Best Camcorder For Hunting Videos
Hunting is difficult to document, I agree! Being a professional hunter for the past 15 years, I know the effort and pain I had to put into delivering a proper hunting video every time. Whether it is a tiger chasing after a deer or a vulture feeding on its prey or myself hunting wild animals for their products, it's about both steady focus and motion at the same time.
I had to ensure that the story to be told about even the slightest movement of my subject must be perfect. So that my audience would feel like they were present there at the spot the shot was taken.
To capture the perfect hunting videos, it is essential to choose the right camcorder that can make the work easy and meet your expectation.
All these years, I have tried different camcorders for self filming hunts. Not all video cameras are recommended for hunting , and if you are looking for the perfect fit, keep reading because I have compiled a list of the best video recorders in the business which will be perfect for this purpose:
TOP VIDEO CAMERAS FOR HUNTING
Choose your favorite camera brand here
6 BEST CAMCORDERS FOR HUNTING REVIEW
CANON VIDEO CAMERAS FOR HUNTING
1. CANON VIXIA HF G50 - BEST LOW-LIGHT CAMCORDER FOR HUNTING
PRODUCT DETAILS:
I either hunt solo or get along with a few hunting friends. Being surrounded by like-minded people is always bliss. My hunting friends and I have some favorite hunting spots, and whenever we decided to hunt, we never missed these places.
The other night when we went hunting, we were craving deer meat. We didn't manage to hunt down one within a few hours of arrival. But hunting requires patience, you know.
It was always easy to hunt deers in the early morning. So having this in mind, we waited despite the cold winter was hard just to get our hands on our favorite meat.
I had already made my Canon VIXIA HF G50 ready to film our adventure and save our precious memories.
When the time came, we successfully hunted a deer, and the best part is we captured every second of the hunting more precisely, and the output came out so well.
I was aware of this video camera's capability, but I wasn't expecting a professional video, and I have planned to apply to National geographic.
Now let me explain the amazing features of this video camera.
WHY IS THIS CAMERA BEST?
Canon's VIXIA HF G50 camcorder is compact, easy to use, and has everything a hunting videographer would want in a portable and lightweight device - from enhanced performance to extremely refined optics. The VIXIA HF G50 produces clear HD footage, with intricate lighting and shadow detailing and I was able to get the best hunting shots.
This amazing camcorder comes equipped with a 20x HD Optical Zoom lens and a highly sensitive HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor to produce stellar low-light images. One of the most intriguing features of this model is the DIGIC DV 4 Image Processor, which speeds up operation and produces crisp and stable videos/photos, even if you are shooting handheld. So I was able to capture more precise videos without any shake.
And as you know, image stabilization is a must for hunting videography/photography, as it entails a lot of movement and speed with a lot of activity going on. Sometimes while documenting the hunting chronicles, I needed to focus on faraway creatures or sceneries. The VIXIA HF G50 camcorder has a tiltable viewfinder and a 3.5-inch touch-enabled screen which helps you focus on distant subjects.
Wildlife and hunting video shoots looks best when it's consistent with how it looks with the naked eye. The Wide DR Gamma and Highlight priority feature help capture details and color as close to real-life as possible. All in all, if you are looking for something professional level, this should be your go-to.(it was my go-to option here)
I have always wished for natural videos with face detection autofocus, and I was glad this one had it.
DESIGN:
The first thing I love when I see a Canon VIXIA HF G50 Camcorder is its compact size. It weighs only around 2 pounds and measures just 4.3 x 3.3 x 7.2 in inches, and is hence, very handy. This mobility was a great advantage in my hunting situations because you always have to be on the go.
The camera also has a very sturdy feel and is known for its durability. The adjustable hand strap attached to helped me stay stable in position even if I was moving through rough and bumpy terrains, which is often the case with forests.
Conclusion:
The Canon VIXIA HF G50 is an excellent camcorder for documenting hunting chronicles. It has the look of a professional piece, but it does not overcomplicate the features, making it easy to use. Sharp and crisp low-light pictures, even without the need for post-production, is what makes this video camera stand out.
It is also capable of recording 4k30p and 1080p at 60fps which is honestly a steal. Also, I didn't have the need to buy additional assortments like HDMI cable, wireless controller, or a lens hood, as everything is provided in the box. It's truly an all-in-one package and a must have camcorder in your hunting gear kit!
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS VIDEO CAMERA:
2. CANON XC15 - BEST CAMCORDER FOR WILDLIFE FILMING
PRODUCT DETAILS:
I got an opportunity to be part of a hunting trip recently, and taking the CANON XC15 camcorder alongside was one of the best decisions I did so far.
This was an unexpected trip, and I didn't plan priorly for this hunting camp. Though I was a bit nervous since I was joining a new group of hunters, deep down, it did feel great as hunting always excites me.
But when I joined the camp of hunters, they did welcome me, and I quickly mingled up and feasted with them.
Every time I went hunting, the thrilling experience was top-notch, and the best thing was it was recorded in my camcorder.
I would say that CANON XC15 is the best camcorder for wildlife filming because it features many qualities that made my hunting video more natural.
WHY IS THIS CAMERA BEST?
The Canon XC15 4K UHD Professional video camera has a wide-angle 10x Zoom Lens with Image Stabilizer, that helped me focus on faraway animals.
The 12 MegaPixel CMOS image sensor along with the DIGIC DV 5 image Sensor made it a power-packed product. The Advanced AF performance is one of the greatest advantages of this hunting camcorder, that resulted in crystal clear images.
The XC15 has a 1" 12MP CMOS sensor to capture resolutions up to to 4K UHD. It can also record videos at a resolution of up to 59.94p in 1080p. It also includes an incorporated f/2.8-5.6 zoom lens which is equal to 35 mm focal length in video mode, which means no more grainy low light documentation.
The XC15 has a Waveform Monitor display, which helps in accurate monitoring of video signal characteristics during outdoor shooting or hunting, in my case, or whenever the lighting conditions make the display difficult to see.
Its three additional shutter speeds matching the C300 Mk II have also been added for flicker reduction. So while recording my hunting, I was able to set the right speed to handle the wave frequency at the shooting location.
Design:
This camcorder was designed with people who work in the field, mostly rugged terrains. Hunting documentation is one of the target areas of this camcorder.
It is extremely lightweight and mobile and can be easily carried. Since it weighs roughly 4 pounds and has a compact design, it was easy for me to carry it and it looked more appealing.
CONCLUSION:
I was always interested in camcorders that helped me achieve more promising results in any situation in hunting. That said, I must accept that this camcorder has satisfied my demand. I managed to record high clarity videos using it.
Though it is marketed as a camcorder for videographers, I was astonished to witness the still capture feature this one had. Also, the camcorder has a separate zoom and focus rings coupled with auto and manual focus controls. This gives you the artistic liberty to portray your pictures in whichever light you want them to.
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS CAMCORDER:
SONY HUNTING CAMCORDERS
3. SONY HDR-CX405 - BEST LIGHTWEIGHT CAMCORDER FOR HUNTING
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Did you know that African buffaloes are the most challenging animals to hunt down?
Yes, these animals are included in the poached animal list, and I was super excited when I planned to hunt down and shoot a video of the same.
This time I was accompanied by my friend Arnold, who helped track the African buffalo and also helped me film the hunt. I gave him my Sony HDRCX405, which I consider the best entry-level camera for filming hunts.
This hunting adventure was new for both of us, and we struggled during the process of hunting and shooting the video. Though the African Buffalo gave us a tough time, we did manage to make the cut.
Now let me explain the amazing features of this video camera and why you need to use it for hunting.
WHY IS THIS CAMERA BEST?
The Sony HDR-CX405 Handycam's most impressive feature is its wide-angle Carl Zeiss zoom lens with 30 x optical zoom. Even if a buffalo was munching on the grass several feet away, this had the capability of zooming in on that.
The Exmor R CMOS coupled with the Optical SteadyShot image stabilization delivered sharp low-light images and smooth videos which I consider one of the best things.
The Intelligent Auto mode feature ran a full analysis of my shot. It chose the best settings from at least ten different scenario modes, with 60 potential combinations.
Another exciting feature I found in this camcorder is, it has a built-in USB 2.0 cable tucked in the hand strap, so I found it easy to connect it with my computer and transfers files; the cable can also used to charge the equipment.
Design:
The Sony HDR-CX405 has a cylindrical body, big lens, adjustable hand strap, and a flip-out LCD. The lens is protected with a manual lens cover. The top has a toggle for zooming in and out and a button for clicking pictures.
The picture button and the toggle are very strategically placed to be easily operated with the index finger. The record button is in the back, and you have to use your thumb for it. My friend found it easy to operate the camcorder and excelled in shootingmy best hunting moments.
CONCLUSION:
The Sony HDR-CX405 Handycam's pays closest attention even to the smallest details. It brings out the subject's story, a story that you want to tell your loved ones after you come back from your bow hunting trip.
Apart from giving various scene options to select from, the camcorder's intelligent auto technology put me in awe. Yes, it automatically chose the best mode by analyzing the situation and also booted up the settings considering the environment.
So my friend was able to attain exceptional progress in its functioning while shooting the most crucial hunting scenes. He was also able to document the hunting scene without worrying about the settings.
The Sony HDR-CX405 is more than just a Handycam. It will capture the tiniest wrinkle on a woodpecker's beak to all hues of blue in the forest stream. Features such as optical stabilization and the amazing Exmor R Sensor ensure this.
Sony is anyways known for its products dedicated to filmmaking, and it is always incorporates fun features to make it more exciting. With respect to the above listed features, the Sony HDR-CX405 rightly takes the 3rd place in the best HD video camera for hunting list!
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS CAMCORDER:
4. SONY FDR-AX43 UHD 4K HANDYCAM CAMCORDER
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Here is another deer story. But this time, it's reindeer. Did you know that North America has reindeer in abundance? Yes, every hunter in North America harvests at least one in their lifetime. Locally, these animals are called caribou.
That said, being a professional hunter will I miss the chance to hunt the reindeer? Well, when I was on vacation to North America and luckily got a chance to hunt one, and this time, I had a Sony FDR-AX43 camcorder.
WHY IS THIS CAMERA BEST?
The Sony FDR-AX43 UHD 4K Handycam is capable of capturing crisp videos on the go. The camcorder has a built-in gimbal with Balanced Optical Steady Shot Image Stabilisation which can produce up to high quality UHD 4K video and 16.6MP still images. So it greatly helped in capturing the reindeer hunting video.
The zoom lens is also extremely progressive. It is a Zeiss Vario-Sonnar zoom lens, and it has a 20x optical/30x digital zoom in 4k capture capability. The fast and intelligent focusing mechanism also helps to keep your images sharp even if your subject is moving. So apart from recording video, I also managed to click some amazing
DESIGN:
The FDR-AX43 handycam has an tilting, flip out 3.0" Clear Photo touchscreen display. There is a ring in the front of the camcorder, which can be used to control the zoom, focus, iris, exposure, white balance, and related settings.
The camera overall has a very compact design and is also extremely lightweight and easy to carry
CONCLUSION:
The gimbal SteadyShot image stabilization has an interesting advantage. It gives shake free footages even in high movement situations.
The Zeiss Vario-Sonnar Lens allows you to fit wider scenes in your shot as most wildlife photography looks great in landscape mode.
The MultiCoating removes all the unwanted glaring and reflections. The Fast Intelligent AF feature has an auto contrast-detection that predicts the AF range and accelerates the AF accordingly, hence helping you to shoot more and more fleeting images.
NOTE: When comparing a Sony FDR AX43 to this AX53 model, 3 new features are added to the improved model. To know what they are, check my article on Sony FDR AX53 and AX43 review.
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS CAMCORDER:
PANASONIC VIDEO CAMERAS FOR HUNTING
5. PANASONIC HC-WXF1 - BEST HANDYCAM FOR HUNTING
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Since hunting is my favorite thing, I always spend most of my time in it. I also love watching hunting videos and documentaries as they are exciting and help me become more creative and learn different hunting techniques.
Panasonic HC-WXF1K is my go-to option when I go hunting small animals. I have a collection of videos recorded by the camcorder. Under 1300$, this camcorder can capture luxurious videos, which I cherish even today.
FEATURES:
I always have a soft corner for Panasonic HC-WXF1 because this camcorder has something that most consumer camcorders do not have; it's the ability to take up to four picture -in- video feeds.
The camcorder works excellently in low light conditions, thanks to its inbuilt f/1.8 to f/4 Leica Dicomar Zoom with a back-illuminated sensor. So this accompanied me during hunting occasions which I did during the night or early morning.
The MOS sensor also does optimum imaging. I recorded full HD 4K videos at 24 to 30 frames per second and 26 MP photographs at 60 frames per second with this camcorder.
This is a beneficial feature in hunting documentation as it entails a lot of rapidly moving images and scenes.
The EVF or electronic viewfinder with a rubber eyecup allowed me to focus on the animals even in bad lighting conditions. The Three Optical Image Stabilisation worked together, creating a perfect stable-shooting opportunity: 5 Axis OIS, Ball OIS, and Adaptive OIS.
As mentioned in the previous reviews, hunting and wildlife photography looks best when it's natural. The Active Contrast feature in the Panasonic HC-WXF1 UHD 4K Camcorder equalized the contrast making the shots/videos as realistic as possible. And the HDR movie mode opened up a wide range from dark to bright mode and helped me choose the perfect setting for me.
Design:
The camcorder has a 3" flip-out touchscreen LCD and an EVF with a rubber eyecup. It also has a control ring on the zoom, by which I was able to adjust the iris and focus according to my requirement. There are also two quick-access buttons for functions like focus peaking, white balance, expanded focus, etc. These features helped me improvise my hunting videos.
Performance:
A built-in secondary camera on the LCD screen perfectly helped me capture an alternate image of my subject from the user's perspective. The camcorder can be moved up and down up to 40° and has adjustable controls. The secondary image is captured as a PiP (Picture in Picture) shot, and you can record up to three smartphone feeds using the MultiCamera feature.
The ability to create videos in dimly lit places and the suppression of noise is one of the most exciting features of this camcorder.
Hunting scenes most often include nightscapes, and with this video camera, you can create the perfect image anywhere at any time.
The high-performance lens automatically minimizes flares and optimizes contrast producing breathtaking results. The 4K photo mode can create high-resolution, realistic images even in high-motion rugged scenarios. For all these reasons, I highly recommend this camcorder for hunting.
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS CAMCORDER:
6. PANASONIC HC X2000 4K PROFESSIONAL CAMCORDER
PRODUCT DETAILS:
When I started my hunting journey, I was so passionate about it. But initially, I didn't have any expensive camcorder. Once I became a professional, the first thing I did was invest in a professional camcorder, Panasonic HC X2000.
FEATURES:
With Panasonic HC X2000, I recorded UHD 4K at frame rates, which helped me shoot professional videos. It also has a 1/ 2.5 " 8.29M MOS sensor that produces 4K resolution videos at all times.
The in-built zoom lens can be expanded up to 24 x zoom, while the iZoom feature can zoom up to 48x. Adding to all these features, the Panasonic HC X2000 also comes with a Face Detection AF feature. Though this feature is not much needed for hunting, it can be used for shooting regular videos.
Design:
This is a compact and lightweight outdoor camcorder!. It also has dimming controls so that I was able to customize the light settings of your pictures.
There is also an attached microphone holder which can hold a standard shotgun mic. For additional accessories, a mounting thread and shoe mount are also provided. All these accessories helped in shooting better hunting videos.
Performance:
The camcorder's magnificent zoom feature can be amped up to 48x, so I was able to focus even on a tiger or a vulture that is far away.
The face detection feature also ensures that you focus precisely on the subject. It automatically detects your subject for you.
Its 120 frames per second super slow-mo feature were amazing. The shot of a lioness chasing after a hoard of bulls caught in slow motion was next level.
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS VIDEO CAMERA:
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST HUNTING VIDEO CAMERA?
There are a lot of choices in the market when it comes to hunting cameras, as is evident from this guide. So how do you know which video camera is the perfect fit for you?
Here are some features to look for before purchasing one, which will help you choose better :
VIDEO QUALITY :
Video quality is of utmost importance when you are buying a hunting camcorder. Any kind of documentation needs it. The more the video quality, the higher the price. So if you are at a bit tight budget, at least settle on a camcorder with 1080 p.
LOW LIGHT CAPTURE:
Filming wildlife often means shooting in dark conditions. So your hunting camcorder must have a good low-light capture feature. Check for BSI sensors in the camera before buying one. That is a marker for a low-light camcorder.
ZOOM :
A camera with at least 20x optical zoom is preferred for filming hunts. Because the subject here are wild animals and it's dangerous to go too near them to shoot, a good zoom quality ensures that you can click stellar pictures and videos from far away.
SIZE AND WEIGHT:
You need to always be on the move on rugged terrains. So heavy equipment might hamper your mobility. So make sure to settle for a camcorder that is compact and lightweight.
BATTERY LIFE :
Battery Life differs from one camera to another. You need to have an idea of the time period you would be shooting for before buying a camera. Most cameras last roughly 2 hours per full charge. But if you are using an advanced feature camera, make sure you are carrying extra batteries.
FAQ
1. WHAT SORT OF HUNTING CAMERA IS BEST FOR BEGINNERS?
If your handling a camcorder for the first time, I would suggest going for a mid-budget, average-quality camcorder instead of the advanced ones. But if you have handled a DSLR before, you can potentially handle any kind of hunting camera.
2. WHAT SHOULD BE THE MINIMUM VIDEO QUALITY?
A hunting camera video quality should be at least 1080 p. But if you have a higher budget and your viewers will view your finished work on a TV or a PC, then you would need a camera with 4K video support.
3. DOES THE WEIGHT OF THE CAMERA ACTUALLY MATTER?
Yes! It is, in fact, a very important factor to consider while buying a hunting camera. It entails a lot of movement in not-so-ideal terrains, and a heavy camera will just hamper that.
4. How TO MAKE A CAMCORDER WORK IN CASE OF ANY MALFUNCTION?
The camcorders mentioned in this list are all top model camcorders trusted by professional hunters so you won't have any issues like this. Anyways it is always better to know what has to be done when a camcorder is not working so that you won't get stuck in a mess at any cost.
CONCLUSION
I hope this guide was comprehensive enough to clear all doubts you had regarding purchasing the best camcorder for hunting. I will end this guide with my personal recommendation :
The Sony HDR-CX405 HD Handycam.
I would recommend you to choose a sturdy and handy video camera that will fit in the hunting clamps. Only then can you get a better view and hence a steady shot of your subject. It has almost all the features that any ideal hunting camera needs, plus it is also well within the budget. It is also not very complex to use, so beginners can also have a good experience while using this video camera.
