video camera

[PeeVee]

I'm sure this has been covered before, but, any suggestions for video camera for recording removals?

[AllenF]

Anything affordable.  Anything available.  What ever you have on hand from a phone to a camera.

[jmblakeney]

I have a point and shoot camera that also takes video.  It does ok with the video but I still don't like it.  It will only record around 4-5 min of video and then automatically shut down.  Lost the main action part of a swarm removal on friday b/c of that. For that reason I am actually looking for another on as well.

 I would recommend getting an actual video camera.  I looked at one my B-I-L has, it's a Canon FS300.  Zoom's surprisingly well and the video quality is really good.  It also has the ability to take a snap shot during filming.  I am considering this one.

James

[PeeVee]

I have also taken a short video on my camera - short being the action word here.

Also, the ability to interface with MAC computer and edit the sequence are requirements.

[JP]

Been using my iphone & Cannon FS300. Thinking about one of those action type cameras like a Contour.


...JP

[ShaneJ]

Just a heads up on the Contour, I don't know if they have changed the setup recently, but with the model I bought you cannot change settings without the use of a computer I bought the Contour over a gopro ages ago because the contour looked better and more easy to hold/handle.
I plan on getting a gopro hero2 sometime soon. The original hero used 'code' on the disply to change settings but the new version has a simple engrish menu.

[ShaneJ]

I thought I would do a quick bit of research on the latest contour. Seems the latest model is just as disapointing the earlier ones.

Here's some good reviews if anyone is interested:

http://www.technobuffalo.com/cameras/photography/gopro-hd-hero2-vs-contour-video-review/

Some good comparison shots in this one:

http://pointofviewcameras.com/blog/pov/article/gopro-hero2-vs-contour-plus

[Intheswamp]

I wanted a camera that I wasn't afraid to get propolis or honey or on.  I wanted it mostly for taking pictures of bees.  I also didn't want to spend too much money on it.  I ended up with the Canon A1200, a sub-$80 camera from Amazon.  It had a few features I liked.  It's definitely not a top of the line camera, but does a pretty good job.  It will record 720HD video.

The videos are definitely not pro videos and there's definitely cameras out there that will outperform it, but for $80 it's not too shabby.  If it crash-n-burns it's not too big of a loss.  Here are a few videos that I've taken with it...mostly just bee videos and hiving some swarms...I haven't done a cut out, yet:  Intheswampbees Videos

Best wishes,
Ed

[AllenF]

For the bees, work, and mud riding, I have used the same old cam, Sony cyber shot.   Uses AA batteries.   I don't have to worry if it gets dirty because it is about as old as my son.   He now has a GoPro he can play with.  It is a little hard for the boy to hold level or still.  Thank goodness for steady cam software when editing.   But don't sweat the camera stuff.   Something, anything will do. 

[kathyp]

i have had a couple of JVCs that i have liked.  they did a good job, but were not so expensive that i would cry if i trashed them.  steady shot is a must for me!

[PeeVee]

Thanks for all the replies and suggestions. I'll be doing some more research on those.