Camera advice??

[LongbowGuy83]

Hey guys. I'm looking for a camera to start taking some pictures while hunting. However I would also like one that will take videos. I would like to have one that will zoom a decent amount on video not just on camera mode. For example, my sister has a Olympus 590 or something like that. It has a 26x zoom and takes pretty good pictures, at least to me it does. But when you go on video mode it barely zooms at all. You can zoom it in before hand but not during. Any ideas? Or do I need a camera and a camcorder? Thanks in advance.

[centaur]

Look at the Canon SX30; I think that is the latest version. Lots of zoom, good video, and you can zoom the video. I have an SX10, and it is a quality camera. The latest version has even more bells and whistles for the same price that I paid for mine. Look at my older post on my camera.

[684Kevin]

Try to find one with the best Optical Zoom.  Some higher powered zooms are digital zooms and do not have aas good of picture quality in the higher zoom modes.  As far as a camcorder goes, I rarely have used this feature while in the field.  I use the high optical zoom camera feature than the video camera feature.  Most new compact cameras do have a video mode feature built right into the camera.  Also look for one with a good Optical Image Stabilization feature to buffer the slight camera movement when snapping a photo.  This is especially important when shooting photos at a higher zoom.

[w8n4rut]

Also consider size if you are wanting to have it with you at all times.
I had a Nikon P-100 that I really liked. It had a 26X optical zoom, great pics and video(with zoom) but found I was starting to leave it behind because it was just a little too bulky.
I bought a Panasonic Lumix DMC ZS5 that I use now and really like it. Fits in my pocket and has good picture and video quality. 12X optical zoom. Also you can zoom during video. $199 big box store.

[LongbowGuy83]

Thanks for the input guys. I do like the idea of a smaller camera. I will look into them. Thanks again.

[East Coast archer]

Tim

How is the battery life on that camera?  Am looking for a small good quality camera but was worried about the battery life on pack in hunts where you can't recharge.

[57Lancer]

They now have solar chargers for small camera batterys. I used one in Canada on a canoe trip for 10 days, works great.

[w8n4rut]

I haven't charged it for a month or so and have taken a lot of video and pics. It sets in the glove box in my truck a lot of the time too in the cold.
If I was going to be off grid for a pack hunt I think I would just buy and extra one to have charged with me for a backup.
In my opinion it beats the AA's hands down.

[East Coast archer]

Thanks for the info. and updates fellas.

[RookieBwhunter]

I just upgraded from a simple point and click to Kodak EasyShare Z981 14MP Digital Camera. I think it takes some great photos with a decent 26x wide optical zoom. Obviously a tripod helps with that zoom. Lots of features without spending the big $$ on a dslr. Comes with rechargeable batteries and a charger - I am still on the fence with the quality of battery life. If I am not mistaken it also takes 720 HD video - havent played enought with it yet.

[dakota tim]

Canon 5D mark II

They used one to shoot a whole episode of "House"

[George Vernon]

Take a look at the sx230 from Canon.  Small size, 14x optical zoom.

[LongbowGuy83]

I picked up the ZS5 last week. It is a great little camera. Thanks for the advice

[Stumpkiller]

I have an HP R967 that takes unbelieveble video.  I'm disappointed in the battery life, however (so I bought two extra rechargables).  It also has a half-second shutter delay that ruins a lot of shots for me.