sorry to derail the thread, but i have to testify (as the mormons say) the V3 is one hell of a piece of gear. Ive put it to the test over and over. Ive recorded in the sandy beach of the atlantic ocean with it, and at 11k in the rockies, its seen endless hot humid day of use like in '08 when i recorded 35hrs of with it at all good festival, and Ive used it in a torrential down pour like at the earth day festival on the national lawn in '07. its a work horse that never fails. its the best 1750$ ive ever spent. mothers day is coming, get your mom one if you really love her....then borrow it regularly.