Best video camera for under 300.00? Input please

[trophyhunt]

My old video camera is over 20 years old, thinking about a new one for my wife's elk hunt this sept.  I'm not up to date on the newest bells and whistle's, is Video only the best place to buy like the commercials say?? I have a gopro 2 but it doesn't zoom in and with the fish eye lens its only good for up close videos.  Want to stay under 300, is that realistic or would that be a piece of crap?  Thanks for any input.

[Bean Counter]

are you looking to shoot short clips (30-90 seconds) and add them together, or is this for shots of several minutes or longer?

Do you have a DSLR?

[trophyhunt]

are you looking to shoot short clips (30-90 seconds) and add them together, or is this for shots of several minutes or longer?

Do you have a DSLR?

I would think for likely the shorter clips, kill shot hopefully.  Typical hunt type video I guess.

[Bean Counter]

Do you already own a video capable DSLR? answer will affect what little advice I can offer.

[CAMPMEAT]

Buy online.

[trophyhunt]

Do you already own a video capable DSLR? answer will affect what little advice I can offer.

I don't even know what dslr means, sorry.  But I'm sure my 20+ year old camera is way out of date.  Bed time for me so I will have to check in with you guys in the Am.  Thanks

[Bean Counter]

a DSLR is a digital single lens reflex camera. The big boxy ugly things you see pros using. Pretty much all of them made in the last 5 years include video. There are pros and cons to using them for video. In general, I tend to prefer NOT to use my DSLRs for video, even though I own higher end DLSRs. Mainly: only a few DSLRs on the market can continually focus if you subject distance is constantly changing, say your kids basketball game. Also, DSLRs aren't optimized for longer video shoots (that's why I asked if you're planning short clips only, in which case you can cheat your way through with a DSLR sometimes). On the plus side, DSLRs tend to have larger image sensors than consumer level camcorders which gives you better image quality, dynamic range, and ability to control the depth of field.

I bought a JVC Everio for about $300 at Costco a few years back. I haven't shopped or looked recently so this is a lot of typing without actually being helpful (sorry). The JVC is extremely small and lightweight, has decent image stabilization, and continually auto focuses, which were things I wanted. Plus I can zoom in and out. Image quality isn't nearly as good as what I could get out of my 6D or 5d Mark III, but in video, having a stable image and good sound quality mean far more than image quality, which is why if really want some seriously good video and have shaky hands, your money is best spent on a monopod or tripod and a decent shotgun mic such as Rode than pushing your budget on image quality and forsaking all the rest.

HTH.

[duramax588]

Try Best Buy, I bought a Panasonic handheld video camera that takes good video and it was even HD for just under $300 a couple years ago. I take it everywhere on all my scouting trips and hunting trips. Has really good zoom as well, is small and light fits in the side pouch of my pack always ready.

[trophyhunt]

I just looked at amazon, I can't believe how cheap the small hd cameras are!  I will check out best buy.

[MtnMuley]

I have a compact Panasonic HD with a big optical zoom that I bought for low $300's two years ago, that at the time I felt was the best compact HD v-cam.  I used several models and brands.  I'd imagine they're well below $300 now.  I have no plans on upgrading.

[trophyhunt]

Well that's two for Panasonic , what models do you guys have so I can look those up? Thanks

[Netminder01]

Given your requirements, I'd look into one of the point-and-shoot cameras. The quality is good, they have some zoom capabilities and for the price, provide decent quality images;  some with video.

A few options:

• http://www.tomsguide.com/us/best-point-shoot-cameras,review-2217.html
  
• http://point-and-shoot-camera-review.toptenreviews.com/

I've been using the earlier model of the Cannon Powershot for a few years and really liked the quality + portability for the price. Up until someone stole it out of my truck it was pretty handy.

I also have a few GoPro's & a DSLR so depending on the scenario, each type of camera has their sweet spot.

[Bean Counter]

If you want to go for Panasonic, blow your budget far and away, take a look at the Panny GH4.

[duramax588]

Panasonic HDC-TM80

[duramax588]

It takes crappy still pics but awesome video in my opinion for what I payed, looks like they go for about $250 now