I was wanting to try to start filming my hunts but dont know which camera to buy or what kind to buy. Anyone have any idea or what they use? Does anyone have a camera they dont want or want to sell? Im open for any options as its coming down to the wire. Thanks
You'll find a LOT of people on sites such as Huntingfootage.com and the video section of AT recommending the Canon Vixia HV30 (and now its successor, the HV40). Records in 1080p and you can pick one up for a nice price on e-bay. I just got one myself.
Alot of us are going with the sony handycam 80GB hard drive camcorder for starters, you can find it at best buy for about $350, otherwise I found it cheaper on pricehead.com for $309/ free shipping. For a small compact camera it has awesome 60x zooming power, low light filming, along with other great features.
Greg (or anyone else), what is the 411 on tape vs. tapeless camcorders. Pro's and Con's. I have a DV model and am really thinking about going tapeless on my next one. Anything bad about doing that?
Brad, I'm too much of a newbie to really give any good feedback at this point... The main reason(s) I went with the HV30 was the ability to switch to manual focus. I have a IFR manual focus ring on mine so it mirrors the larger cameras in ability to fine-tune your focus... I saw that as a necessity when Matt / PA was filming me a couple years ago and we had a stud in front of us at 35 yards putting on a show, making scrapes, rubs, pawing dirt in the air... and none of it really got captured on video very well because his autofocus had focused on the branches in FRONT of the buck. If I could have found a manual focus camera that would have also given me the 1080p I wanted, plus all the other things I wanted (hot shoe accessory port, etc.) but with a tapeless digital hard drive to boot, I probably would have went that route. As it is, everthing I wanted just happens to use tapes. So far, I don't mind as I capture it straight to my computer via Sony Vegas Movie Studio Platinum 9 and can edit from there... But I've got a LOT to learn.
Tapeless would sound better to me but im not big in this either but im trying to get it all straightened out
Manual focus won out over the medium in which the video records to... at the price points I could afford, at least. (My setup was just shy of a grand... but you can pick up the camera only off e-bay for around $450 or so) It all gets transferred to the computer and edited from there, so it's probably a moot point.
That definitely sucks, Brad. Though I agree with you: if it plays correctly just hooking it up to the tv, I'd be inclined to say it's something with the computer as well. I know on my Vegas Movie Studio editing software, it captures separate sound and video tracks and you could simply move it to marry up with it if need be.... that program can be bought new for around $80, I think.
It doesn't look like it. You generally don't get into the manual focus cameras until you get up into the pro-sumer models. The one that Greg got is an exception in that you can add an aftermarket focus ring to it. I've been looking for a lightweight, yet feature rich camera for several years for self-filming but have yet to find it. I have a Sony PD-150 which is a standard definition pro-sumer model, but unless I'm filming for production I don't like lugging it with me plus all of my other gear for self-filming.
That sony handycam has 61 hours of video footage(LP) mode. And the focus is : full range auto/ manual (touch panel). Has about 2 hours battery life, which a backup battery is always helpful!
Tell me. How critical is a HD camcorder for filming hunts? How does the HD work in low light? Does it help or does it hurt? The Sony handycam 80gb is not an HD camcorder correct?
I f you have seen any of richie music's field footage, most is shot with that camera, he has a bigger camera for filming his hunts, but has used the sony as well and says that it is by far the best compact camera for zoom power, low light, storage, picture for your buck! no it isn't HD, but has very clear picture with the zoom power and karl zeiss lens...
I just ordered this one today, recommended by our very own JZ. http://www.campbellcameras.com/shop...Original-Outdoor-Package-(NEW)__PKGHFS20.aspx Does this mean I am cooler than I was yesterday? Yes, it absolutely does.
Very nice. Virtually the same setup as mine except recording to flash drive and HD instead of tape... and I've got a Rode mic instead of the Azden. Nice.
