the wife is looking for a new hd video camera to film the new grandson & got me to thinking maybe getting one to do double duty to try & film a few turkey hunts also, any suggestions on a good one for the money, looking to spend around $500 or so, thanks
Canon HF M300....this is what I have and I like it a lot. I have filmed a few hunts and the picture is really good. It also has manual focus, which is a must for filming in the woods.
http://www.buy.com/pr/product.aspx?sku=214397695&sellerid=34880050 (http://www.buy.com/pr/product.aspx?sku=214397695&sellerid=34880050)
I've also been looking. I just couldn't afford something this year so I bought the Kodak Playsport ZX5. It shoots 1080p but its pretty limited when it comes to zoom. From what I have used it for it has great picture just don't expect to zoom with it. Hopefully I can get those birds in real close this year I got the package at sams club for 90 bucks I think.
A good tripod and mic will make an average camera great. Most of the consumer HD cams have weak low light performance, so stick to filming hunts till after good daylight.
Gman
Just bought a jvc gz-hm650 from best buy for that reason,paid $249 and I'm very pleased.
My suggestion is to get one with an external mic input. A lot of the canons have them, but you will have to check the specs on the specific model you are looking at. I like to hear them as much as I like to see them. Also a REMOTE is a must in the turkey woods. It allows you to zoom without ever moving. Good luck!
Mine is a Canon HF100. Check ebay. You can find a deal there.
(http://i1031.photobucket.com/albums/y372/Gophert/VideoCamera.jpg)