Best video camera for hunting?

[KYFOXSTICK]

I have hunted my entire life and seen some incredible things while sitting in the woods and have not been able to share them with anyone. After getting a smart phone and getting several videos via my phone (no zoom) I realize that I keep watching them and showing them to my friends. So my question...what camera is good? I hunt in various weather conditions and I am very hard on equipment. Im not wanting to spend several thousand dollars but I would like a camera that takes great video and will hold up to the abuse from both me and Mother Nature. Thanks in advance for any input.

Brian

[jeff w]

My pick would probably be a Panasonic micro 4/3rds camera:   the  G3 or G-5, or, GH-2 or GH-3.
The Panasonics are very good still cameras, but are also known for their video capability.   These 4 models will also allow you to change lens if you want.  The GH-3 is weather sealed but the most expensive-body only-@ $1300.   The least expensive-the G3-body only @ $250.   Panasonic, and most of the major camera makers, offer pretty decent digital cameras often referred to as super-zooms; digital cameras with general video capability with a fixed, but wide-ranging zoom lens.   A website called Digital Photography review generally tests and reviews many of cameras.  B&H Photo is a great online retailer to check prices.

[briarpatch]

Are you looking for an SLR with video capability...or a camcorder with still photo capability?  If it's a camcorder u r looking for....go to camcorderinfo.com

[KYFOXSTICK]

Sorry...but I am looking for a video camera only...not so much a still camera. I have looked at several cameras that look promising just not sure. I don't want to spend a ton of money on all the equipment needed to self video but then again I don't want to waste  money on junk either. Thanks again for the input.

[VictoryHunter]

There are several still cameras that will easily outperform entry level camcorders. The panasanic lx7 is one of them.

[Gen273]

one of the best prosumer cameras that I have used is the Canon VIXIA G10

[CALHOUN]

SONY FX7 BEST I HAVE BOUGHT. HAD SEVERAL OTHERS GL2, VIXIA, AND COUPLE MORE SONY FX7 NEVER FAILED ONE TIME. VERY CLOSE TO PRODUCTION QUALITY..HAVE BEEN FILMING MY SON HUNTING FOR TEN YEARS WE HAVE A BLAST...JUST MY 2 CENTS...

[Mitch H]

Originally posted by CALHOUN:
SONY FX7 BEST I HAVE BOUGHT. HAD SEVERAL OTHERS GL2, VIXIA, AND COUPLE MORE SONY FX7 NEVER FAILED ONE TIME. VERY CLOSE TO PRODUCTION QUALITY..HAVE BEEN FILMING MY SON HUNTING FOR TEN YEARS WE HAVE A BLAST...JUST MY 2 CENTS...

I have only owned one prosumer video camera(Sony HDR-FX1), but have owned many professional video cameras. There are differences that can be huge depending on lighting conditions, etc., but a GOOD prosumer camera can lay down awesome footage in the right conditions.

One thing I have found without fail from a lot of years of videoing hunts in the elements is………a SONY camera will hold up in adverse conditions(even just getting dusty)WAY better than any other brand I am aware of. I have had to send back Canons and Panasonic camera`s for stupid things. The only SONY I ever had to send back to the factory was dropped from an ATV @ 45 mph on a rock strewn road. It still functioned well except for focusing, and SONY rebuilt it for free with only 2 weeks left on a 4 year extended warranty.

[4406v]

Ditto on Sony quality. I dropped my Sony Handycam out of my treestand 25' onto the exposed roots and rocks.It bounced about 2' in the air and rolled down the hill.I knew I had "killed" it.I got down picked it up expecting it not to work.I was scratched and a little beat up but continued to function flawlessly for years!!! Bought another Sony when it was time to replace.

[DanielB89]

Has anyone ever used a Canon SX40 for recording hunts?  Bought my wife one for our anniversary and was wondering if anyone had used one before.  

Thanks,
Daniel

[DanielB89]

ttt