Cameras Cameras Cameras
 

I am still on the search for getting a camera I need some more advice and thoughts. I can't access the TBH board due to some complications last year with a few of the moderators. Someone make a post and help me out
Kyle Scott

You looking for a still camera or video? Price range.
And why would you wanna go to TBH when you got us here? :)

Trailboss

What TB said

I posted a thread last week got no replys. I am looking for a video camera. That I can play around with do some self filmed hunts. I am looking for something no more than 500 dollars
any help would be appreciated.
Kyle Scot

I have no real knowladge... that said go to wal mart and buy the most expensive Sony you can afford that records on tape. Thats really the only thing I'm sure of ...stay with the mini dv tapes and you can't go wrong with Sony.
Lots of good info on Payton's site http://www.huntingfootage.com/index.php

I too, am looking for a new video camera. I have the old 8mm and really need to put it up on the shelf before it quites on me and then I cannot ever watch all my tapes that I have recorded over the years.:hot: The only problem that I have seen with the mini tapes is that they do not have a memory stick port for still pics. The mini dvd do, but there recording time is very limited. Another big sale item that I am looking for in the camera is at least a 40X opticial zoom which is very limited to most cameras out also. On my way to Payton's site, but still will take any advice. Bob

Finding a camera with that much optical zoom may be a chore. As for the mini-dv tapes, that's the way to go. They record broadcast quality video and the format is recognized by most video editing software. I think you just limit yourself in too many ways with the mini-dvd's.

Not sure about the memory stick thing, but my Canon GL-2 does have that feature. But then, it's a little more than a $500 camera too.

My hunting partner has a small Canon (don't remember the model) that takes excellent video and also has the memory stick feature. I think he paid in the neighborhood of $400 for the camera.

Trailboss

I personally chose a sony mini dvd camcorder. It's is much easier to get the video from the camera to the computer. All you do is take the dvd out of the camera and put it in the computer dvd drive. :)

As far as recording time, the mini dvd sucks. You can only record on 30 minute dvds. They have double sided dvds but you still have to flip the disk in the camera to record on the back side.

But for my wife, it is very simple to use. Most dvd players will play the dvd right out of the camera into the dvd player. Very nice feature.

I have both the cheapest and one of the high end camera's that Cannon makes. I have had good luck with both and no issues. I am far from an expert.

Get the most "optical zoom" you can afford (don't worry about "digital zoom"). Get one that takes the Mini DV tapes (not the hard drive cameras). All the major brands make affordable ones. I have a Panasonic with 20x zoom. It's not the best but it it's ok and cost under $400.

I think I found one Sony DCR-HC52
It records on mini DV and has a 40x opitcal zoom
only $250.00 at Best buy
Kyle Scott

Bobster....my mini dv has a slot for an SD memory card. You just push "Still Shot" while you're filming and it saves a picture to the card. I think most of the cameras have this option.

Thanks for your help so far, but I still have a few more questions. I went out and looked at cameras and found that Canon has real good optical zoom at 40X and a memory SD for the still pics. The only thang that the canon did not have was the night shot. I also found a sony that had it all, ie memory stick, night shot, but did not have but a 25 X optical zoom. The question is, those that have the night shot, how ofter have you used it? Is this something that you really use. I have it on my old 8 mm, but cannot every remember using it, although it does take good video until almost dark. And all of these cameras are at my price range, although the sony is no longer be made, it still is avaliable at some places. Thanks, Bob

I have a Sony with the night shot and I only used it once, right after I got it. I would much rather have the higher-X optical zoom.

I don't have it on mine so not sure about the benefits. Probably past legal shooting light anyway! (except for hogs)