Self-filming

[JCS]

I'm looking to upgrade a little from my iPhone.  I don't want a GoPro. Hate the fisheye look.  I will probably either use a headband mount or camera arm on tree. Need a better camera for low-light conditions. I know better low-light cams are much more expensive though.  iPhone conks out about 30 minutes before sundown.  I don't know a thing about cameras and am here to learn a little from those who have been there done that.  Not looking for professional quality, but would like a good, clear picture with a little zoom. I figure I should keep it below $500. Thanks.

Good luck! I gave up on self filming because it was too much of a PITA while trying to hunt. I just take good pics afterwards now.

About half of my filmed hunts was just the sound of the bow as the animal was no longer in the frame by the time the shot happened.

The biggest advantage to me of filmimg is seeing exactly where the a1row hit, esp on marginal or bad shots!

Bisch

[JCS]

Thanks, Bisch. I have been taping my iPhone to my riser and filming that way. Got a buck and bobcat on video, but bobcat vid was too dark...  Main problem is vibration at shot and loud sound on the video. Camera didn't really move though. It was just picking up bow vibration.
I've seen the Tacticam, but not so sure about that.

[Don Batten]

LOL. I'm with Bisch. the only year I haven't killed a deer bowhunting (since 1985) was the year I tried to film. I'd rather eat venison than watch myself shoot it. Not ragging you for doing it. It's impressive when it's pulled off. I got some great turkey kills but in a blind it's not that hard. good luck. DB

[Gatekeeper]

This little camera mount is very simple, compact, lightweight and it works really well.

 http://shop.gomuddy.com/micro-mount-camera-holder/

You don't need an elaborate multi articulating arm to mount it to, it will mount nicely to a simple bow hook (which is what I use) or a screw in tree step.

I use a Nikon point and shoot camera AW110. This camera is water proof and some what shock resistant. It does video also.

 https://www.amazon.com/Nikon-COOLPIX-Waterproof-Digital-Camera/dp/B00B7N997O

[WAC]

The best camera in your price range for shooting video in low light (in my opinion) would be a used Canon VIXIA HF 20 bought used on ****. You can find them all day for $700-900.00 but once in a while you can catch one in your price range. I have filmed some night time hog hunts with the red hog lights that have turned out great. Heres a link to the last video I put on Youtube shot with this camera.       Good luck!

[newhouse114]

I have a nice camera that I put on a tripod and strap to the underside of my tree stand. I have a couple of five hour batteries so I turn it on and forget about it. At the end of the day I will delete or edit the footage. I also have a remote that will operate the zoom. Package was about $1500

[huskyarcher]

I use a Sony Handycam for now, caught it last year on a black Friday sale at 149.99, works great. Its HD and all. Ive captured alot of great hunts since then. I got a $30 tree arm and absolutely love filming the hunts. If you back the zoom out its really easy to capture everything. Ive got several turkey, pig and deer kills on film from all over the country and love to go back and watch the footage! Some of the footage will be on Langers next video, and all of it will be on a local cable channel this winter. Give it a try, youll probably really enjoy it.

[Jerry Russell]

I film everything with a Sony handycam.  I think the model is the HDR160.   It shoots amazing quality for a price of under $300.

The most important thing to consider is getting s camera with  CMOS processor.  It does not add cost in the Sony camera and it THE MOST important factor for low light shooting.  I have both the Cannon without CMOS and the Sony with CMOS and the Sony will video 30 minutes before and after the Cannon in low light condition.  

Enjoy filming.  Once you work out the bugs it will seem much less awkward and smooth.  I have filmed for over 30 years and  the details of those old videos have far outlived my memory.

[JohnV]

There are a lot of good websites where video cameras are rated by video geeks.  This can help you narrow down the selection.  With all the Christmas specials going on you can get a good HD video camera for about $500.  I use a Panasonic camera with a camera arm that swivels off a special treestep that you screw into the tree you are sitting or one within easy reach.  Setup works well.  It's a lot of fun.  You will likely blow a few opportunities at game you want to shoot because you're fiddling around with powering the camera on and focusing on where you anticipate the shot but that is part of the game.

[Manitoba Stickflinger]

I have to disagree with the Sony/Canon debate as Ive had the opposite results. Ive had 2 of each and the Canon not only was better in low light but also has a better internal mic. That said, my current camera is beyond that price range.

Get a decent camera arm (with a fluid head) and you'll enjoy the smooth panning it allows you to have. That, and the proper adjustments so its level and stays that way. I use a Muddy arm with Manfrotto head.

Have fun with it....it's a great way to save the memories!

[Kevin Dill]

I don't shoot a lot of video these days. My Canon HFS20 is a great unit but it just doesn't see much action now. I like its size and features...a lot of capability packed into a small camcorder. It also does great still images and allows for internal screen grabs from recorded video. That said...

I'm finding myself much more interested in still imagery vs video. My plan is to sell the Canon and buy a bridge camera capable of shooting DSLR-quality stills + high quality video when I want it.

[Mark Baker]

I use a Nikon Coolpix S9500 pocket camera.  It shoots awesome photos....and HD video at the push of a button.  20 megapixels photos, a 22power optical zoom, and super easy to use.  I like it so much I picked up another online for an extra.   It does what I need, produces great video, fits in my pocket wherever I go...will mount on an arm if needed.  

Remember too, that the essence of the hunt is not captured in the kill shot.  So much more to video other than that.  That's my tip for what it's worth.

[RGKulas]

Look at the ultimate predator adventure cam to replace go pro. It does all that go pro does and more (like no fish eye and it even has zoom) It comes with everything you would get from go pro for about $700 and they only charge $200. I love mine. It is the same physical size and uses all the same mounts as go pro.