Im thinking of getting into wildlife filming...

[AndySwinden]

I have been interested in wildlife photogrpahy for many years and have used many camera systems (now a D200). I am considering having a go at videos, but know very little about the equipment. From a bit of internet research it seems that some of the same (generalised) rules apply to video work as to stills photography. Long lenses are good, good tripods are a must and low light capability is a big bonus.

What I dont undertand is how this relates to video cameras. It seems that DV is the way to go, but what type of lenses will i need, how sensitive do the cameras need to be ?

I have made a few remote triggers for my still cameras over the years - are there any video cameras where i could do the same ?? I see some (expensive) video cameras have the ability to swap lenses - how important is this ??

Has anyone else had a go at this ? Any advice / tips would be gratefully received !

Cheers.

[Deer Hunter]

Hello Andy

So you want to get into Wildlife Filming - that is a task within itself. If you are serious can I suggest that in the first instance you don't spend a fortune on a camcorder. Get something cheap to start with, there are many excellent camcorders on the market within the two hundred note bracket that give excellent results. Make a few short films - nothing fancy - the wildlife of your garden or local park/nature reserve etc. Send these to people you think might be interested in your work - BBC etc.

If you hit bingo with that well done, now start thinking about upgrading the camcorder to something that is of Broadcast quality.
Its very useful if your camcorder will accept additional lens but not absolutely essential.

I now use a Canon XL1H together with a Canon XL2 and Canon XHA1 the two XL's will take additional lens and very often I've got a 100-400mm on them. When I started its was 16mm film, it took me four years before I saw any of my work on the box.

Please think very carefully before rushing out and spending thousands on a camcorder - video work is very different to still and far more expensive in terms of equipment.

All I can say is the best of luck

[forevergreen]

I cant give you any advice but ill say good luck to you. Id really like to do that to