I just upgraded from a Sony VX 1000 to the HDR-FX1 and I have noticed how much noise is transfered from the handle and the whole shell of the camera to the on board microphone. The hard shell of the camera and handle are the culprit.

Since almost all the shooting I do is hand held and I am constantly moving the camera to follow the action, the handling noise is noticable.

Anyone else have this problem? It rarely occurred while using the VX1000.

I am considering wrapping the handle with a thin rubber pad to eliminate some of the noise.

Would a separate microphone mounted to the camera help?

Same thing with the Z1. I'm always shooting with a shotgun or stick mic or in loud conditions with the build-in mic though, so it's not a problem for me.

XLR Adaptor... $400
Shotgun Microphone... $200
Mic support... $100

Make you FX1 Look bigger than a Z1, Priceless.