| Re: What Video Camera??
Hi Will,
I use the Canon XM2 and XL2 camcorders for wildlife and surfing videos.
The XM2 has an excellent 20x flourite i.s. fixed lens with a 35mm equivalent of approx. 39.5m-790mm which is up to Canon's usual high standards. The camcorder can be controlled completely manually (shutter speed/aperture/focus etc) which I find essential for wildlife filming. It can be had new for about £1500 and you have the option of a superb wide angle adapter made by Canon, and several tele converters.
Don't know what the current s/h prices of XL2s are, but they're always in demand and go quick on ebay etc. The larger sensors give a slightly better quality and it has native 16:9 and true 25p modes. The main attraction for wildlife (and surfing) filming is the interchangeable lens facility. I've just purchased an adapter which enable me to use my Nikon 35mm lenses. With a 7.2 magnification ratio a 70-210mm becomes a 500-1500 (approx).
With either of these camcorders a sturdy tripod with a good fluid head is a must!
PM me if you want any more info.
Cheers,
Rog  |