need to invest in a boom mic for our weekly video recording.

Have been using a Rode mic plugged into a Canon HD camcorder.

Any other suggestions, with a budget of around £200?

I assume that by "boom mic" you mean a short shotgun to go on a fishpole? I ask because I've seen some people call a headset mic a "boom mic". I also assume you just need a basic mono mic and are not concerned about M-S Stereo etc.

Anyway, within your budget, the only standout short shotgun is the Rode NTG-1/NTG-2. (These are the same microphone, with the NTG-1 being phantom power only and the NTG-2 being a bit longer to accept a battery for internal power). I used to carry an NTG-1 in my mic case as a backup to the rather more expensive Sennheiser 416 and the Rode performed very well by comparison. Indeed, a number of times I'd switch mics mid shoot and the "golden ears" in audio post never seemed to notice.

Either model Rode is a bit under your budget so put the extra into a good, lightweight fishpole (they get VERY heavy VERY quickly) and a decent wind gag. Even indoors, swinging the pole quickly can generate wind noise if you don't have a Rycote "Softie" or equivalent.

Bob

What is the model number of the camcorder?

We have been using a canon hv20 but looking at getting a HF11 if I recall correctly.

We have also been using a Rode mic which has done well. Pity the only input is 3.5mm