How good/bad is the built-in mic really?
 

Since using an external mic is not an option, I'd like to hear a little more on how the built-in microphone actually performs. I would like to use the camera to film live performances of my band, which can get pretty loud. Decent audio is an important factor for me.

Now I have seen camcorders that will end up with completely unusable audio in loud situations, all distorted and clipping constantly. I've also seen other camcorders that automatically adjust the audio input level to the high volume and still record a clear non-distorted signal.

How does the HV10 behave in situations like that?

If you can I would take a feed from the mixing desk and record that to tape/dat/computer etc etc.

Or just take a portable audio recorder along with the camera and sync them up later in your computer.

I know these options exist. But it would be nice to know that the camera doesn't just produce completely unsusable audio on the tape...

self deleted

In my experience with this camera - so far - it is a 5 out of 10 audio quality.

I would have given it a higher quality mark (6/10), but because it picks up operator noise so easily, you have to not breath and keep your fingers frozen (hand held).

PS Picture quality is an 9/10.

What I would really like to know - does it automatically adjust the audio input level when the volume gets really loud, or does it just clip and distort, like many camcorders do?