?comcorder for filming hunts

[T.Leo]

Over the years I have filmed a few hunts we have done and also filmed some scouting. I am looking for a new camcorder but wasn't really sure which to look at since there are so many different ones on the market. The one old camcorder i use to use was nice because it had a manual focus that you actually just would spin the end of the lens to focus it. Loved that because it didn't go in and out of focus when filming deer walking in brush. Hope to find something fairly small. The camcorder I now have is broke but when it worked if you zoomed in with it the picture gets real grainy. If anyone has any suggestions please let me know. Not looking for a really expensive camcorder, hopefully something under $1000. Wasn't sure if its better to go with one that films on dvd or vhs either. Thanks.

[Lundy43123]

I am right now in the same process as you are in selecting a video cam.

Low light performance is of extreme importance and varies greatly from camera to camera. many of them now have a 24P mode which helps in low light also.

I know that I can go and drop $3,000-$4,000 and get a great camera for filming deer but really want to keep the cost around $1,000 if possible.

I've been reading these reviews until my eyes hurt and I'm still not sure which one to purchase, but I'm getting closer to making a decision.

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/ratings.php#

Good luck in your search

[CARPN-JAKE]

Are you wanting to get something that is easy for you to self film or are you wanting something that will be used by a buddy/camera guy? There are a few smaller cameras out there right now with 3ccd capabilities that are just under your 1000 pricetag. If your wanting a better quality camera there are alot of used GL2's, and Sony VX2000's and 2100's out there right now that guys are selling and making the jump to HD cameras. Site such as kisky.com are good for picking up used camera packages.
The main reason your other cam went grainy in zoom mode was probably because it used a digital zoom. I usually lock my camera zoom control so iut never jumps to digital zoom and remains in optical zoom mode the whole time. Most cameras have a optical zoom in the 10 or 12X range...beyond that most jump into digital zoom mode.

[T.Leo]

Yes I will probably do a lot of self filming. Thought of possibly buying one of the arms that connect to the tree for that but will also be filming my friend hunt too. So I would prefer to go with a somewhat smaller camcorder. I am also hopefully going on a DIY moose hunt in Alaska next fall and want to take it along for that. Just hoping to get something that has real good color, stays in focus and records pretty good on low light. Any ideas on if I should go with one that records to vhs or dvd also? Sorry for so many questions but trying to get as much info to help my search.

[uglykat26]

why spend so much on a camera when you can get the same thing with a sony handy cam for less then half the price