Video cameras

[histopicker]

I have been entertaining the idea of purchasing a digital video recorder after watching hunting vids posted here. Here is where a problem arises.
I know nothing about them. I know how to record and such but, what makes for a decent camera? For recording hunting do you need an action cam or something else? I am clueless (no comment RatDog) about these things. I am sure the camera would be used by the wife also in the pursuit of grandbaby videos unless I get real pricky about it. Would like to keep cost below 400.00.
Alright, have at it and thanks in advance for advice.
I am asking here because past dealings with the teenage help at places like the big box stores is an exercise in futility. Also a camera that is resistant to melted Kit Kats would be a bonus.

 

[TEXASLAWMAN]

I've had good luck with the cannons and the casinos. Not so impressed with the nikons. I'm out right now but when i get back ill try to give better advise. Until then I would look for is HD ability and frames per second. The human eye sees 24-25 frames per second. 60 frames per second would be good. That way you can slow down the footage some.

 

[histopicker]

Thank you sir.

 

[Froggerzack]

are you want to stalk with it or do you really want to just for hunting out of a blind?

 

[histopicker]

Both, Will be recording coyote hunting in Utah also. So a little setting in the mud and snow too (me, not the camera).

 

[Froggerzack]

Maybe a go-pro or a contour (sp?) so they can be helmet or weapons mounted.

 

[TEXASLAWMAN]

Maybe a go-pro or a contour (sp?) so they can be helmet or weapons mounted.

Field of view on those are really way to wide unless your going to be within 20 yards or less. 20 yards will look like 60 yards.

 

[histopicker]

Field of view on those are really way to wide unless your going to be within 20 yards or less. 20 yards will look like 60 yards.

I smell to bad to get within 20 yards of anything (alive that is). Bones creak when walking, make strange digestional noises when I bend over, you know old age and treachery are upon me. I've been reading reviews about different models but I also realize lots of reviews are not of any use ( I guess I should throw out the best review and the worst to balance them out).

 

[TEXASLAWMAN]

Video quality, frames per second, and the best optical zoom are the key items to look for. Also battery life.

 

[Brian Shaffer]

Then after you select those traits and whatever else that you want, find the units that fit your criteria, then look at the reviews and look for patterns of problems. You may not buy at Amazon, but there is a good chance the camera will be carried there and that people have reviewed it(them) . So look for problems or problem types that seem to recur. If multiple folks note a particular problem or problem type, then it is likely a problem with the platform (versus being a problem with the user), even if just an ergonomic issue. As there are likely multiple models that will meet your needs, what I find is that selecting the make and model least apt to give you trouble that also meets your needs is one of the better strategies for selecting units and reviews are your insight into this. As you noted, lots of reviews are worthless, hence why you should look for patterns across reviews.

 

[FrankT]

Ok for you guys who video and have some knowledge review these please. I want less expensive, small, light, hat or weapon mount, 1 button no brain needed recording and easy to transfer to forums or utube. I have a hat, tripod and pic rails or scope mounts. Any others?

http://www.amazon.com/Tachyon-XC-OP...TF8&qid=1376489097&sr=8-2&keywords=tachyon+xc

http://www.amazon.com/Contour-ROAM2...qid=1376489729&sr=8-1&keywords=contour+roam+2

http://www.amazon.com/Tachyon-OPS-Picatinny-Gun-Camera/dp/B005UBRQJ2

 

[Brian Shaffer]

The cap version is pretty nifty, it appears, but does have that some sort of short range/wide angle issue noted for the GoPro.

 

[histopicker]

I am considering this one.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/JVC+-+E...p?id=1218861010341&skuId=7829196#tab=overview

 

[Brian Shaffer]

Touch screens are hard to use with gloves. I would check to see what the video format is. The old JVCs recorded to some format that you had to convert before being able to be used on the computer or in something like Youtube, but hopefully that has all changed now. I did not see anything that mentioned recording format.

You will want to buy the high speed SD card(s) for it. They are slightly more expensive, but fairly inconsequential. I didn't check, but you aren't likely to fill a 16 gb card on a single trip. It will probably take 32 or 64 gb cards (like I said, I didn't check) and so you should be set with any of them, but I would get the largest size it will accept and get the high speed SD card version such as a Class 10 80mb/s card like this ... http://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-Extre...1376497902&sr=8-1&keywords=high+speed+sd+card

 

[FrankT]

I am worried the cams that are not advertised for weapons mount may not take the recoil, they just are not built for it. Now if you are not gun mounting that makes no difference.

 

[TEXASLAWMAN]

I am worried the cams that are not advertised for weapons mount may not take the recoil, they just are not built for it. Now if you are not gun mounting that makes no difference.

That's why you get the extended warranty! But a gopro is for weapon mount everything else tripod.

 

[histopicker]

JVC still uses their own format. I have been watching youtube vids on how to use their software, seems not to difficult.
I will not be mounting this on a firearm, it will be tripod mounted or hand held.
I have been reading about the sonys but cant find info about frame rates on these. They seem to be more user friendly with software and such.
Such a dilemma.

 

[TEXASLAWMAN]

The less you have to convert the format the better. I just use the compact point and shoots now instead of a dedicated video camera. And my iPhone.

 

[FrankT]

TLM, you mean the same one you take pics with?? How do you weapon mount that?

 

[TEXASLAWMAN]

TLM, you mean the same one you take pics with?? How do you weapon mount that?

I weapon mount the gopro. Tripod for the camera. I do have a mount for the camera that attaches to day scopes but it only works on low recoil.