When recording in very quiet surroundings, the built-in microphone may pick up the sound of the camcorder's machinery. When recording outside, the built-in microphone may pick up excessive noise from wind. In such cases, we recommend using an external microphone with a wind screen.
Using the SM-V1 Surround Microphone or DM-100 Directional Stereo Microphone
Using the SM-V1 you can add a sense of depth and presence to your recordings with 5.1ch surround sound. Using the DM-100 you can accurately record audio coming directly from the direction you are recording.
Attaching an external microphone
The optional SM-V1 Surround Microphone is used as an example.)
Open the mini advanced shoe cover.
Attach the optional accessory to the mini advanced shoe.
When a compatible accessory is attached to the mini advanced shoe, [
] will appear on the screen.
When using the SM-V1 or DM-100, it is advisable to attach a wind screen to prevent extraneous noise from the wind.
Note:
- When an external microphone is connected to the camcorder, [Wind Screen] will automatically be set to [Off
].
- If the audio level is too high and the sound gets distorted, adjust the audio recording level manually.
When using the optional SM-V1 Surround Microphone:
Using the WM-V1 Wireless Microphone
- Using the WM-V1 you can reliably record sound even when recording subjects at a distance exceeding the practical range of the built-in microphone. You can also mix and record audio from the WM-V1 with audio from the built-in microphone.
- For details about using the WM-V1, refer to the instruction manual supplied with the microphone.

Using Commercially Available Microphones
You can also use commercially available condenser microphones with their own power supply and a cable no longer than 3 m. You can connect almost any stereo microphone with a f 3.5 mm plug but audio recording levels may vary.

Note:
-
If connecting an external microphone, select [MIC Terminal Input] from the menu and set it to [Microphone].
-
If necessary, activate and adjust the audio mix balance with the [Audio Mix] setting.
-
When an external microphone is connected to the camcorder, [Wind Screen] will automatically be set to [Off
].
-
If the audio level is too high and the sound gets distorted, adjust the audio recording level manually or activate the microphone attenuator with the [Microphone Attenuator] setting.
-
When using an external microphone, make sure that the jacket covering above the plug is smaller than f 9.5 mm.