[silps]

Hi,

I recently bought a Sony HC53 camcorder but sent it back because you could hear the motor noise on recordings.

I can also get the Sony DCR-HC37E quite cheap. Does anyone know if this produces motor noise on the recordings as well?

Thanks.

[rogs]

All cameras with a tape transport will make some motor noise. It's just that some are worse than others. My old Canon MV500 made a totally unacceptable amount, so I simply used an external microphone!

Even some solid state (card based) cameras, which apparently have no moving parts, can make some mechanical noise. My Panasonic SD5 has an internal cooling fan for example, which makes a low pitched whine, although it's not really a big problem. And the OIS (optical image stabiliser) mechanism can also make a low 'purring' noise, as it continuously adjusts the lens.

No - if you need a totally silent camera,you need to make sure it is has SD card recording, no optical image stabiliser, no optical zoom mechanism, no internal cooling fan ... and be very careful with handling noise.

In reality, most cameras have acceptable noise levels on the recordings, but if you are really fussy, you could always use an external microphone. Just make sure the camera has an external mic socket!

[silps]

My old Panasonic DS28B (won't accept tapes anymore hence replacing) had hardly any noise at all.

And, I also tried out a Canon HV20 which I was really surprised to find had a lot of motor noise on recordings especially considering it retailed for about £800.

The Sony HC53 was worse but my brother has an older cheap sony camcorder in the same lineage that produces very little noise.

I've ordered the HC37 and keeping my fingers crossed that it will be a good one.