I've been wanting to start filming my own hunts for quite some time now. Can somebody give me some ideas for the best filming set up under $1000? This includes camera, arm, head, and carrying case. If you can't keep it under $1000, that's fine, I'm just looking for the best setup for a reasonable price. I don't think that my wife will let me spend a ton of money for this. Thanks.
You can find a lot of stuff in that price range. I think with my set up I spent about $500. That includes everything you need, but if I could have spent more on a better fluid head or camera. If I could I go back and spend it differently I would make sure my camera had a spot for a LANC controller I don't have a spot on my current (canon HF R30) camera and I wish it did, I used one on buddies that had the controller and its so much easier. As far as specifics it all depends on how much you want to spend on that particular item. Do a little research on items and see if it might be what you want. I haven't been doing this very long at all but I know what kind of things I would want if I had the funds. You can easily put a kit together for the price range just check around and Im sure other will say the same.
So within reason, what would be your ideal setup if you had some extra money? I'm starting from absolutely nothing, but if I am gonna spend the money to buy something I will spend a little extra to make sure that I get a quality product. Would it be smart to just buy a kit from somewhere like Campbell Cameras?
It's cheaper if you shop around instead of buying from Campbell's, and if i could afford it I would probably get the canon xa20 for my camera. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I agree with this, I would probably grab the Canon G30. They can e found on eBay for 600-700 bucks. Muse Campbell's as reference for what to buy but purchase elsewhere. It will save you hundreds in the long run. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Yep shop around Cambells is convenient but they are over price for what you get , B&H and Adorama would be a good place to look at. I started where you were at too and just jumped right into it. I can't tell you right of the bat what camera I would want just because I would have to look at them all again to figure it out. Most of the cameras out there now are quality camera like I said before you just have to figure out what features you want and go from there. You could get one with 8GB of internal storage or 64GB of internal storage and it goes on for this wit like zoom and what ports you want and can attach (find one with a LANC port), its really up to you. Here are the two sites you can look at. B&H Photo Video Digital Cameras, Photography, Camcorders Photography, Digital Cameras, Lenses, Electronics - 8PM Shipping - Adorama Camera
If you are finding a G30 for $600-$700 then it is likely a scam. That is a $1500 camera and you probably are not going to find many used ones since it is so new. Beware of deals that look too good to be true because they probably are. If you are going to buy a new camera I'd strongly recommend sticking with places like B&H, Adorama, Amazon (depending on who the actual seller is), Canon direct (great refurb deals at times), or other AUTHORIZED dealers. If you are going to buy used, then ebay works, but be careful. I'd only buy from an actual camera user with good feedback and who is willing to answer your questions. I'd avoid the many used camera dealers on ebay (they are pretty easy to spot). Another option is that B&H and Adorama sell used equipment as well and they grade them on condition and often stand behind them. As others have said Cambell's is fine for seeing what hunters are using, but I'd use them as a guide more than anything and then price check other places.
This is not exactly true, you just have to find the right product and time. I got my camera, a Canon hf M31 for 111.00 bucks last year.
I'm not saying that a blind squirrel cannot find an acorn every once in a while, but as a general rule, when it comes to cameras when you see a "deal" that looks insane then it is likely a scam. I have been burnt twice and I know many others who have as well. Watch the "Brooklyn" stores when buying. Lots of gray market cameras (no warranty for many reasons) or bait and switch deals. One common scam is "here is the camera for this low low price ... oh you want all of the other stuff that comes in the box? ... that will be $x more." Just be careful when buying any camera at a "deal" price, that is all that I am saying.
Been looking at the very same situation and found that Sony makes a small HD camera called a CX110 for under $400 that has a port for a remote but it has to been one made specially for this camcorder. You can find the remotes new on ebay. The only drawback to this camera is it doesn't have a headphone or mic input port. I really like the Canon hfr400 which has a headphone and mic port but no place for a remote. Unless you go with a high dollar camera you will just have to pick your poison on this one. I have found that the remote comes in very handy when you are self-filming.
