Yes, I did read the extremely helpful post by the knowledgable MistaWondaBread! I am looking to begin filming my adventures more this season. This means both my fishing endeavors on small WI streams as well as all aspects of whitetail hunting. I want to be able to have quality still photos as well as premier HD video. I have been looking at cameras and video cameras and still don't have much clarity on what model to buy, however, I want to buy this week. I am looking at $1,000 being the very max of my budget. Can I simply buy a camera or a videocamera and it shoot good enough video/stills or will I need to buy both? Also, what other accessories would I want to buy to pair with the camera/video camera to be ready to film from the stand. All in all, what should I buy? Thank you in advance for your help.
I can't help much on your camera question as I don't know much about HD cams yet. I got into filming last year and bought a Canon GL2 on eBay for a great price, it isn't HD but produces good quality picture. I have a lot to learn this far but it's a blast and you'll be hooked! As far as accessories go, the first thing I would get is a nice camera arm and fluid head. I have a Motion Camera Arm with their fluid head and love it. And it's a great price! The next thing is a nice tripod for when your hunting out of a blind. I will also be investing in a vari-zoom for this year so I can operate the camera without touching it just using the joystick on the fluid head. And ill also be getting a microphone of some style which I haven't decided yet. I'd also recommend a nice case to carry it around in as well, one with lots of padded protection. Then you can get the camo skins and lenses and more for them! Campbellcameras.com has just about everything you'll need and they have great customer service as well!
In order to get the best of both worlds you need to separate the two. Nothing takes a still like a DSLR with a great lense. And nothing takes good crisp high rated video like a good video camera. If that were the case then everyone would just buy the one that does it all. With 1,000 dollar budget look into a Canon Vixia G10. The camera does amazing in low light situations. The video quality is fantastic. And photos turn out great as long as the camera is stable. You really just have to decide on what you want to focus on first. Don't skimp and get both that are of lower quality. I think you will regret it.
I've been looking at a couple options and just haven't been able to decide on what to do. I've looked at the Nikon DSLR 5100, Canon T3i, and Sony A65. My preference leans towards 5100 unless some can tell me otherwise. Has anyone used a 5100 on a camera arm to film hunts from the tree with? Can I run a mic set up and also use this to film from a stand if I wanted? I have also looked at the Canon Vixia and Sony video camera lines, but really don't know what to rule out in regards to features. There are a lot of great cameras in both lines and I'm still just not sure where to start. Ultimately I will probably only buy a still camera or a video camera and therefore I want to be able to get one that also takes either quality stills or films good hd video (the closest to having the best of both worlds as I can get). Best buy has the best sale I have seen on these cameras ever right now which has me wanting to buy now versus a couple months from now like I had planned.
Dslrs take amazing footage but there role is pretty much only broll. It's very difficult to film a hunt with one. Ill be upgrading to a Vixia g10 an a new shotgun mic next season for my video Sent from iPhone
Krohboy I'd like to see the link when you post it! I'm new to the film scene and want to learn as much as I can!
What's more important? Video or photo? I'd say video due to you can pull stills from the video. Sent from iPhone
It runs out a little over 1k, but it is one awesome set up. You can spend a little less but the quality will drop significantly. So ill Post two set ups. Camera: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/749190-REG/Canon_4923B002_VIXIA_HF_G10_Flash.html Mic adapter: http://compare.ebay.com/like/300542998016?var=lv<yp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar Mic: http://www.campbellcameras.com/shop...un-Mic---SMX-10---Mini-Plug__303AZDSMX10.aspx Filter: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/72715-REG/Tiffen_58UVP_58mm_UV_Protector.html Extra Batteries/Charger: http://www.amazon.com/Wasabi-Power-...-2&keywords=Cannon+vixia+G10+batteries+wasabi Total: Around 1200 Now you could sub in the following camera, but you lose a lot of video quality, but more importantly for outdoor filming you lose the ability to use a remote and manual focus both of which are vital IMO. Both the mic and adapter will work for the same camera. Other Camera option: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?is=REG&Q=&A=details&O=productlist&sku=838772 Filter: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/60752-REG/Tiffen_43HZE_43mm_UV_Haze_1.html Batteries: http://www.amazon.com/Wasabi-Power-Battery-Charger-BP-718/dp/B00824F4VG Total: Around 480 Other accessories I recommend: Remote(Only for the G10): http://www.campbellcameras.com/shop...STEALTH-Zoom-Controller__602VARVZSTEALTH.aspx Fluid Head: http://www.campbellcameras.com/shopping/Products/Manfrotto-701-HDV-Fluid-Head__601MAN701HD.aspx Camera Arm: http://www.campbellcameras.com/shopping/Products/Muddy-Outfitter-Tree-Arm-(Black)__603MUD60110.aspx Audio Mixer/Mic (adds a second audio port and allows more ajustability):http://www.campbellcameras.com/shop...-Mini-Plug-Cameras__3052minijackaudiopkg.aspx And as always there are aspects that can be better, This was trying to fit as close to your budget as possible, with the second camera a better shotgun mic could be afforded, and such. Also Campbell Cameras is a great site to learn and look through, but generally you can find better pricing elsewhere. PM me if you have any questions.
In my case, video is more important. I picked up a GL2 at the time because it was a great price and I was just starting out and didnt know much about it (still very green at all of it). I'm sure it won't be long until I upgrade to a HD cam! I've got the bug bad, got 3 deer shots on film this past fall while self filming, granted two of the three I got the rear half of the deer and didn't get arrow impact and the third was great video unfortunately I made a bad shot and was unable to recover the deer. Can't wait for the upcoming seasons though!
Dont forget about editing software. I use to have a nice little setup 5 years ago with Pinnacle/Sony Handycams...but that is WAY behind the 8 ball today...
Good point siman. That depends on how deep you really want to get into the whole process Dunn. There a huge pricepoint difference in editing software, again you get what you pay for.
I've heard bad things about Campbell software, but I haven't used it. I use and recommend adobe products. Sent from iPhone
I have used both adobe and sony vegas. I think both products have some pluses and minuses. I like adobe because it has a whole suite that works great together, especially if you are going to be adding some 3d graphics and advanced text to your video. Sony in my opinion however is by far easier and quicker to edit with than adobe. I would venture to say adobe is more for the advanced editor that sony vegas is.
I use Vegas Pro 12. I used to run Adobe but when I worked on large edits for long hours the program crashed....And I've never had this problem with Sony. In terms of speed (of use, rendering, application of effects, etc. Vegas wins hands down. Vegas will also accept a wide variety of input formats, something thats critical. Not saying Adobe or other softwares suck, but like everything, this is the tool that ive found most efficient and helpful.
First, thank you everyone for your responses. I am leaning towards a video camera now as I think I know what to get if I go the camera route. I love the vixia and have looked at both cameras recommended on this line. My question is what about all the cameras between those two in regards to price point and features? What are my mic options(anything other then shotgun mic or is this the way to go?)? What is a good price for the editing software? I have a mac and have iMovie software but have not used it much. I'm wondering what my abilities will be using this software? Also, does anyone have thoughts on this camera by sony or how does it compare to those on the vixia line? http://store.sony.com/webapp/wcs/st...10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921666415268 Everyone has been such a huge help. Thanks again!
