I was wondering if anyone had good advice on how to self film a turkey hunt. Doesn't need to be anything fancy, just for myself as a memory and to watch when the season is over. Was thinking of getting a go pro.
only advice I have to offer is about the go pro. Bought one about 10 years ago. Called up a gobbler to my youngest daughter. Had the go pro running just knew we were going to have some great video to watch. The strutting gobbler which was at 27 yards, looked like a lill black spot at 250 yd. The go pro would be good for a second view facing the hunter, but I would not recommend it as a primary camera.
Tactacam would be the best choice for a small camera mounted on your bow or gun.A small camcorder with a tripod would be another option. They are cheep and work well.
Go pro, tactacam, all those type small cameras are great cameras but are the best as pic cameras. Get u a small hd camera like a Sony handycam and a tripod covered in a drape and carry it with u. I've filmed a few turkey hunts lol ;)
You can get good footage from the Tactacam, we have been using for a few years. New 4.0's are pretty sweet!
MK M GOBL
Quote from: Life of Riley on March 10, 2017, 06:54:51 PM
I was wondering if anyone had good advice on how to self film a turkey hunt. Doesn't need to be anything fancy, just for myself as a memory and to watch when the season is over. Was thinking of getting a go pro.
Start looking on eBay get u a small HD camera Sony handycam or I would recommend a Canon. The reason being most canons even ur lower end ones give u the ability to add a shot gun or external mic if u chose as most have a jack for it. I've owned both Sony and now canon and really like my canon. Would also suggest making sure it records to SD cards and not miniDV tapes (much easier to down load/watch etc) You can be into a decent one for not a lot of money. God bless
I bought a Canon R600 for $199 on eBay , refurbished in sealed box.
I then bought a cheap tripod for $20 and a 64meg sd card.
I just picked up a rode shotgun mic for $100, I want just as good quality in sound as video.
The whole set up is small and lightweight, I'm excited to get out with it this spring.
Go Pros are great for a second angle or to mount on gun ect but they are not the best way to film a hunt. Get you a HD hand held camcorder and a tripod and your video quality with be MUCH better.
Quote from: Life of Riley on March 10, 2017, 06:54:51 PM
I was wondering if anyone had good advice on how to self film a turkey hunt. Doesn't need to be anything fancy, just for myself as a memory and to watch when the season is over. Was thinking of getting a go pro.
Quote from: ilbucksndux on March 11, 2017, 09:46:48 AM
Go Pros are great for a second angle or to mount on gun ect but they are not the best way to film a hunt. Get you a HD hand held camcorder and a tripod and your video quality with be MUCH better.
Yes this is true, just going with the initial question, not to fancy and something like GoPro... Tactacam gives a much better view of the hunt than a GoPro... If question was "What is the best way to film a hunt?" It totally changes the question/answer.
We film with a number of cameras, here is my setup! But way beyond not too fancy... (I can go into details if this is of interest)
MK M GOBL
Camcorder on a tripod will give you the best footage. A tactacam or similar mounted to your gun would be the easiest. With the gun mount, you lose quality and have a lot of recoil in the video. With a tripod and camcorder, you get great quality, but have to control the camera and zoom as well as shoot the gobbler. I mostly just use a camcorder and carry around the tripod while I hunt. Don't use a GoPro, the wide angle lens is not good for most first person hunting video. It's OK if you use it as a second angle such as mounted on a decoy or something.
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Turn off the auto focus no matter what you choose!
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Quote from: Dtrkyman on March 12, 2017, 12:17:39 PM
Turn off the auto focus no matter what you choose!
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I wouldn't advise that for someone starting out. It's already tough enough to man the camera and the shotgun at the same time. Having to focus the camera too will make it even harder. I have manual focus on my main camcorder but only use it about 10% of the time.
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Quote from: Dtrkyman on March 12, 2017, 12:17:39 PM
Turn off the auto focus no matter what you choose!
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Every camera has different features, mine does have a manual focus ring and auto focus. I do on my self filmed hunts use the auto focus feature at this time, part of this feature "tracks" subject in frame by touching the flip out screen. So it keeps the bird in focus from the time he is in frame till laying dead, I can move the camera to keep him centered but everything else the camera is doing for me.
MK M GOBL
If you have nothing between you and the bird the entire time auto is fine but how often will that happen..what good is a video that is focused on a bush between you and the animal your filming?
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Quote from: Dtrkyman on March 13, 2017, 01:16:14 PM
If you have nothing between you and the bird the entire time auto is fine but how often will that happen..what good is a video that is focused on a bush between you and the animal your filming?
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more often than not I have to deal with a lot of undergrowth. I still use autofocus most of the time. When I first started out I had trouble even getting the camera turned on when a bird showed up. The OP is just getting started, I would not recommend adding another feature that you have to manually control. It's not necessary.
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How would you recommend setting the tripod up? I'm interested in getting a small camera too. Set it up just behind/to the side of you looking at the decoys?
I have an SD camera that I mount to the top of an Allen shooting stick...beats the heck out of a tripod!
Quote from: RiverRoost on March 13, 2017, 03:26:37 PM
How would you recommend setting the tripod up? I'm interested in getting a small camera too. Set it up just behind/to the side of you looking at the decoys?
I dont use decoys but most of the time the tripod is tucked up against my right side (would be left side if you shoot left handed). That way the viewfinder screen is on my side of the camera so I can see what I'm filming, and can also minimize movement of my right hand between the camera and the trigger on my shotgun.
Quote from: Dtrkyman on March 13, 2017, 01:16:14 PM
If you have nothing between you and the bird the entire time auto is fine but how often will that happen..what good is a video that is focused on a bush between you and the animal your filming?
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Feature of this keeps in focus on subject, now if you are talking heavy brush then no, but not likely to have footage of the bird anyway. For this I set camera for where I expect to kill (in timber) and go from there. If open timber the camera will keep on "subject" bird till he's dead. Fields/edges are non issue...
MK M GOBL
Quote from: MK M GOBL on March 13, 2017, 06:55:57 PM
Quote from: Dtrkyman on March 13, 2017, 01:16:14 PM
If you have nothing between you and the bird the entire time auto is fine but how often will that happen..what good is a video that is focused on a bush between you and the animal your filming?
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Feature of this keeps in focus on subject, now if you are talking heavy brush then no, but not likely to have footage of the bird anyway. For this I set camera for where I expect to kill (in timber) and go from there. If open timber the camera will keep on "subject" bird till he's dead. Fields/edges are non issue...
MK M GOBL
My camera also has this feature, I always forget to use it. Very useful for sure. And like you said, thick brush that would actually mess up your autofocus would mess up the video of the kill shot anyways.
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Quote from: RiverRoost on March 13, 2017, 03:26:37 PM
How would you recommend setting the tripod up? I'm interested in getting a small camera too. Set it up just behind/to the side of you looking at the decoys?
I use a Manfrotto Tripod (short version, I can get model if you need) I am able to set this at ground level, the legs will basically folded all the way up to "square" of the center column. The 3 legs are super stable this way and leaves the panhandle right next to me at a low level. Tripod for me "righty" is set to right/center of turkey chair and so panhandle is reachable, screen is viewable. I center on dekes to start and will pan to side of approach keeping decoy in frame on opposite side of approach, sometimes your not going to be able to pan...
MK M GOBL
If you have the camera get a good tripod and fluidhead w/ a lanc thumb control. If you right handed always set it to you right close enough to your right side that you don't have to move much. Typically the camera is shoulder height. Using a decoy will help on videoing the birds. Just remember slow movement will keep you out of trouble. Pan out enough that you can get the shot even if the bird moves some.
Hope that helps
Good luck
Quote from: Captain Hooks on March 13, 2017, 10:53:41 PM
If you have the camera get a good tripod and fluidhead w/ a lanc thumb control. If you right handed always set it to you right close enough to your right side that you don't have to move much. Typically the camera is shoulder height. Using a decoy will help on videoing the birds. Just remember slow movement will keep you out of trouble. Pan out enough that you can get the shot even if the bird moves some.
Hope that helps
Good luck
LANC would be a big plus, but also a big jump in cost. Depending on your budget, you might not want to dump a whole lot into it if you don't know for sure if you're gonna enjoy it. Start basic and work your way up as you get addicted to it and get better at it.
Here's a picture of my Run & Gun set, as I was describing.
MK M GOBL
Quote from: MK M GOBL on March 14, 2017, 01:19:32 AM
Here's a picture of my Run & Gun set, as I was describing.
MK M GOBL
that looks good, my tripod will fold out flat like that too, if I need it to.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170314/1fe2f84dd8c344896249f495032222d4.jpg)
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Quote from: catman529 on March 14, 2017, 07:22:11 AM
Quote from: MK M GOBL on March 14, 2017, 01:19:32 AM
Here's a picture of my Run & Gun set, as I was describing.
MK M GOBL
that looks good, my tripod will fold out flat like that too, if I need it to.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170314/1fe2f84dd8c344896249f495032222d4.jpg)
What camera do you film with?
We use Canon XA30, G30 & G20
MK M GOBL
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Quote from: MK M GOBL on March 14, 2017, 08:24:05 PM
What camera do you film with?
We use Canon XA30, G30 & G20
MK M GOBL
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right now my main camera is a Panasonic HC-V750. I have a Senal SCS-98 stereo mic on it in the pic, but I just ordered a Rode videomic stereo pro.
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MK M GOBL maybe you'll be able to answer this.
So I posted in a thread a while ago I was getting a Canon G20. I love the camera so far, but there's a few things I'm confused on.
1. Can I use the SD cards INSTEAD of the internal memory? The only way I'm seeing is the internal memory must be full first, then it'll kick over to the SD Cards. I'd much rather not do this if I can avoid it, but I've looked in the users manual online and can't figure out how to do it.
2. Can I change the recording quality or does it just default to the highest setting? I'm wanting to record in 1080p, but the review videos I've seen have people talking about all the recording options, but I can't find out how to change this either.
Any help is appreciated. Thanks!
Also, what is the model of tripod you're using? That seems like something I want.
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Pretty sure I have the same tripod. Mine came from Campbell cameras as part of the turkey package that included the g30 camera. I didn't camo my tripod because I use it in ground blinds. When on the ground without a blind I take an old shirt or some leafy material and drape over it to conceal it if I have no cover.
See if these links help address your recording questions?
http://canoncanada.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/41379/~/selecting-the-memory-for-the-recordings-(vixia-hf-g20)
http://campbellcameras.blogspot.com/2013/04/how-to-use-canon-vixia-hf-g20-and-canon.html
Quote from: catman529 on March 12, 2017, 02:10:44 PM
Quote from: Dtrkyman on March 12, 2017, 12:17:39 PM
Turn off the auto focus no matter what you choose!
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I wouldn't advise that for someone starting out. It's already tough enough to man the camera and the shotgun at the same time. Having to focus the camera too will make it even harder. I have manual focus on my main camcorder but only use it about 10% of the time.
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:icon_thumright: :icon_thumright: :icon_thumright:
I've done some videoing with a Sony Handy Cam on a tripod. It is tough to hunt and film at the same time. Took me 3 times to finally get the kill shot on film. Those were some hilarious, but really disappointing hunts. I just make sure there is an open area in front of me before I start filming. Then autofocus isn't an issue.
I like the external mic option on the Canons you guys mentioned. On my Sony the mic is up front near the lens, and when it is quiet you can hear the lens auto-focusing on the video.
Quote from: SKYNET KC on March 15, 2017, 10:51:24 AM
MK M GOBL maybe you'll be able to answer this.
So I posted in a thread a while ago I was getting a Canon G20. I love the camera so far, but there's a few things I'm confused on.
1. Can I use the SD cards INSTEAD of the internal memory? The only way I'm seeing is the internal memory must be full first, then it'll kick over to the SD Cards. I'd much rather not do this if I can avoid it, but I've looked in the users manual online and can't figure out how to do it.
2. Can I change the recording quality or does it just default to the highest setting? I'm wanting to record in 1080p, but the review videos I've seen have people talking about all the recording options, but I can't find out how to change this either.
Any help is appreciated. Thanks!
Also, what is the model of tripod you're using? That seems like something I want.
Let me know if the links Kcrebel helped you get camera set up, my tripod is a Manfrotto "Bogen" 3205GN3, it comes in a flat green color and I added to camo wrap. The head is separate, I can look up model but it is Manfrotto Fluid head and Varizoom on there too.
MK M GOBL
Quote from: RutnNStrutn on March 15, 2017, 06:30:59 PM
I've done some videoing with a Sony Handy Cam on a tripod. It is tough to hunt and film at the same time. Took me 3 times to finally get the kill shot on film. Those were some hilarious, but really disappointing hunts. I just make sure there is an open area in front of me before I start filming. Then autofocus isn't an issue.
I like the external mic option on the Canons you guys mentioned. On my Sony the mic is up front near the lens, and when it is quiet you can hear the lens auto-focusing on the video.
yup almost any built-in mic will pick up AF noise. It doesn't ruin the video by any means, but after filming for a while, you start to get picky
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Quote from: MK M GOBL on March 15, 2017, 11:31:15 PM
Quote from: SKYNET KC on March 15, 2017, 10:51:24 AM
MK M GOBL maybe you'll be able to answer this.
So I posted in a thread a while ago I was getting a Canon G20. I love the camera so far, but there's a few things I'm confused on.
1. Can I use the SD cards INSTEAD of the internal memory? The only way I'm seeing is the internal memory must be full first, then it'll kick over to the SD Cards. I'd much rather not do this if I can avoid it, but I've looked in the users manual online and can't figure out how to do it.
2. Can I change the recording quality or does it just default to the highest setting? I'm wanting to record in 1080p, but the review videos I've seen have people talking about all the recording options, but I can't find out how to change this either.
Any help is appreciated. Thanks!
Also, what is the model of tripod you're using? That seems like something I want.
Let me know if the links Kcrebel helped you get camera set up, my tripod is a Manfrotto "Bogen" 3205GN3, it comes in a flat green color and I added to camo wrap. The head is separate, I can look up model but it is Manfrotto Fluid head and Varizoom on there too.
MK M GOBL
For whatever reason mine does not have an option to select "Rec Media for Movies" it only has an option for "Rec Media for Photos". I didn't know if I had something turned off or what. I'm kinda stumped. :-/
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