Canon ZR series, is the noise really that bad?

[strange_tag]

I have been looking into getting a Mini DV camcorder, I used to have a Samsung 8mm. I've been doing my research and looking at different models as best I can. From what I saw, the Canon ZR series were the best for the money, but from all the customer reviews I read, a great deal were complaining about the camera picking up the motor noise. So is it really that bad? I was hoping to get away from it moving from 8mm to Mini DV! If anyone has suggestions other than the ZR series I'm happy to listen

[fairtomiddlin]

I have the ZR65MC, and I can definitely hear the motor noise when taping in a quiet environment. For most usage (kids, sports, etc.), I don't hear any motor noise on the tape.

[Nolonemo]

Indoors, you'll definitely hear the noise. Outside when it's quiet you'll hear the noise. Outside when its noisy you won't hear the noise. If you think it would bother you, it will. I returned my ZR and bought a Sony, even though I preferred the ZR in many other respects.

[lenti_75]

i have an Elura40, but the motor is the same. if there is NO sound at all, you can hear the noise, BUT, if there is just a slight of noise, that disapears....and most of the time there is sound.
i like the camcorder, i don't care about that, because always there is sound....

[Fairhope]

I purchased the ZR45 many moons ago. I've never heard any motor noise in my recordings.

It might be the older models did not have as sensitive a microphone as the newer ones.