i need an ok shotgun mic to put on my z1. i can not afford a lot but i dont want somethin that will give me trouble either. if i find a mic off of a pd170 or something would it be good\?
if not what is your recommendation for a decent one that doesnt cost an arm and a leg?

The Audi-Technica AT897 is an excellent mic for both onboard and separate use.
I use one on my FX1 and can heartily recommend it - as I'm sure will a lot of other users on this forum...

Robin

That Audio Technica is super bargain, excellent mic. To get better you have spend lot more. AT 897 is excellen overall shutgun, not too narrow pattern and not degrade off center sound as other shotguns.

Radek

Definitely the Audio Technica 897. It is superb. I shopped it online and bought it for a little under $250.

where did you buy it? and do I need to buy a windscreen also? or any converters for the Z1U?

This is an example. (I can't find my invoice at the moment but the price is right.)
http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/category.cgi?item=AT897&source=froogle

It comes with a foam cover. You don't need a windscreen most of the time but one is useful. I don't have one now. The only day I needed it was on a windy beach.

The mic is smaller than the Z1 holder. I wrap a piece of foam around it and hold it in place with a rubber band. Several people use bands like from a bicycle innertube.