Just curious, for shots when one does not need the to mount an external microphone on the camera, can the mounting hold be removed?

Good question. Yes it is removeable. You can easily put it on and take it off.

Are you sure Chris? Unless I am mistaken on the Sony HVR-Z1U I had, it was not removable.

It would be nice if it is removable on the A1/G1. Would save weight and space when you don't need an external on camera microphone. Also it would make the camera lower in profile when you do not want to attraction too much attention.

Yes, the mic is removable. Look at the images here:

http://www.dvinfo.net/canonxh/articles/images1.php

The mic clamp is a hinged clamshell that opens up.

That whole mic clamp assembly itself is removeable. You can take it off of the camera if you want.

Thanks Chris. That's good to know. It wasn't clear if you could do that from the photos.

Thanks for clarifying this Chris. I was wondering because every photo I have seen has the mount. I haven't seen a pic without it!