That is the question :)

I have just ordered a SONY PD-170 and plan on using my AT-897 shotgun mic on it.
Should I use the camera's built in phantom power or just stick with the battery in the mic? Will it make any difference? How much battery power (camera) does it use to give phantom power to the mic?

Thanks

The battery drain on the cam is essentially insignificant. I keep the battery in the cam, and use phantom both. I've never paid attention one way or the other with it, truthfully. Keeping the battery in there is a safeguard, but since the cam provides it, I prefer it. There are also a few quality benefits to using phantom.

Look at the specs here and you can see the details:

http://www.audiotechnica.com/prodpro/profiles/AT897.html

There's a slight increase in sensitivity when using phantom. If you're recording a quiet situation you'll need all you can get.
In loud situations, phantom provides a considerable benefit in max SPL and dynamic range.
If you're booming with the mic, not having the battery inside will make a difference in how long the boom op can hold up, as well as putting less strain on the pole itself.
Since phantom draws only 2mA, I can't imagine that it would contribute significantly to camera battery drain even with the circuitry to step-up the voltage.
One benefit of running off internal AA battery would be if you're constantly plugging and unplugging the mic without wanting to shut the camera down. You shouldn't plug or unplug the mic while phantom is on.

The mic will perform better using phantom power. As far as your camera battery being affected, I haven't really noticed it with the AT-4073a. I use the 970 batteries and they last forever anyway.

Chiming in with a "yup" here:

Phantom power, for those mics equipped to use it, will definitely increase sensitivity. Moreover, it does so better than an on-board battery does in nearly every case I've run across.

The drain on a camera's battery (like a Panasonic DVX-100A) is relatively insignificant, and the difference in sound is very noticeable.

In short: use phantom power!

Hey Doug, you didn't by chance used to be in Utah, didja? There used to be a guy here by the same name who was an indie producer.

<<<-- Originally posted by Douglas Spotted Eagle : Hey Doug, you didn't by chance used to be in Utah, didja? There used to be a guy here by the same name who was an indie producer. -->>>

Arizona, yes. Utah? No.

Sorry! I'm a different Doug Bischoff indie producer. :)

Wow, what are the odds!!?

Are you sure, Doug? Check your diary ;>)