Some users of the Sony HC-series and other minicams, might like the tiny Sony ECM-MS907 stereo mike that I use. It's self-powered, with an AA battery. It works very well and is about 50% more sensitive to distant sounds than the built-in mike on my VX2100. It switches between 90 and 120-degree pickup sectors in front of the camera and has a surprisingly clean sound. There is an ECM-MS908C version, that has a short, more suitable cord and comes with a mike holder and mounting foot for a camera shoe. This version may be in limited supply, but I see a few online dealers selling it. I cut and shortened the cord on my 907 model and fitted a shielded, metal miniplug onto it. I made a 4-inch high mounting foot and holder, that has wood and rubber buffers in it. Here's a picture and description of it by Sony:
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&partNumber=ECMMS907&Dept=audio

A previous discussion about it is on this thread:http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?p=273209