overall seems noisier. This may be caused in part by the camera since the comparison was made with a separate digital recorder using an external unbalanced mic. One minor nit - there is no low frequency cut switch on the microphone. There is a menu setting for low cut on the camera but Sony does not specify the cut frequency or filter slope and it is much harder to use than a switch. On the upside, this mic does not require a battery like most external mics because it gets power from the multi-interface shoe. Overall, in light of the very limited choices, I chose to keep this microphone. But I so want to be able to record from my existing stable of microphones that I may hack it open to add a 1/8 mic jack. ... More
Great with a6000 camera
Sony ECM-GZ1M Zoom Microphone for Cameras with Multi-Interface Shoe
Reviewed by Steven on B&H Photo Video
I am using this with an a6000 camera, and the results are very good. Works much better than ECM-XYST1M microphone which: 1) produces horrible hissing noise when used in quiet environments (a6000 automatic gain issue), and 2) was relatively bulky and obtrusive compared to the camera. This microphone is small and light, so it complements the a6000 camera. Indoors, this microphone works great to reduce audio pickup from the sides and rear. Outdoors with the included foam cover it prevents wind noise which was a MAJOR problem when using the built in microphones. Sound quality is noticeably better than the built in microphones. Not as good as a large/heavy/expensive microphone, but this one is small/light/affordable. Build quality seems excellent, considering it weighs almost nothing. You will want to be careful with the hot shoe connector pins - use the provided cover whenever the microphone is not installed on the camera. As an added bonus, the switch on the microphone allows me to turn off the external shotgun microphone and the camera switches back to using built in omni-directional microphones (switch back and forth from shotgun to omni pickup with the flick of a switch). The zoom feature does not work with a6000, otherwise I would have given it 5*. But even without that feature, I am very happy with this microphone. ... More
Cheap and cheerful
Sony ECM-GZ1M Zoom Microphone for Cameras with Multi-Interface Shoe
Reviewed by Thomas on B&H Photo Video
Having done some homework online I knew this wasn't going to be a marquee piece of equipment when I bought it. The sound is decent, if a bit tinny to my ear. I bought it because wind noise from the internal mic on my a6500 was distracting in videos. I like the multi shoe interface and the fact no cable is required. Yes it does a a slight drain to the internal camera battery, which is already weak, but it's not much, and the mic is a cleaner fit than having a cabled option. Also importantly, the mic when mounted doesn't protrude over the viewfinder like a lot of other mics do. Which means you don't bang your face / eye off the rear end of the mic when using the evf. The foam windshield is pretty effective from what i can tell, although it hasn't faced too many windy days, or situations where it would be tested hard. A dead cat would be nice but isn't included. I guess at the price fair enough. Zoom switch doesn't work on the stills cameras, only the camcorders, but that's okay. Gun is fine. For what I wanted, home movie / family and prosumer use without distracting wind rumble, this fits the bill just fine. If using it with the newer Sony cameras with larger battery, you're sorted. One downside is the mic seems to use AGC and setting levels in the camera isn't automatically easy. But so far so good. Audio quality has improved when used, so job done. ... More
Steep Price For A Great Starter Mic
Sony ECM-GZ1M Zoom Microphone for Cameras with Multi-Interface Shoe
Reviewed by John on B&H Photo Video
At the time of this review, I own the A7iii and a Rode VideoMic NTG Hybrid. A good mic but I wanted an easy, compact mic for capturing decent sound when I'm recording the baby around the house. So I bought the Rode VideoMicro Ultracompact just for that purpose. While the mic is very compact and does get the job done, the shock mount is not very compact and the mic captures the slightest breath as loud wind noise, thus the bulky dead cat has to be installed at all times, and the cord keeps getting in the way of the viewfinder. The Sony ECM-GZ1M basically performs the same as the Rode VideoMicro Ultracompact. The main advantage over the Rhode Ultracompact are: 1. Powered by the camera hot shoe. Takes a fraction of the time to install. So now I don't miss the moment fiddling with the flimsy side door and cord anymore. This also frees me up to remove the mic whenever I want rather than having to lug the Rhode mic around on the camera all the time so I don't miss moments installing the mic. 2. It's a 30% smaller footprint on the camera. Cons: 1. The audio record level feature is automatically disabled and set to auto mic gain when you pop this into the hot shoe. I haven't had any issues yet but it tends to be a tad on the high side, thus my audio can peak somewhat easily. 2. The price. This is almost double the price of the similarly specced and similarly performing Rode VideoMicro Ultracompact. Overall, I still prefer this over the Rode VideoMicro Ultracompact due to the compatibility, ease of install, similar performance and it suits my needs better for my situation. The price still stings. ... More
Great Sound
Sony ECM-GZ1M Zoom Microphone for Cameras with Multi-Interface Shoe
Reviewed by Julie on B&H Photo Video
I switched from Panasonic to Sony camcorders and noticed that the sound quality was no where near as good, so I bought one of these to try with my HDR-PJ650, HDR-PJ810 & HDR-PJ790. It's great because I don't have to worry about batteries and making sure I turn it on or off because if works off of the hot shoe on the camcorder. I also just donated some video to a museum for a DVD they made. They sent me a copy and I noticed that the sound quality with my little camcorders blew away what they got with their 6k video cameras they were bragging about. I'm so happy with it I just bought a second one and will possible buy a third one. ... More
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Auto Gain only with hiss, but useful for multicam sync
Sony ECM-GZ1M Zoom Microphone for Cameras with Multi-Interface Shoe
Reviewed by Antonio on B&H Photo Video
I have a GZ1M mic on top of all my Sony AX33 camcorders for multicam audio sync when I edit. This mic should be left in shotgun mode but audio quality is very poor past 3 feet, auto gain control only, with hiss, but they can be useful for fully automatic home videos or for prosumer multicam sync instead of timecode, provided you are recording good audio on a separate boom or lav mics and a recorder like a Zoom or Tascam. This mic can only be powered by a modern Sony camera with a MIS hotshoe. It comes with a custom foam windscreen too and is very lightweight plastic. ... More
Decent Shotgun Mic
Sony ECM-GZ1M Zoom Microphone for Cameras with Multi-Interface Shoe
Reviewed by Rob A on B&H Photo Video
Excellent sound and fully functional on the RX10. Great sound on the NEX 6 and A6000, however it does not function in the zoom mode, it must be used in gun mode.
Great Audio, Fuss-free Microphone
Sony ECM-GZ1M Zoom Microphone for Cameras with Multi-Interface Shoe
Reviewed by Yusri Shaggy Sapari on B&H Photo Video
I use this microphone on my NEX 6 for vlogging. It works well to eliminate noise and captures my voice clearly. I use it in gun mode only as I do not need the zoom audio function when recording video. I've used the ECM-XYST1M previously and was really bothered with the noise it made even with the Low Cut mode turned on. I've been looking for an alternative for a long long time. When I finally saw this mic sold on B&H for a fair price, I thought why not? I'm very satisfied with the result.
Good sound for AX100
Sony ECM-GZ1M Zoom Microphone for Cameras with Multi-Interface Shoe
Reviewed by Jeffrey on B&H Photo Video
I've used this with the Sony FDR-AX100, and the sound is great. My only complaint is that it drains the camera's battery much more quickly than I would like!
Quality Sound.
Sony ECM-GZ1M Zoom Microphone for Cameras with Multi-Interface Shoe
Reviewed by Nealzo on B&H Photo Video
Small and easy to install and use. Works very well to capture sounds at a distance from (and in front of) the camera. The zoom function dose not work on all cameras but the gun setting works just fine
Meh Microphone for Steep Price
Sony ECM-GZ1M Zoom Microphone for Cameras with Multi-Interface Shoe
Reviewed by Greg on B&H Photo Video
I got this microphone a couple years back (when it cost $98) for my a6000. The sound quality was mediocre at best and when paired with the Sony a6000s sub-par internal preamp, the audio quality was disappointing. There was always an audible (and distracting) hissing noise in the background, not to mention the lack of any sort of shock reduction system. You can hear all of the handling noise and every click of the autofocus. The zoom function doesnt even work with the Sony a6000, limiting its functionality even further. It is made entirely out of plastic, and feels pretty flimsy and fragile. I have since upgraded to the Sony a6400, and have been able to flee the restraints of no mic jack. I have the Rode VideoMirco and love it. Its 10 bucks cheaper, mad out of all metal, sounds better, has a shock absorption system, and has an included dead-cat. All in all, I dont recommend this microphone, and would urge getting the XYST1M Stereo Mic if you are trapped without a mic jack, as it seems to have some of the features this one lacks. I hope this review was helpful! :) ... More
Pretty good
Sony ECM-GZ1M Zoom Microphone for Cameras with Multi-Interface Shoe
Reviewed by Eugen on B&H Photo Video
The sound is ok.. I use this with a CX 900... Lot of hiss but when adjusting the mic volume properly......meaning lower the mic volume to zero than increase it slowly until you have a good level and no hiss. And by the way.......IT IS SMALL. Very small
Works like it should
Sony ECM-GZ1M Zoom Microphone for Cameras with Multi-Interface Shoe
Reviewed by Joetheone on B&H Photo Video
It arrived with easy to follow instructions and performs as recommended and does a great job so far. Mike Dugan
Works great
Sony ECM-GZ1M Zoom Microphone for Cameras with Multi-Interface Shoe
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
USed on the balcony of a church to record the pastor's sermon. Works better than the stereo mike on the camera. Had no problem in attaching it to the Sony camera.
Great general purpose mic for Sony cameras.
Sony ECM-GZ1M Zoom Microphone for Cameras with Multi-Interface Shoe
Reviewed by Eric on B&H Photo Video
Great general purpose mic for my various Sony cameras. Does exactly what I expect it to do. I find the gun setting best. I shot a lot of video in nature and find this mic small but picks up great ambient sound. Also works well for voice if you are not too far away.
AWESOME MIC
Sony ECM-GZ1M Zoom Microphone for Cameras with Multi-Interface Shoe
Reviewed by AGUSTIN MARQUEZ on B&H Photo Video
Used this on the sony a6000 and works perfectly fine except on zoom mode but other than that the audio is perfect
Excellent product
Sony ECM-GZ1M Zoom Microphone for Cameras with Multi-Interface Shoe
Reviewed by Stephen on B&H Photo Video
Very happy with this microphone. Good quality and fair price.
An Unusual Piece of Equipment
Sony ECM-GZ1M Zoom Microphone for Cameras with Multi-Interface Shoe
Reviewed by Robert R on B&H Photo Video
I purchased this microphone to use on my new FDR-Ax53 camcorder. This shotgun type mike works, but only in one direction, the surround sound is somewhat OK but I wished that the microphone would swivel to point it in a different direction, for the price that I paid for it. It does work as it was designed to do.
Great product for the Sony a6000
Sony ECM-GZ1M Zoom Microphone for Cameras with Multi-Interface Shoe
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Great audio quality, since the a6000 doesn't have an audio in or out it's honestly the best shotgun mic for this camera
Doesnt work with Sony A6000
Sony ECM-GZ1M Zoom Microphone for Cameras with Multi-Interface Shoe
Reviewed by Gina on B&H Photo Video
I saw mixed reviews for this product and my camera model so I decided to give it a try. Unfortunately it doesnt work in any mode for the sony a6000, it just creates very loud static and doesnt actually pick up any external audio.
