Can anyone with a Z5 tell me if the shotgun mike holder can be removed without major surgery?

Should be no problem, there are two small screws in the base of the holder that attach to the top of the XLR mount. I did this with my PD170 to fit a cold shoe mount so that I could use my preferred mic holder.

Thanks much Phil.

Hi
is it possible for us to bench mark the supplied external mike with other recommended models e.g. NTG1,and what would you give each out of 10?
cheers