Camcorder external mic compatible with panasonic camcorder?

Question

I am looking for a decent, minidv camcorder (no more than 500 bucks) that has the option of an external mic...I am llloking at this one

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8216389&productCategoryId=abcat0403005&type=product&tab=2&id=1166236106283#productdetail

and reviewers say that you can't add a mic. But if you look in the picture, there is clearly a place for a microphone. At least, I am pretty sure that's what the space is for. Can anyone enlighten me? And if you gave a good but not pricey compatible mic reccomendation, that would be a bonus.

Answer 1

READ the specs at Panasonic's website

Answer 2

Canon ZR950, ZR800 (no manual audio controls, but have mic-in jack)

Sony DCR-HC28, HC96 (no manual audio control, but you can switch the mic gain from normal to low to do loud noises like bands without overdriving the audio auto-leveling circuit resulting in a pile of muddy audio. The mic-in jack comes by using http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/47...  )

The cheapest camcorders with mic-in jack AND manual audio controls are:

Canon HV20, HV30, Sony HDR-HC7 and HC9 - and outside your price range.

The Panasonic PV-GS320 does not have a mic-in jack. The GS500 does, but it is difficult to find. If you are referring to the cold-shoe on top near the back of the camera, that is merely an accessory shoe - and can be used for mounting a video light.