need help with something

[bittern484]

ok so i posted this in the wrong forum (lol)

do you think it would be possible too record wildlife on a camcorder and if not could you surgest what i could record wildlife on im on a pretty tight budget cant be more then £350 so if you guys think i need a more expensive camera then il have too save but can you guys give me any advice? i have been into wildlife for a long time now and i would like too record my sightings

[The Woodman]

Hi Bittern484

It's quite possible to record wildlife on a reasonably priced camcorder. There are limitations and you wont be able to get TV documentary quality.

I use an older Sony Handycam HC19 that records onto digital cassettes and my footage is acceptable when played back via the TV. The downside is that I'm collecting recorded tapes faster than I can edit them and tranfer them to DVD.

There are a great tool for ID too. I use mine regularly throughout the summer when I record bats exiting their roosts, I paly back at a slow speed and can count them accurately.

A tripod is very useful to prevent hand shake and a smooth panning and zooming technique makes for more comfortable viewing.

[bittern484]

ok so you wouldnt recomend buying a camcorder then?

[The Woodman]

It depends what you want. If you want to record wildlife for your own enjoyment - go for it - you'll have some fun doing it in the same way as you would with a camera. There are benefits e.g. my Sony has a remote control. Although the distance it operates at is not great, I can use it to advantage on occassions. It also has Nightshot - again limited with the small infra red LED on the camera but the world's your oyster with an independant IR source.

You'll also have to consider storage of what are high capacity files and also editing software. Editing can take a long time but when you get used to it, it's not so bad.

If you really like the idea of filming you'll adapt the use of your equipment to your techniques and expertise and hopefully get the results you want. Good luck.

[oxfordboy]

Hi.
I use a Sony digital handicam for recording the bird life that I see, I also have a Sony tele conversion lens that allows me to get closer to the subject.
I use my camcorder on a tripod which allows the filming to be a lot steadier.
So what I would say is buy one and have fun with it.
Regards oxfordboy.

[bittern484]

i had a look at a digital handycam is there any you would reccomend and would a lense be a good thing to buy

[nightshade]

I bought a Panasonic SDR-H20 which I quite enjoy using, but it can be a money pit Widlife Films - Go Wild with Your Camcorder

[oxfordboy]

Originally Posted by bittern484

i had a look at a digital handycam is there any you would reccomend and would a lense be a good thing to buy

.

Hi.
It depends on what you want to do, I bought my tele lens to get that extra bit closer to the subject, although my Sony handycam can cover a good distance if I am out in the field the extra lens helps a lot.
Regards oxfordboy.

[bittern484]

well i want too record birds and wildlife on it but im new too camcorders so i got no idea what i should get for my first one lol