Zoom Noise at DVinfo.net

Peter Burton · March 12th, 2003, 10:34 PM

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.

Chris Hurd · March 12th, 2003, 11:05 PM

Hi Peter,

Here's one way to defeat this problem. Hope this helps,

Peter Burton · March 13th, 2003, 12:46 AM

Thanks Chris,

So this is a problem will all cameras

Don Palomaki · March 13th, 2003, 05:25 AM

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.

Nathan Gifford · March 13th, 2003, 05:33 AM

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).

Don Palomaki · March 13th, 2003, 04:29 PM

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.

March 12th, 2003, 10:34 PM	#1
Peter Burton New Boot Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Melbourne Victoria Australia Posts: 21	Zoom Noise 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.

March 12th, 2003, 11:05 PM	#2
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,368 Images: 513	Hi Peter, Here's one way to defeat this problem. Hope this helps, __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

March 13th, 2003, 05:33 AM	#5
Nathan Gifford Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Tickfaw, LA Posts: 1,217	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). __________________ Nathan Gifford Southern Cyclist Magazine & Productions For quick answers try our Search! To see me and Rob Lohman click here

March 13th, 2003, 12:46 AM	#3
Peter Burton New Boot Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Melbourne Victoria Australia Posts: 21	Thanks Chris, So this is a problem will all cameras

March 13th, 2003, 05:25 AM	#4
Don Palomaki Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4,487	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.

March 13th, 2003, 04:29 PM	#6
Don Palomaki Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4,487	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.