Video Camera

[colonel00]

I know there are threads or at least posts on this on here but for the life of me, I cannot seem to find them. I can find all sorts of info on P&S cameras and high end video but I can't find the threads on what people are carrying as a regular video camera.

In my current inventory of cameras I have a Canon S95 P&S, a Pentax K-30 DSLR with weather resistant 18-135mm and 55-300mm lenses and a GoPro with a bunch of mounts. I feel this allows me many options as to what I want to take to capture a trip with the exception of a decent video camera. Ideally I would like something that is fairly small and compact yet has features that make fill the gap in my inventory. I need a good zoom to eclipse the shortcomings of the GoPro. It would also be nice if it was rechargeable in the field via a solar panel but this isn't a deal breaker. Obviously, I would like to keep cost down without sacrificing features, durability or reliability.

So, anyone want to chime in with some suggestions or maybe point me to some older threads?

 

[colonel00]

Bumping this back up. Nobody ever carries a video camera? Maybe not on the UL backpack hunt but just in general or scouting? I see plenty of cool videos that I can't imagine are just from a cell phone or P&S camera.

 

[Blackcow]

Almost always. Used to carry a pan. Hc-v520, till I broke it.Until I get another I'm carrying vx Hd, forgot which model.I'll look.

 

[Blackcow]

Supposed to say JVC hd .Damn auto correct.

 

[colonel00]

Interesting, the Panasonic HC-V550 that is coming out has caught my eye. I assume it is fairly similar to the V520 that you had. My guess is that it is the successor.

How did you like it as far as video quality and features? Things you didn't like? Quoted specs of 8.29oz doesn't seem all that bad.

 

[Lukem]

I carry a Sony XR-200. Not a great cam by any means, but it has a big hard drive, shoots HD and the price was right several years back. I also carry my GoPro2 and Nikon D5100. Used those for the videos I have in the vid section.

 

[colonel00]

The Sony sounds nice just glancing at it but it's twice the weight. I do like the internal storage as the Panasonic on didn't have one.

I really like my GoPro but it has its limits and my DSLR is great with weather resistance but struggles with good video.

 

[Pilgrim]

I've been invited to a videography training course. I'll pick some brains while I'm there. It's being hosted for a group of Hunters that have a time slot on Pursuit. Looking forward to learning!

 

[greyghostnw]

ive been watching for the panasonic lumix dmc gh4. not only shoots native 24p but 4k. 4k is pretty cool, this camera is due prob in may but not in your op description. from what i can tell it will be a serious camera for video but still have great stills. not having 24p in any video camera is a no deal for me. i just prefer the look of 24p. ive never used it its not out yet. ive only played with canons vixia hf g30 not owned but friends have it and puts out great footage. fairly cheap for its features.

 

[Buster]

I'm by no means a video/photo or tech expert, so take this with a grain of salt. I carry a canon SX 50HS. HD video, 50x optical zoom, not too big to carry for days, and relatively cheap ($350ish if I remember correctly). Buy an extra battery and you get a lot of video time. Probably a lot better options for a little more $$$, but this was the best I found to combine video and still photography, and budget.

 

[colonel00]

Those "crossover" cameras are pretty interesting. But, since I already have a DSLR, a good P&S, and a smaller mirrorless, interchangeable lens Pentax Q, I don't really think I need another camera. It is definitely a benefit to combine photos and video into one device weight-wise though.

 

[tm7554]

ive been watching for the panasonic lumix dmc gh4. not only shoots native 24p but 4k. 4k is pretty cool, this camera is due prob in may but not in your op description. from what i can tell it will be a serious camera for video but still have great stills. not having 24p in any video camera is a no deal for me. i just prefer the look of 24p. ive never used it its not out yet. ive only played with canons vixia hf g30 not owned but friends have it and puts out great footage. fairly cheap for its features.

Can't use just shoot your video in 60p and render/export in 24p?

 

[Blackcow]

Grrr. I lost everything I just typed! Suffice it to say, yes I liked the panasonic.50x zoom, did well in low light, auto settings that didn't drive me bat shit crazy. Perfect? No.But the best video is the one you take with the camera you always have ready and not sitting at home. If video is what I'm planning on doing, then fine.I'll bring the xl1 or the sony .But the camera, lenses, shotgun mike, lavalier and battery pack, etc. gets freakin heavy!

 

[greyghostnw]

yes. takes time in post. 60p is great for slow motion though. if not using slow motion you can set your shutter speed according during recording. seems there are other tricks in post, tools on fcp x called rate conform as well as using reelsmart motion blur, its a plug in. im no expert, learning......

 

[colonel00]

Heh, almost sounds like a bit more than I want to have to mess with. Great info though.

Blackcow, yeah, that is my thinking too. I don't need to get too crazy yet but I want something that isn't a burden to carry around so I have it when I need it.

 

[greyghostnw]

cool... keeping it simple can be more fun at times anyhow........

 

[colonel00]

Mostly I just want to basic tools to document a hunt or trip in a decent manor so I can make a compilation video. For instance, I am taking my father on a caribou hunt and it would be awesome to capture a lot of that on video and hopefully, if he gets a bou, get the shot on camera.

 

[Blackcow]

They're great for that.Easy enough to use, you can concentrate on hunting, not worrying about your white balance and crap.

 

[colonel00]

Blackcow, have you by chance looked into the v550? I am having a hard time telling what all is really different from the v520 which is still available for $120 less. Looks like maybe 10x more Intelligent zoom on the 550 but I can't find a ton of info or comparisons.

 

[luke moffat]

I bought the V520....mainly for the awesome zoom and so I don't gotta carry a spotter on my summer scouting trips. Won't be able to tell much in the little view finder, but I'll be able to review what I record when I get home.

This camera will in no way replace my Zeiss for actual hunting, but for me and just casual scouting it allows me to see more than just my 12X binos will and I get to have a better vid camera along on my summer scouting, training, 80-100 mile thru-hike adventures coming up this summer.