On 16 Jan 2003 06:02:48 -0800, ldk@ldk.com (Lee) wrote:

>I have read some pretty good comments about the quality of the Sony

>WCS-999 Wireless Microphone as an external camcorder mic solution for

>my Canon ZR-40.

>

>My question is can the lav mic be plugged DIRECTLY into the camcorder

>instead of the transmitter? Does the Mic require power from the

>transmitter that it wouldn't receive from the Camcorder? Would the

>impedence match?

>

>There are times I would simply like to have an external mic clipped to

>my hat, and wouldn't want to carry a transmitter in one pocket and a

>receiver in the other! :-)

>

>Even SONY couldn't answer this question and most stores don't carry

>the mic, preferring to carry it online. Does anyone have this

>combination and have you tried it?

If the mic is tiny, it is likely an "electret" type, needing

power. If it is not provided on the mic or in the mic cord,

it is likely provided by the transmitter (you can measure

the DC output at the plug input, if you are careful). Canon

camcorders used to provide a DC out jack for powering mics,

but probably no longer do. Check the mic input jack for DC,

and if present, if it is a similar voltage to the Sony. Most

Sony camcorders do have about 1.5 volts DC on the mic inputs

(the Canon voltage was higher) to power mics, so lavaliere

mics often work with these straight-in, but I suspect you

will need to rig an in-line power supply (battery) for using

the lav on the Canon...