Help me film my hunt

[Kamm1004]

Calling all tech savvy tradgangers!! I don't want to spend hundreds of dollars on a fancy go pro camera and all that but do want to capture those awesome moments like seeing two bucks fighting, a young buck attacking saplings like there's no tomorrow, etc. what's a good action camera to buy that's cheap, but easy enough to film with, has decent quality and isn't gigantic? Also, what do you guys do to film you hunt... Is it mounted on your bow? Attached to your arm/body somehow, or on a tripod? If you guys are the kind that love filming those special hunting moments, I'd appreciate any and all advice on how you do it without spooking animals. Thanks gang!!

[centaur]

Actually, GoPros are very affordable as cameras go, but the disadvantage to them is that they are very wide angle. If you plan on getting up close and personal with wildlife, you will need a good telephoto camera or lens to put on a camera. Even then, it won't be easy to get closeups of animals without stalking to bow range or using a blind of some kind. The same skills to stalk within bowshot is what you need for good pics of animals, unless you are in a place like Yellowstone, where animals are habituated to people. I spend as much time taking pictures as I do trying to kill something, and I miss as often with the camera as I get busted with the bow. This little deer was 20 yards off, and I shot the pic with a very long lens.
 
This young buck was about 15 yards out; I took this from a ground blind with a medium telephoto.
 
When I am hunting, I carry a good point and shoot camera with a long telephoto capability. As in all things, with cameras, you get what you pay for. A cheap camera will give low resolution results.

[shreffler]

This is something I just started getting into this year...GoPro's are cool for extra angles, but are not ideal for hunting unless you have a remote control for it - and then you're talking big $$$.

Here's what I use - I bought a Canon Vixia HF300 for $100 on the big auction site, coupled with a cheap $25 camera arm from Sportsman's guide. The camera arm itself is decent but I'm going to be upgrading to a Muddy next season for sure - it's well worth spending the extra money on. A lot of my video is really lacking because of the crappy camera mount on the arm, and I got busted by a magnificent 8 point because of it this year.

I also decided to upgrade the batteries and buy a shotgun mic as well, two things that really enhance your videos but are not necessary if you don't have the extra cash.

I use my DSLR for B-roll (the leaves blowing in the wind, etc.), my Canon for the kill shot, and the GoPro for extra angles.

You don't need all the bells and whistles to start out, but the number one thing is you NEED to practice with your set up before taking it out into the woods for your greatest chance of success. I didn't do that this year and blew a couple great shots because of it.

Most importantly, have fun with it    

[Kamm1004]

Thanks guys! I'm so ignorant when it comes to cameras, that's never been my thing. However I do love hunting videos and it would be cool to edit and make some cool videos, especially in turkey season if you're using some decapitating broadheads!

[bigbuckmalik]

I use an ion air pro 2. I mount it above my head with a little tree arm. I also bought a remote that i keep in my pocket and flick to record when i see a deer. It has great video quality. However, anything much more than 20 yards looks like 50. Its fun to mess with though.

[Kamm1004]

Centaur, what would be your suggestions for a camera to film hunts within 30 yards or so?

I think any of the handycams will get you started, its tough getting the shot on camera.
 but just filming deer is fun. and most cameras come with software for editing.

[centaur]

Kamm,
There are just too many variables for me to recommend a specific camera. And, as is true with bowhunting, it is more the Indian than the arrow that makes a difference. The best camera ever made can still take lousy pictures.
If I had to say, I would tell you to go to a camera store where the sales folks actually know what they are doing, explain what you are looking for and your level of experience, and see what they recommend.
I have several cameras, and some would say that I have been shooting since Daguerrotypes were in vogue, but currently the camera that seems to go with me the most is a Canon SX60; lots of features, super telephoto, good video,and good quality lens.
If you really are a novice in photography, know that there is a learning curve to make consistently good photos, and even moreso to make good videos. Just like trad archery, it takes practice and knowledge. Hope that helps.

some of my videos.

 

 

 

 

I always carry mine when hunting, hell I might get aliens landing some day.

[Kamm1004]

Thanks guys! Much appreciated centaur!

[woodchucker]

Although many like to film thier hunts...(and I enjoy watching them!!!)

I prefer, to just hunt! I close my eyes,and watch the whole thing over again in my head. Open my eyes, Rewind, and see it again... Over & Over.....

Plus, The batteries never go dead!!!