hi folks, I was about to post almost the same questions Zendog did when I happened upon this thread. I'd spent 8 weeks doing field recordings in Australia last year using a basic Sony stereo mic and so wished that I'd thought things through a little more when I got back to Ireland and started working with them. I'll shortly be heading to Morocco to spend a few weeks hiking in the Atlas mountains so am on the lookout for a new microphone to plug into my cute little NHF-800. Many thanks to all who posted their thoughts and recommendations. I'm sure I'll find the perfect solution within them. Party on