The new Sony HVR-Z7U ships with a new mike, the ECM-XM1. Sony is claiming that this is a significant improvement over the old ECM-NV1 that shipped with the PD-150, V1u, etc.

Has anyone tested this new mike out? Is it more sensitive? How does it sound?

I'm not expecting miracles, but I'm hoping the new mike will be roughly equivalent in sound quality to the the Sennheiser ME64 cardioid mike. If it is, I might be able to justify upgrading my ME64/ME66 combo to a new Audio Technica AT4053a or AT4073a (I'm on an extremely tight budget). If not, I'll probably keep the Sennheiser combo, just for the flexibility.

Brian, I read (I think on here, maybe in the actual Sony Z7 section or maybe in one of the reviews linked in that section) that the new mic is significantly "better" in that it has a quieter noise floor and I think some other improvements - sorry I can't remember what exactly but I think it's got better sensitivity - might have that wrong though.

Maybe worth doing a search in that bit of the forum (unless you already have.) If I can remember where I saw in the next day or so it I'll post a link in here.

EDIT: Found the link after a few seconds search. I've pasted the relevant text below the actual direct link to review here (this was all in a thread in the Z7 section as I thought.);

http://www.videolifestyle.com/reviews/z7/z7.html

"What is supplied in the packaging when you purchase the HVR-Z7 is the new monaural microphone (ECM-XM1) It looks exactly like the ECM-NV1 which was the usual supplied microphone for the HVR-V1, PD170, DSR-250, and even HVR-A1.In my test, I conducted using the ECM-NV1 as a comparison, I can clearly see a boost in volume as well as sensitivity over its predecessor. All those with the cams that I mention above, may want to consider calling Sony spare parts department soon if you feel that audio has always been an issue for you with the supplied ECM-NV1. The ECM-XM1 also has a signal to noise ration of 78db which is a 14db increase over it predecessor. It also has a better dynamic range and higher input sound pressure."

I think that hoping Sony's 'improved' mic will match the K6/ME64 is asking too much Brian, especially as it comes with a Z7 attached.

Excellent information, Andy. Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks for pointing this out.

I have the ECM-XM1 and the ME64/k6. The sensitivity seems close, but the 'punch' of the ME64 is better to my ears and sound a little fuller. Therefore I use the ME64 on my Z5U, but, the differences are subtle. The ECM-XM1 being more compact is perfect for a compact cam like the Canon XA10 where a longer mic becomes unweildy. I'm suprised Sony doesn't sell this mic outright. I think it a real 'missed opportunity' for Sony to pick up some extra money. It's possible, however, it's just a re-branded Audio-Technica or Panasonic and they don't make much money on the mic. I don't have any evidence of this, I'm just theorizing outloud.