Questions about filming a hunt from a tree stand

[Montanawidower]

My christmas present to myself was a Nikon mini slr camera (J1) with HD video and 2 lenses.  While this mainly is to improve my photography, it also gets good reviews for video.  

So my question to you guys that film treestand hunts....  I need a crash course.  

What camera arm/mount?

Where do you position it for solo hunts?

Any and all general tips?

[acollins]

Shoulder height when sitting. This will give you a good look when sitting and you can easily look down at the view finder when standing.  Just be careful doing self interviews when standing as you may be silhouetted.  Purchase a good camera arm. It makes all the difference

[TxAg]

From a box blind or pop up an adjustable tripod works great.

When I hunt a tree, it's usually a ladder stand. I find that the small flexible arm tripods work well. I can attach camera and wrap the flexible arms at knee height around the ladder arm, or I can wrap arounda branch.

[acollins]

Not sure about SLR cameras, but if you have manual focus use it.  You do not want things focusing in and out constantly.  Audio is extremely important to video.  If your camera has an external mic port. Invest in a shotgun mic.  A quality light may be necessary for the after dark hero shot.   My best advice is have fun.

[stevewills]

i love the lone wolf camera mount...when i see deer coming in i zoom in on them as they approach i widen the frame so i dont miss the shot.....

[Montanawidower]

Thanks for the help guys...  

I was looking at the lone wolf arm.  I have several of their stands.  

The external mic is also a good thought.  

It has a small pop up built in flash, so the pics shouldn't be a problem

Any other good, less expensive arms anyone could comment on?

How about interfering with shots?

[wildgame]

We use muddy tree arms, I like them even with my right shoulder bout 8-12 inchs back..

ive got the one from gorrila (30 bucks) it attaches to the tree with a ratchet strap and works pretty good, has wingnut type tightening at the joints, works alrite for me, but i aint making movies..maybe il get a shot on video someday.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Originally posted by arrow30:
ive got the one from gorrila (30 bucks) it attaches to the tree with a ratchet strap and works pretty good, has wingnut type tightening at the joints, works alrite for me, but i aint making movies..maybe il get a shot on video someday.

I have the same one.

[Bow man]

Gorilla makes a cheap entry level arm that will work okay for your small camera it will run you $35 to $40. and as stated use the Manual focus if you have it  Move the camera slowly if you think you are moving slow on a pan of the area move even slower