The price of microphones can range from about $30 to several thousands of dollars. Just like everything else, you get what you pay for when it comes to microphones. There are obviously some significant differences between a $49 microphone and one that costs $490. The difference is usually in the quality of construction, the materials the mic is made of and, most importantly, the sensitivity and dynamic range. These last two items become particularly important if you're recording sound that spans a wide spectrum of volume and frequency, such as recording a string quartet. Sensitivity and dynamic range are less of an issue for recording speech and other ‘normal' sound.

The old adage ‘penny wise and dollar foolish' comes into play here when shopping for a microphone. While you can get cheap mics in the electronics departments of the big-chain discount retailers, you'd do better in the long run to consider going with a well-known and established brand name mic manufactured specifically for videography and filmmaking. They cost a bit more, but you get what you pay for.

What you are using the mic for predominantly, how you want to mount it, whether you need to go cabled or wireless and, ultimately, how much you can afford - and want - to spend for a microphone are questions you should consider in depth to determine the best microphone solution for you. At that point, you'll be in a better position to shop for price because you'll be an educated consumer.

Tom Benford writes about video, photography, filmmaking and myriad other subjects and has authored more than a dozen books.

Click here to download a PDF Manufacturer's list of Videomaker's Microphone Buyer's Guide.