This is a great site thanks for all the help that I have received.

I have now purchased a Canon XL1s and am learning how to use it. It's an impressive camera!

This is probably a really dumb question.

I am assuming that it is normal with the microphone attached to the camera that I would pick up the zoom motor noise. I assume this would be true of any camera.

The tape drive noise is not as noticable.

Bear with me I am learning.

Hi Peter,

Here's one way to defeat (http://www.dvinfo.net/canon/articles/article46.php) this problem. Hope this helps,

Thanks Chris,

So this is a problem will all cameras

Zoom noise can be an issue with any camcorder. Some are worse than others. The XL1 series is among the best in this regard.

A primary situation where you can get zoom noise is using AGC in a quiet room. In this situation the gain is a maximum, and any sound reaching the mic will be recorded.

Getting the mic off the camcorder, close to the talent is the best solution.

Its also funny that the noisiest side of the camera is the side that the mic is mounted on. Anyway, you really only notice the zoom noise in a really quiet room.

Chris' suggestion to use the mini-mount is excellent. The mini-mount reduced the level to all but undetectable (if not undetectable).

One issue on zoom noise - If the mic clamp is screwed down too tight it will increase coupling of mechanical vibration/noise from the camcorder and mount to the mic. Something to check.