What video camera?

[scottfrick]

Thinking I'll just tell the wife I would like a video camera for Christmas. I want something that I can use to film our hunts and the animals we see. I want something with great zoom and clear pictures. So curious to know what you guys use and what you have found to be the best. Thanks everyone

[yajsab]

If you do a search, there are old threads around.

I'm using Canon hfs100 (outdated) and hfg30 for self filming.  DSLR is probably better but takes more fiddling with.

[TheHunt]

I am tagging along on this thread.  I would like to video as well with the head camera.  I have a GoPro I use for fishing.  But it sucks for hunting.

[CAMPMEAT]

This sounds corny, but my iPhone 6 takes amazing photos and videos..

[yajsab]

I don't think cell phone has great zoom and clear pictures per request.  :-)

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

Been running with a Sony Handi can for years. Cheap and it is very reliable.

[toothfangclaw]

What's your budget?

[toothfangclaw]

The Sony RX100 IV is the new cool dog for video. It can shoot 4k video.  But not sure if this meets your needs.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yIcPvfuzfW8

[KFhunter]

I am tagging along on this thread.  I would like to video as well with the head camera.  I have a GoPro I use for fishing.  But it sucks for hunting.

check out rage cams, they sell a lot of lenses for go-pro's to get rid of the "fisheye" wide angle and turn it into a more normal zoom lens.  Since you already have a lot of mounts and accessories it might be a good option.

http://ragecams.com/shop/


I would give them a call, it's a bit overwhelming shopping on your own there 

[Bean Counter]

This sounds corny, but my iPhone 6 takes amazing photos and videos..

Not corny at all. A cell phone is great.. when you don't need to control depth of field, compression, or need a ton of dynamic range.

[Bean Counter]

Caveat: I'm not really a video guy. The best bang for your buck will be a dslr. However you're usually giving up continuous auto focus as well as image stabilization that is optimized for video. So honestly it depends on whether you need continuous auto focus as in say a sports game or if you don't mind just focusing by hand. A dedicated camcorder will also have better ergonomics but if you have a light weight monopod you don't mind packing the dslr will again kick butt insofar as IQ, depth, and lens selection.

clear pictures

?

[Bean Counter]

Exposure to the elements is another factor. A lot of the pocket camcorders are now quite good at keeping the rain and dust out, however you'll usually sacrifice the ability to zoom for those packages. For affordable weather sealed DSLRs, nothing can touch Pentax. Their cameras boast 80-90 weather seals in the camera body alone.