Video Camera Recommendations

BCBOY

Long Time Member
Messages
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I'm gonna bite the bullet and pick up a new video camera since my old 8mm calved on me. Looking at a middle of the road price. Nothing cheap, but can't fork out the doe for the topend stuff either. Thinking of going all digital. Heard that the technology is really good now. I want something durable to be thrown in my pack and will see some pretty adverse weather conditions. Need something that will film through the spotter well. Something with a manual focus so it won't keep on focusing on the lense of the spotter. Any suggestions? Any ones to avoid?
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My buddy is using a Sony that I will get the model number for you. We used it the last few weeks and have got some great footage of elk......I dont know how durable it may be for your weather etc....but will get you some info..... Allen Taylor......
 
You can't go wrong with a Cannon GL-1 or GL-2. Very durable camera that gives great results, even for us less experienced video buffs. Mine has preformed flawlessly for about three years, and I'm not very kind to it. Or I could make you a heck of a deal on a used Cannon L-2 Hi-8. Not to compact, but a great way to get started. Good luck to you!
 
I've got the GL2 and absolutely love it but its not cheap. I've seen some great footage come from some of the Sony Digital 8 cameras.
I think the biggest deal with video is 1)start with a digital camera (2) turn digital zoom off and (3) always shoot from a tripod. I'm amazed how good a cheaper camera can work when you give it a chance. You can pick up a sony for around 300 bucks at walmart. The cheapest I've seen GL2's is about 1700.
 
The problem is trying to keep it from freezing up.
do you have heated blankets or what?
in extream mountain conditions from warm to freezing in just a matter of minutes mine gets cold and drains the batteries of energy.
I use to have the tape system, the tapes would freez, jamb up. rip to shreads,
If you try to keep it warm doesn't the lens fog?
do they make a head set that you can wear, for hands free filming.
kind of like the caving lights?
 
I use a Sony DRC-TRV19 with NTSC. It is A mini digital video with infa-red nightshot. It can film in total dark at up to 30 ft or up to 125 ft with the infa-red light attachment. Mini DV cassette are way cheaper that an actual mini dvd disc. The disc can only be recorded on once where the cassette can be use over again. The quality of video is really good but as with all video when you try to pull a pic of the quality goes way down.
Battery power is always an issue, an extra couple of batteries is always a must and I keep mine in a shirt pocket to keep them warm.
 
I just bought a Canon ZR-90 it has a 22X optical zoom, manual focus, not sure of the durability yet. I have a friend that has the ZR-70 last years model and is very happy with it. I did my shopping at pricegrabber.com, they had the best price I could find on the internet.

MDnut
 
Thanks for the imput guys. I'm leaning towards the Canons just because they are a camera company and Sony is more an electronics company. In this day and age I don't know if that makes a difference though.
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