Upon request, my answer to a question being posed by @jc to several web folks for webafternoon.com
I used the opportunity to test three things I've not used before:
1) Rode VideoMic Pro (d.pr/ZanH) used as a boom mic
2) 18" ring light (d.pr/fWIb)
3) Final Cut Pro X
The Rode VideoMic was mounted on a stand as if it were a boom mic, about 16" from my voice. It performed well but obviously picked up some of the echoing off the wall behind me (especially noticeable at the start). Also, when I make a '2' with my hand, you can hear the sound deflected.
The 18" ring light was pretty easy to set up and shoot with. I guess it's more a stylistic decision than anything else, but it did light the frame nicely.
And Final Cut Pro X? It wasn't as much of a disappointment as I was expecting, given all the negative reviews. The 'black & white', 'hard light', and 'sharpen' video effects were applied. The audio was adjusted using 10-band EQ and the 'hum reduction' effect.
Shot on Canon 7D with Sigma 30mm f/1.4 lens.
UPDATE: Here's another test, this time with the camera off-center: vimeo.com/31044073