Digital Home Thoughts: Surround Sound on a Camcorder? ECM-HQP1 Microphone Reviewed

Product Category: Microphone
Manufacturer: Sony
Where to Buy: Amazon
Price: $149.99 USD
System Requirements: Sony camcorder with the new Active Interface Shoe
Specifications: Electret condenser, uni-directional microphones. Dimensions: 32mm x 74.2mm x 65.9mm. Weight: 50g.

Pros:

• Easy to connect and use;
  
• Flexible configuration options (surround sound or wide stereo).

Cons:

• Hard to extract & process audio if you don't have a VAIO;
  
• Rear sound could get blocked by your body;
  
• Only works with Sony camcorders with new interface connection.

Summary:
When I first read about the surround-sound capabilities of Sony's 2005 DV camcorder range, I was intrigued as to how they were going to manage it. The only way to find out was to get one and try it!