Video Camera for filming adventures- Help!

  • Jake
    Muddy Corn Field
    Posts: 2493
    #1275833

    Hey Guys,

    We’d like to start filming some of our hunting/fishing adventures this spring.

    Any camera suggestions from guys with experience filming stuff in the outdoors? (HAIL CALL TO IDO TV TEAM!) What to look for in a camera? What’s the difference between a $500, $1500, $3500 camera?

    We’re not looking for Hollywood quality, but certainly HD full screen TV quality. Sound and battery are the 2 most important features in my mind. I have a small handheld canon VIXIA right now……the sound quality sucks and the battery life is dismal (50mins on a full charge).

    Any model suggestions would be appreciated!

    Jake
    Muddy Corn Field
    Posts: 2493
    #1040053

    Thanks for the links Jon.

    Maybe this is a better way to word what I’m looking for:

    I have a $500 Canon VIXIA HF R21 and a GoPro…..I am looking to upgrade to a $1000 – $2000+ camera…..what does that buy me? I’m worried about sound, battery life, and shooting in low light conditions.

    I was hoping James or someone else involved with IDO-TV could chime in.

    Calvin Svihel
    Moderator
    Northwest Metro, MN
    Posts: 3862
    #1040070

    The biggest struggle I had this winter is sound clarity, fishing in any type of wind stinks for filming unless you have wireless mics. A wireless mic will allow your sound to be more clear if not crystal clear compared to the mic that comes standard on most cameras. I have no idea about camera quality and what 2k will get you, but I would focus on spending money on a good mic if not wireless mics to make your sound a higher quality. If your not looking for good sound, just good video, then I don’t have much expierence in good vs. bad camera for video quality.

    James Holst
    Keymaster
    SE Minnesota
    Posts: 18926
    #1040072

    Quote:


    Thanks for the links Jon.

    Maybe this is a better way to word what I’m looking for:

    I have a $500 Canon VIXIA HF R21 and a GoPro…..I am looking to upgrade to a $1000 – $2000+ camera…..what does that buy me? I’m worried about sound, battery life, and shooting in low light conditions.

    I was hoping James or someone else involved with IDO-TV could chime in.


    We actually use the Vixia cams to shoot all On Ice segments and we use those same cameras as B roll cameras for the TV show. They work well, particularly once you’ve mastered the manual controls.

    As for audio… wireless mics. End of story. Pick up an Azden or Audio-Technica in your price range and enjoy significant improvements in audio quality.

    What does a $2k camera get you that a Go Pro doesn’t? Better optics, improvements in low light performance and better controls over exposure, color settings through scene files and higher data rate recordings. Of course with those capabilities comes the need to learn to use those new capabilities. Buying a $2k video camera and then using it in auto-focus, auto-exposure is a waste of time and effort. Stick with the Vixia if you don’t want to go down the road of becoming a video nerd. You’ll need to learn to handle those functions manually to get the most out of your new equipment.

    As for recording times, you’ll need to buy extra batteries. We carry 6 – $180 batteries per camera in the field. Those 6 batteries guarantee a full day of run time. Or opt up to a battery belt with camera tap. Expect to spend $$. I just priced a Paglight 30V. belt this morning for a new piece of equipment that starts at $2k… for the battery belt alone.

    My advice would be to make sure you’re getting the absolute most out of your current camera with regards to manual controls. Buy a couple extra batteries and add a wireless mic. You should be able to make those upgrades for $250 – $300 total and you’ll see a significant improvement in audio quality and day-long run times. The short-term improvements in video quality are hidden in your existing camera behind the buttons and menu settings.

    Hope this helps. Any additional questions, or specific questions about gear, shoot me a PM.

    Jake
    Muddy Corn Field
    Posts: 2493
    #1040097

    Awesome. That is exactly what I was looking for guys!

    Sounds like I need to look into wireless mics….and just buck up and buy 5 or 6 extra batteries. It’s not ideal for the type of week long hunting trips we do…..(always on the go, cramming in motel rooms)….but you’re right, I’m not ready to jump into complete video nerdum.

    Appreciate the info!

Viewing 6 posts - 1 through 6 (of 6 total)

You must be logged in to reply to this topic.