Need help, what is the best video camera?

[Houndhunter]

I have been wanting to make my own hunting videos for a long time, been looking at a few cameras but I want the right one. I would really appreciate any info from guys that film, what works best for you? My budget is between 600-800$. I will be editing on a MacBook, as that seems to be the best way to go. Any info or tips would be great,

Thanks,

HoundHunter

[RadSav]

I'd call the experts at Campbells http://www.campbellcameras.com/   These guys really know their stuff, have a great selection and teach classes on taking hunting videos.  Everyone I have talked with from there was helpful and answered every question I could think of.  I think they can build a package to fit just about any budget.

[alwinearcher]

Houndhunter, what kind of hunts are you looking to film
And what's your goal for the footage?

The guy at Campbells are usually very helpful but most of the cameras they deal in are going to be for a higher budget then what you stated.
We have a Sony SR11 that we use as kinda a knock around that does a pretty good job. They sold for around $1,100 when they first came out but can be picked up much cheaper now. It only has 12X optical zoom though so may not be what your looking for if your looking to film rifle hunts.

[JPhelps]

Campbells is way overpriced

Don't forget the tripod, fluid head, and audio.
With a total budget of $800 I would look at a:
Canon HF 21 -$400
Slik/Manfrotto Tripod - $100
Manfrotto 701 fluid head -$150
Rode shotgun Mic - $150

[Houndhunter]

Thanks for the replys, my goal is to film everything. From fishing to hounding to high country bucks I want try to get film of it. I dont think it will ever turn into something id sell more just for me personally. I want good quality but by all means it doesn't need to be professional.
 
Ya I've seen the Campbells on TV but those were over my budget.

I do have a tripod, but what exactly is a fluid head? I will look into the Sony sr11 and the canon. Will most cameras need an extra attachment for audio?

[JPhelps]

No need for additional audio if the video is for personal use.

The fluid head moves in a seamless motion (don't know the science behind it but no jerky starts and stops).

The biggest issue with the small cannon is low light conditions.

[Houndhunter]

Do you film with the canon jphelps? I saw that the reviews were ok, it said the software was for PC only but id imagine i could use the programs on a mac? The low light issue was brought up alot too, and say if i ever did think about making a video to sell you have to pay royalties.

does adding audio make a big difference though?

Really i should take a class or something to see exactly what i want and learn more about it, but i probably wont . Thanks for the continued replys, all info and tips help out alot. I could spend more on a camera but I was thinking 800$ would be enough.

[Bean Counter]

I have a  camcorder I bought on sale at Costco two years ago for $300. I defintely wish I would have spent more. My main complaint in my price range  is image stabilization. I can't content on research or personal experience with products in your price range but I sure hope that for anu handheld shooting you do that the picture looks more stable than mine.

[JPhelps]

Houndhunter, pm sent

[BOWHUNTER45]

You can buy my cannon GL2 for $800 .... takes awesome video for what you want ...If you plan on making commercial video then you need HD ... Which is what I am wanting .....

[huntnphool]

http://www.red.com/

[Houndhunter]

Wow those red products are expensive!

You can buy my cannon GL2 for $800 .... takes awesome video for what you want ...If you plan on making commercial video then you need HD ... Which is what I am wanting .....

I looked at the gl2 online, nice camera that looks to be around 2400 brand new. What dont you like about yours?

[huntnphool]

Wow those red products are expensive!

He asked for the best, not least expensive.

[CAMPMEAT]

Find the camera you like and then look for "OPEN BOX" sales. They are returns with nothing wrong, not refurbs, customers didn't like them. That's what I did. Look at www.huppins.com They are a high end dealer in Spokane, that's where I bought mine from.

[alwinearcher]

Wow those red products are expensive!

You can buy my cannon GL2 for $800 .... takes awesome video for what you want ...If you plan on making commercial video then you need HD ... Which is what I am wanting .....

I looked at the gl2 online, nice camera that looks to be around 2400 brand new. What dont you like about yours?

The GL2 used to be one of the "go to" cameras for outdoor filming but the problem with the GL2 is that its not HD and thats where everything in the video industry has gone now. So you can always find lots of them used at a good price.