Re: Canon XF100 versus Canon XA10
 

Scott,

Both of the cameras have dual XLR's so capturing audio seperately is unnecessary, why add the step?

If someone were to hold a gun to my head and tell me they wanted the best audio to go along with their HD train footage, and it better be good, the last place I would want to pull it would be from an onboard mic off of any camera.

I would steal the setup idea I posted earlier, put them on wireless units to the camera and finish it in post.

In your first post you stated how important having high quality sound is but you keep pushing for on board audio options. No one can recommend the perfect "audio for train" camera, it doesn't exist. No matter how many different ways or areas of the forum you ask. Consider us flogged. :)

Re: Canon XF100 versus Canon XA10
 

Scott, is this for a client, or personal use? What is the end product going to be?

Re: Canon XF100 versus Canon XA10
 

Steve, the videos are only for my personal viewing. Maybe a copy on you tube but mostly for myself.
Dave, I apologize for the unacceptably wide scope of my question. You're right. I'll re-think.
Scott

Re: Canon XF100 versus Canon XA10
 

Scott,

Since this is for your own use and not a paying gig and there is little or no pressure to get it right the first time, you could use the XA10 to get pretty good audio. It has some "consumer" features that the XF100 doesn't that might make your job easier.

I apologize if my previous post was a little harsh but I wrongfully assumed there was a client involved. Sometimes I see someone post something that when read, makes my stomach queezy looking at it from a paying gig perspective. I would hate to have to ask the question, "How often does this train come through?"

But I can also appreciate "doing the most with the least" which can be fun and rewarding also.

The XA10/G10 has two features that could help with just using the onboard mic. Built in Mircrophone Directionality and audio equalizer. With directionality one of the features available is you can link the zoom and audio levels. The more you zoom in the louder and more focused the sound becomes. I think you could find that feature useful. There are four different settings, monaural, normal, wide (good presence) and zoom that have varying effects on the audio recorded.

With the audio equalizer (only available for the onboard mic) you can fine tune your audio and has some settings that work well. Setting MB ( Boost MF Range) and LHB (Boos HF +LF Range) are also settings that you should try.

If you have an external mic there is a Audio Mix feature that allows you to adjust the balance between the onboard and external mic that can create a unique "sound effect" that has possibilities also.

Re: Canon XF100 versus Canon XA10
 

Thanks Dave, and absolutely no need to apologize. In fact I apologize to the group for being vague and not figuring things out for myself. I've been trying to buy my way out of this problem and it has just led me into swimming with the big fish. My mind went along the lines of "My Panasonic HMC40 takes a great picture but I can't get the audio right. I need a better camera". I'll read some more, and take your advice and consider the AG XA10. Thanks again to everyone.
Scott