Gianni Pavan wrote:
>...some time ago there were messages about the LS-10. but no definitive
> words about its suitability for nature recording...

I am guilty as charged. I haven't found time to complete wrting of my
review. Let me say that the preamp of the LS-10 is pretty good, about
the same as the Marantz PMD620 and other small recorders. But it's
not in the same league as the Fostex FR-2LE or other full-size
recorders.

In fact, I think the Sony Hi-MD preamp is still the best small machine
for nature recording (where high gain and low sound pressure levels
are common). The Sony PCM-D50 is very good, but a lot larger.

That said, I like the LS-10 very much as a pocket "point and shoot"
recorder. Its got durable construction, nice small size, and very
good ergonomics. Battery life is excellent, too.

In my way of thinking, the "point and shoot" recorder should be small
enough that you will always be willing to carry it along. The
recorder should have built-in mics, or some very small external mic
setup that allows you to carry your gear in a pocket, and start
recording almost instantaneously. You should be able to operate a
"point and shoot" recorder with one hand, without a lot of navigating
through menus for important settings.

My purpose for the "point and shoot" recorder is to capture
serendipitous moments in the field with enough clarity that I can
identify and enjoy the sound source once I get home. A "point and
shoot" recorder is also great for making voice notes about the day's
outing.

--oryoki