Videoing Wildlife

[tigger]

I wasn't sure if there was a different section for Video, but what I was interested in was the type of camcorders people use for wildlife filming.

I have a Sony at the moment with a 20 x optical zoom, which works quite well, but I'm thinking of upgrading to a high definition camera.

Any thoughts?

[tigger]

I'm really surprised that lots of people have looked at, but no one has replied to, my post. I thought that lots of people would be using their camcorders to video wildlife (especially in their gardens). Maybe I put people off by mentioning high definition.

I generally just wondered how people were getting on with videoing wildlife, whether they found it difficult, what camcorder they had... that sort of thing.

Mine is a cheapy £120 camcorder... so cheaper than most zoom digital stills cameras.

I'd love to hear what other people use.

[The Black Rabbit]

I've just got a camera tigger, but would like to get into videoing.
Would you mind me asking what model of sony videocam you've got presently?
Does it do a half decent job?
Doug

[Billy Wobble Dagger]

I've videoed my local Water Voles and posted a couple on youtube. I read this thread yesterday, but could not remember the model of my panasonic camcorder. Unfortunatly I forgot to check last night. I know it has 30x optical zoom which is certainly plenty for what I'm doing and a 1000x digital zoom which I don't use at all. You can make your own judgement about my videos the links are in the mammal forums. I'll hopefully post the model number later on.

BWD

[The Black Rabbit]

Originally Posted by Billy Wobble Dagger

I've videoed my local Water Voles and posted a couple on youtube. I read this thread yesterday, but could not remember the model of my panasonic camcorder. Unfortunatly I forgot to check last night. I know it has 30x optical zoom which is certainly plenty for what I'm doing and a 1000x digital zoom which I don't use at all. You can make your own judgement about my videos the links are in the mammal forums. I'll hopefully post the model number later on.

BWD

Yes.
Do that please, Billy WD.
I'd like to learn more about this...
Cheers
DOug

[tigger]

Thank's for your posts.

I've actually got a Sony DCR-HC28 (bought in America, but it's very similar to a DCR-HC22E) In fact I had an HC22E bought 3 years ago and managed to get it very wet while visiting a sea turtle hospital in the Florida Keys (don't ask!).

I've found this works really well. I like using tapes (rather than using a hard disk or DVD camera) as they seem easier to edit, good quality and the software works well with them.

I have a 20 x Optical Zoom (I don't use the digital zoom at all), plus it has night vision (which I have used for videoing Badgers, foxes and Hedgehogs).

I'm thinking of moving up to a Sony HDR-HC7E which is high definition but only 10 x zoom.

I'm now trying to use a tripod every time I film anything (improves the quality no end). I've also found it hard to get GOOD QUALITY video onto utube and Google Video - but all my videos are on my blog at Urban Extension if you feel like a gander.

I find the Sony's good quality and easy to use (as a middle aged woman I don't want anything TOO techi!). Hope this helps.

[The Black Rabbit]

Originally Posted by tigger

Thank's for your posts.

I've actually got a Sony DCR-HC28 (bought in America, but it's very similar to a DCR-HC22E) In fact I had an HC22E bought 3 years ago and managed to get it very wet while visiting a sea turtle hospital in the Florida Keys (don't ask!).

I've found this works really well. I like using tapes (rather than using a hard disk or DVD camera) as they seem easier to edit, good quality and the software works well with them.

I have a 20 x Optical Zoom (I don't use the digital zoom at all), plus it has night vision (which I have used for videoing Badgers, foxes and Hedgehogs).

I'm thinking of moving up to a Sony HDR-HC7E which is high definition but only 10 x zoom.

I'm now trying to use a tripod every time I film anything (improves the quality no end). I've also found it hard to get GOOD QUALITY video onto utube and Google Video - but all my videos are on my blog at Urban Extension if you feel like a gander.

I find the Sony's good quality and easy to use (as a middle aged woman I don't want anything TOO techi!). Hope this helps.

Yes.
Thanks tigger - that does help.
I knew this would be a bit complicated though,
A basic (1st) search into sony cams, and it seems (at first glance, like I said) like there is a £200 price difference between the HC22E and HC28.
Why would that be?
Cheers
Doug

[AndySwinden]

I am also just at the beginning stages of trying my hand at filming wildlife after many years of stills photography. Instead of jumping in and buying a new HD camera, im sticking with a borrowed Sony mini-DV camera (not sure of model number) It has a 20x optical zoom (digital is a waste of time) and I too am unsure whether a camera with only 10x would be any good.
I have decided to spend my money on a decent fluid head / tripod and wait a while until the market for HD camcorders and settled down and the prices have dropped a bit. The tripod / head combination does make a fantastic difference to the quality of the results.

[tigger]

To reply to Doug. The HC28 is a more basic model of the HC22E. It doesn't have a "cradle" for recharging the battery (but does have a cable for doing this... just as good), also it doesn't have a stills camera facility (whereas the HC22E does... although not very good quality in my opinion), it also doesn't have the IR night shot facility (so no movies at night with the HC28!) it also doesn't have a few other buttons that the HC22E has... but is a very good starter model with a good zoom (very useful with wildlife!), & good film quality.

With both cameras you can download video to your computer using an iLink cable (don't think this comes with the camera, but easy enough to buy at PC world), then you can use one of the free editing software packages like Windows Mover Maker to edit your film and save it for either DVD or to upload to Utube, etc. You can also watch your recorded video straight from the camera onto the TV. It sounds complicated but is actually very easy (if I can master it anyone can) and straightforward.

Andy. I have been told that if you go for an HD camera, you can actually use the 20x zoom (digital) and it is just as good quality as 20x zoom on the standard DV camera. I have actually tested this out (on a friends HD camera), and it is fine. I'm like you, they are a bit pricey at the moment... will wait to see what they do after Christmas my shortlist are the Sony HDR-HC7e High Definition MiniDV and the Canon HV20 (both excellent cameras). However I'm wondering if my editing software will cope with HD film.

[Deer Hunter]

Hi Tigger

I do a lot of wildlife video - most professionally. I use two cameras both Canon, the XL2 and the XL H1, the latter for HD work.
Both cameras take Canon EF lens with an adaptor (XL/EF) both are great with the EF 100-400mm lens attached or 180mm Macro lens -- eye ball shots!!!
Now waiting to see what Canon's new baby will be like when its launched the 800mm f5.6 lens

[The Black Rabbit]

Originally Posted by tigger

To reply to Doug. The HC28 is a more basic model of the HC22E. It doesn't have a "cradle" for recharging the battery (but does have a cable for doing this... just as good), also it doesn't have a stills camera facility (whereas the HC22E does... although not very good quality in my opinion), it also doesn't have the IR night shot facility (so no movies at night with the HC28!) it also doesn't have a few other buttons that the HC22E has... but is a very good starter model with a good zoom (very useful with wildlife!), & good film quality.

With both cameras you can download video to your computer using an iLink cable (don't think this comes with the camera, but easy enough to buy at PC world), then you can use one of the free editing software packages like Windows Mover Maker to edit your film and save it for either DVD or to upload to Utube, etc. You can also watch your recorded video straight from the camera onto the TV. It sounds complicated but is actually very easy (if I can master it anyone can) and straightforward.

Andy. I have been told that if you go for an HD camera, you can actually use the 20x zoom (digital) and it is just as good quality as 20x zoom on the standard DV camera. I have actually tested this out (on a friends HD camera), and it is fine. I'm like you, they are a bit pricey at the moment... will wait to see what they do after Christmas my shortlist are the Sony HDR-HC7e High Definition MiniDV and the Canon HV20 (both excellent cameras). However I'm wondering if my editing software will cope with HD film.

Cheers Tigger.
Very informative. Thankyou.
Doug

[tigger]

Deer Hunter. I would love one, if only I could afford the Canon XL2... at over £2000 it's way out of my budget at the moment. Even a second hand one! I have resigned myself to using a cheaper model for the next few years. Any tips you can give us on catching that special moment?

[AndySwinden]

Hi Dear Hunter,

Can you tell me how a second hand XL1 / XL2 would compare to a domestic HD model ?? The ability to swap lenses sounds very appealing ! I believe that there is an adpator to allow Nikon lenses to be put on XL1/2's - do you have any epxerience of this ?? Does quality suffer by putting still camera lenses on a camcorder ??

Thanks for sharing your epxperiences !

Andy.

[pressld2]

I've never tried any wildlife video, always stuck to stills. But after watching the starlings coming into roost at Crossness last weekend, I'm very tempted to go back with a video camera as stills don't really do it justice. If the weather allows I might give it a go this weekend...

Dave P.

P.s. I have a Sony Digital 8 camera. I'm sticking with tape as this camera will still play back the Video8 and Hi8 tapes that I've collected over the last 15 years or so. I use Pinnacle Studio for video editing and DVD authoring.

[The Black Rabbit]

Originally Posted by tigger

Deer Hunter. I would love one, if only I could afford the Canon XL2... at over £2000 it's way out of my budget at the moment. Even a second hand one! I have resigned myself to using a cheaper model for the next few years. Any tips you can give us on catching that special moment?

Just been marvelling at your site Tigger.
Its excellent.
I especially like the wheeling, mewing Osprey!
Doug

[rscott74]

I would offer the same advice as for still camera - go to a decent shop and get advice and have a look at price, feel, facilities etc.
I'm no expert but video cameras are now very cheap and most will do a reasonable job. Draw up a spec for your requirements, have a look online but go to a store for direct advice and "hands on" experience.

[Deer Hunter]

Tigger
If you are thinking about secondhand be very careful especially with pro models - what have they been used for - how many hours have they done.
How do you get that special moment - with difficulty!!! research your subject fully - try and get local knowledge of your subjects whereabouts - be prepared to spend many hours, perhaps days waiting for that special moment.

Andy
Some will say there is a slight loss of quality when using a still lens - I have not found it. As I mentioned I use a Canon 100mm-400mm often, that over the years have produced footage good enough for the box!
Same can be said for the 100mm and 180mm macro I use both on both my cameras. Obviously you need a EF/Xl adaptor that's a costly item in itself. But I can't complain with quality.

As for using a Nikon lens on the Canon XL's this is new to me, but no doubt someone as produced an adaptor to make them fit.

I'm a Canon man through and through been using their equipment now for over 40 years both in still, cine and now video.

[forevergreen]

I dont know much about this but i noticed some proffesional looking cameras on amazon with little microphones on it and all but its a bit expensiive...
sorry if im not much help.

[Billy Wobble Dagger]

Originally Posted by The Black Rabbit

Yes.
Do that please, Billy WD.
I'd like to learn more about this...
Cheers
DOug

Sorry for not replying sooner, to many parties I think.
The thread seems to have moved on from small hand held cam corders, on to TV cameras.
Any how I've been using the Panasonic NV-GS27. I've had it just over a year, and as long as it is on a tripod it's fine for what I use it for. The 30x optical zoom is excellent and as others have said using the 1000x digital zoom is a waste of time. My only real negative point is that the manual focus is a little tricky, small buttons and cold or gloved hands don't mix i've found. I haven't used any other camcorders but this one does what I want it to do. The three Water Vole vids are in the mammal forums somewhere and I have several hours worth at home.
Hope this helps someone.

BWD

[nightshade]

This sounds interesting,are the cameras very noisy? is there a video cam that will take cards rather than tapes and be suitable for macro and all the extremes a wildlife shooter would want?