When recording in very quiet surroundings, the built-in microphone may pick up the sound of the camcorder's machinery.  We recommend using Canon's optional DM-50 Directional Stereo Microphone or any commercially available  microphone compatible with the advanced accessory shoe.  Also, you can use a commercially available microphone that connects to the camcorder's MIC Terminal.

• When attaching the DM-50 Directional Stereo Microphone or any compatible microphone to the advanced accessory shoe, first extend the viewfinder and then remove the advanced accessory shoe cover.   When a compatible accessory is attached to the advanced accessory shoe, [S ] will appear on the screen.

• You can attach a commercially available condenser microphone to the camcorder's MIC Terminal .  The microphone attaches to the 3.5 mm MIC Terminal on the camcorder automatically disabling the built-in microphone.  The condenser microphone must be equipped with its own power supply and rated at 600 ohms or greater.

• Be careful when attaching a very long external microphone; it may appear on the screen.
• When the DM-50 or other microphone is connected to the camcorder, [WIND SCREEN] will automatically be set to [OFF].

MIC Terminal specifications:

3.5 mm stereo minijack
-57 dBV (with 600 Ohm microphone)/5 kilohms or more