Over the years, I have written extensively about field recording gear on my blog The Theatre of Noise. Here’s a landing page that links to most of the key articles.
To get good recordings, you need to use external microphones, for four reasons:
- You reduce handling noise, and can operate the recorder without touching the mics.
- You can position the mics closer to your source, while keeping the recorder close to hand.
- You can experiment with different configurations, for example using the mics on either side of a baffle, on a coat hanger, clipped to either side of a hat, etc.
- The mics will provide a cleaner signal with less noise and better frequency response than the built-in capsules.
The least inexpensive sets that are worth using are based on the Primo EM172 capsule (data sheet), which has a self-noise of 14 dB(A). These are omnidirectional electrets, and so work well for recording ambience. For other purposes, read my articles for recommendations.
Several companies make mics with the EM172. Two in Europe that I endorse are Audiotalaia from Valencia and LOM from Bratislava. Their Uši has become quite popular and is available in different configurations.
Wind protection for these mics is absolutely essential, and usually sold separately.
A small tripod for the recorder is also handy.
After that, it’s all down to learning the best gain settings for your particular recorder, how to position microphones, etc.
Have fun!