The ENG44 has been a great tool for me, with my 5D and T2i rigs. For shoots where I can swing a boom operator, double system sound has become my preference. In fact, I Velcro a simple Tascam DR-07 to it, feeding that recorder with a short miniplug from audio out of the ENG44, and I can also record to the 5D running Magic Lantern using a simple XLR adapter, in my case an old beachtech without amp, or the Juiced Link CX-231. Often, the sound in the camera is as good as what goes to the recorder, so I don't have to match it up. But if something has goofed up at the camera, I have the back up in the DR-07.

Double Sound
 

Thanks Chris ... I appreciate the prompt insight! I'll be looking into the mixer alongside the mic itself. All the best,

The SignVideo ENG-44 will be able to amplify the signal cleaner and to higher levels than the Zoom. You'll also have a nice big knob to turn instead of clicking buttons - this gives you way more control in tough, ever changing sound level environments. The bright LED VU meters are nice too. It seems that a lot of folks go with a Sound Devices 302 if they're going to splurge. But at half the price, the ENG-44 is a great value.