On the HX5V, the mics are located on the corner, right where it says “HD” on the HX9V in the picture. So every time I record a movie, I have to remember to check that my finger(s) aren’t covering up the microphones. Of course, I don’t always remember to do that, so sometimes I get home and find out that I have movies with muffled or no sound, which is always fantastic. So if you ask me what is the best thing about the 9 compared to my 5? I’d say, “Microphone placement.”