above
 

(Sigh) Yes the mic was camera mounted, and therefore, I'm guessing there are some zoom servo noises on some of the shots. It was never a problem before, because I usually never zoomed on camera. . .only used it reframe something.

WOW! if only our cameras could...

wireless
 

IF her budget allows, you might suggest that she rent a couple of wireless mics and receivers and run them through a MA100 or MA200 (or a Beach Tek) into your XL. It makes a huge difference and is well worth any rental costs when you go into post. Either that or rent a boom set up. It's been my limited experience (am just starting out too) that the on-board OEM mic is great for indoor/controlled environments but in the field it can drive you nuts with unwanted ambient/background noise.

Hey,

Everyone has to start out somewhere, and even the FNG can sometimes give the ole' salty dog a tip or two. I think if you tell her what you've researched she will be thankful for the tip.

I'd also suggest going for an off camera boom mounted mic into the MA100/200 or a DAT/MD, for the reasons Scooterbob gave.

all this advice assumes she's a rational human being. unfortunately, sometimes power makes some people a little ...ummmm...errr...difficult.

above
 

Yeah she has a sennheiser shotgun mic (I'm not sure which one it is) and we used that the last time we shot, but it might be too little too late, as we only have two more days of shooting before the project's done.