On Sat, 05 Oct 2002 16:45:56 GMT, Don H. wrote:

>I just bought a Sony TRV18 that I'm very happy with so far. Several
>threads and books recommend getting an external mic to improve sound
>quality. Other threads discuss how much internal mics have improved
>in recent models. My questions are;
>
>(1) Would a $100-$150 microphone significantly improve recorded sound
>quality?

If you are not unhappy with the sound from the
built-in mic, no. The Sony 908c is a good mic,
with a broader stereo image, but the difference
may not be noticeable to you - and it is no more
directional than the built-in mic. Directional
mics are almost all mono, and often have
poor-sounding off-axis sound...

>(2) If so, what are good mics in this range?

Sony 908c for stereo omni, Sennheiser MKE300
mono directional, in this price range...

>(3) I'm currently looking at Sony's MS908C and Z37C models (see links
>below). Both have a windscreens. The MS908C seems better suited for
>setting up the mic away from the camera if necessary. Does anyone
>have experience or options regarding either of these mics?

Zoom mics tend to change their frequency and noise
characteristerics rather radically with zooming, making
the zoom feature not very useful...