[mitesh]

Just got a sony handy cam and was looking at buying a additional microphone, wanted to know whether they actually make a difference.

[A n d r e w]

Originally Posted by mitesh

Just got a sony handy cam and was looking at buying a additional microphone, wanted to know whether they actually make a difference.

Definitely. If you're interested in well-defined audio, an external mic is the way to go. No matter what your budget, almost any external mic will give better results than the built-in mics.

Andrew.

[MarkE19]

BUT - can your camcorder accept an external mic? Many of the newer camcorders do not have an external mic input. Some that can though only have a hotshoe attachment for the mic so you would need to buy a Sony mic (probably more expensive and often not as good as some of those available via jack plug connection.).
What model is your camcorder?

Mark.

[mitesh]

many thanks for the reply, the camcorder is the sony sr10e and iwould have to buy the sony microphone.

[A n d r e w]

Originally Posted by mitesh

many thanks for the reply, the camcorder is the sony sr10e and iwould have to buy the sony microphone.

Not necessarily: there are adapters that convert the Sony proprietary AIS shoe into a standard cold shoe (like this) or bypass it altogether (like this).

Some of the Sony mics are very good value for money, others not: make sure you look out some reviews (there are quite a few reviews on Amazon for the various Sony offerings). But once you've liberated yourself with an adapter, of course you're not limited to Sony mics.

I have a Sony ECM-MS907 which doesn't come with an accessory shoe mount (the MS908 did but doesn't seem to be available anymore), but it is possible to fashion one yourself if you're feeling creative (and fancy a trip or two to Maplins or equivalent).

[Nova Invicta]

Many of the Sony Mikes for the AIS shoe Sony seem to have discontinued so if this is you only option i.e. no 3.5mm jack then get one pronto by surfing the net.

[redsox_mark]

Originally Posted by Courtaj

Not necessarily: there are adapters that convert the Sony proprietary AIS shoe into a standard cold shoe

Those only help if the camcorder has a 3.5mm mic jack (which the SR10 does not).

There was an Sony adapter which added a 3.5mm jack via in attachment to the AIS shoe, but I think this was discontinued.

[A n d r e w]

Good point - thanks. When I saw this thread pop up again today I did wonder whether I'd committed a bit of a clanger there.

Sorry chaps.