Canon HF-M40

[balanr]

We are looking at replacing our ancient low end hi-8 camcorder with this model. The main thing we want to improve is the low light capability which this model is supposed to be good at. We have 2 main uses; to record the sunday morning services onto a DVD recorder(using audio from the house mix) and for recording the youth pastors lessons using either an on camera mic, as in the Canon DM-100 or possibly a lapel mic. My questions are;
1-can we use the A/V out(L+R+composite) to feed the DVD players without recording to SD card or must you do both, or isn't the A/V out good quality?
2-Is the DM-100 good enough for lesson recording? The youth room is about 24X40 feet with 8ft Tbar ceiling, there are lots of sofas and stuffed chairs and the speaker will be standing about 6-10feet from the camera. The lessons will be archived on computer for later use.

[stevelam]

The AV out is your standard method of recording.

I am a firm believer that unless you buy a real shotgun mic, don't buy any shotgun mic. The Rode NTG-1 is the cheapest "real" shotgun mic I have used that is legit. It's about 249 and it's great.

As far as the HM-F40 goes, it's alright for a handicam. The cheapest camera I ever feel comfortable recommending is the Panasonic AG-AC7. It's $1099.00 and it's alright. It's a full size camera too so it's nice for remote shoots.

[stevelam]

Also I don't believe you can stick a shotgun mic on the HF-M40. The AG-AC7 you can.

However if you have lapel mic handy, and it's just one speaker, USE THE LAPEL!!

You will be so much happier you did.

[balanr]

We tried one with the onboard mic with my cheap little Kodak Playsport and actually the picture isn't bad ,but yes we do need a lapel mic to go with whichever camera we get.