excessive motor noise conspiracy

[Hagop Matossian]

When reading around the web about the Canon XM-2 , I often find reviews that list 'excessive motor noise' as one of the bad things about the camera

has anyone noticed this? I have never found my mic to pick up any audible motor noise, the only time I struggle for audio clarity is when background noise is too loud (and the Sonic Foundry Sound Forge Noise Reduction does a treat removing background noise). I've never heard zoom, focus, or transport motor noise on any of my recordings.

RANT!!!!! Maybe its a conspiracy to try to find fault with an excellent budget camera (excusing my main zoom rocker which is now royally f***ed and in need of repair!!)!!!)!))!)!((!)!!!!!!

what do you guys think?

[Bobby Abernathy]

Never noticed with my GL2. The only sound I dread is every time I load or eject a tape. With all those mechanical sounds from all the little gears and wheels and stuff, it makes me cringe every time (XL1, too :))

[Ken Tanaka]

Nearly all video cameras with similar body designs and onboard mics can pick up some zoom servomotor sounds, particularly if the audio is on AGC or the gain is cranked up. But I've never had a problem with it.

The fact is that the motors on even professional zoom lenses for much larger cameras can be audible to onboard mics on some cameras.

I don't think the prevalence of the remark is as much of a conspiracy as it is a propagation of rumors and myths over the Internet. If you know how to use the camera properly it won't be an issue. But, of course, how many "reviewers" of most products really have/take the time for such study?