Capturing your hunts would be a great way of enhancing your learning and skills for the sport. It can show you precisely what worked out best for you and what didn’t. It can help you find the areas that can use some improvement. A lot of hunters testify that they were able to significantly improve their understanding and skills with the help of the recorded hunting episodes.
Also, it can capture your glorious shots. So, having your own filming gear is handy for both pros and amateurs. Now, when it comes to filming your hunts, you have thousands of options available. You can use DSLRs, action cameras as well as a camcorder. For the purpose of this article, we’ll be listing camcorders- we personally like them the most for self-filming hunts.
Here are some of the best camcorders you can rely on to properly film your hunt. Let us know in the comments your recommendations and the cameras that you like.
Shooting the hunting process is one of the best experiences of hunting. So, if you want the ultimate footage, you need the best video cameras, and below are some of our favorites.
Top Cameras for Filming Hunts in 2021
Canon VIXIA HF R800 Portable Video Camera Camcorder with Audio Input (Microphone)
Canon VIXIA HF R800 comes with a strong Digic DV 4 Image Processor along with a bunch of attractive features that allow the users to have HD video recordings. You will often find this model in top camera or camcorder reviews. Well, if you don’t find that convincing, you can take a look at the reviews from the thousands of people who’ve purchased and used it. What makes it even better is that it is an economic option for professional use and for high-quality videos. Let’s take a look at the features that make this camcorder a great choice for those looking to film their hunts.
Great Zooming capacity
Canon VIXIA HF R800 comes with 57x Advanced Zoom, which means, using this particular device, you will be able to record distant scenes and shots with great detail. Further, the feature called Zoom Assist helps keep the objects in view and in the right frame.
Full HD CMOS Sensor
This feature lets you capture videos that are life-like, clean, and with natural colors, even in dim lighting conditions.
Multi-purpose
You can convert the R800 into the perfect webcam by connecting it using the HDMI cable.
Image stabilization ability
The Super Range Optical Image Stabilizer feature of Canon VIXIA HF R800 would correct camera shake allowing you to have a clean, steady, and sharp clip- even when taking handheld shots. This feature is greatly useful for those who are looking to properly film their hunts as a lot of movement will surely be involved.
Other features
Extra features like 3.0-Inch Touch Panel LCD and powerful processor make it more convenient and reliable.
Related Guide: Bergara B14 Review
Canon VIXIA HF G20 HD Camcorder with HD CMOS Pro
Another Canon in the list of top 5 camcorders, and for good reason. Canon has been in the DSLR camera and camcorder market for a long and would be around for much longer. Even though the brand ups the features of DSLR cameras to capture good enough videos, dedicated camcorders are never going out of fashion, thanks to the likes of Canon VIXIA HF G20. It comes with a 32 GB built-in storage and a DIGIC DV III image processor. With detachable lens-hood, loads of features, and a touchscreen, Canon VIXIA HF G20 is a great camcorder to own for perfectly filming your hunt.
Design
Canon VIXIA HF G20 has a cool appeal about it, which is only enhanced by the detachable hood that helps block out the unwanted flare.
Better Sensor
The HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor integrated into the Canon VIXIA HF G20 allows the camera to be better sensitive to light and capture better and sharp images even in dim lighting conditions.
Switch to Manual Mode
This is actually a great feature to have in a camcorder with a touchscreen. Once you enable the manual mode, you won’t have to worry about the touchscreen and you can simply use all the manual controls and buttons.
Other features
There are features like a focus ring for activating the focus assist mode, which in turn magnifies the subject and helps capture the details. Other attractive features would be Waveform monitor, Relay recording, Cinema look filters, etc.
Suggested Topic: FFP Riflescopes vs SFP Riflescopes
Sony 4K HD Video Recording FDRAX33 Handycam Camcorder
This is a relatively smaller and lighter model from Sony- but that doesn’t compromise the quality of the footage you get with the FDR AX33 Handycam camcorder. To begin with, the quality Electronic view-finder enabled the users to capture 3x better details than the series predecessors. Then, there’s a lot of features like in-camber editing options, live streaming, etc. that make it significantly convenient for the users. This 4K-enabled Handycam has the ability to support XAVC S recording format. Let’s take a look at some of the interesting features that this Sony model has got.
Remote control
Now that’s one good feature to have on a camcorder you’re looking to film your hunt with. The One-touch remote control feature allows you to remotely operate the device through Wi-Fi and NFC.
Data transfer app
You can also transfer your data on the camcorder effortlessly to a tablet or a smartphone using an application called Playmemories. It also enabled users to edit the videos with advanced features like picture-in-picture.
Live stream
Sony 4K FDRAX33 Handycam Camcorder allows you to live-stream your hunt and other special moments via Upstream.
4k image capture
Small feature, but still appreciation worthy would be the added ability to capture a nice 4k image from the video you shot.
Other Features
A notable additional feature is a multi-camera control. Also, it comes with a fast Bionz X image processor. Other basic features of the Sony 4K FDRAX33 Handycam Camcorder include the ability to support the XAVC S format, which is a relatively preferable file format in terms of ease of storing, editing, or sharing. Further, you’d also be able to play the footage on bigger screens using an HDMI cable.
Sony FDRAX53/B 4K HD Video Recording Camcorder
Here is yet another high-end model from Sony, with a bunch of premium features that would allow you to perfectly capture your hunt. The model offers to shoot at 4K Ultra HD (3840×2160)- you can crop and edit as much as you want and still maintain the quality. It has the best BOSS image stabilization technology integrated for ideal filming. It a clean and no-nonsense camcorder for professional use. Below are some of the best features of the Sony FDRAX53/B 4K HD Video Recording Camcorder.
High-end specs
You can shoot Full 4K footage at 24p, and 30p using this model. It features a 3 inch Xtra Fine LCD touchscreen with a resolution of 921k. BIONZ X image processor, support for XAVC-S 4k compression format, HDMI connection, and manual control are some of the notable specs of Sony FDRAX53/B. Further, its fully charged battery can last up to 150 minutes of continuous recording. We also like the brand’s Balanced Optical Steadyshot (BOSS) image stabilization technology.
Quality audio
Sony FDRAX53/B 4K HD Video Recording Camcorder packs Dolby 5.1 surround sound microphone with enhanced audio controls allowing you to record audio in high quality too. The product also has an external mic/ headphone jack.
Nightshot Infrared system
This feature allows the users to conveniently shoot even in dim light conditions or during the night.
20x Optical Zoom
This is double what the model predecessor had. 20x Zoom would me much more details in a distant shot.
Lock-on AF
Features like Lock-on AF, tracking focus, and face recognition incorporated in the camcorder would allow users to keep a particular subject in focus, which is highly useful while you film your hunts.
Canon XA11 Professional Camcorder
Canon XA11 Professional Camcorder is true to its name, one hundred percent. Just one look at it, any professional would be able to testify the quality and great features that it packs. While it is on the expensive side, if you are looking to buy a camcorder for professional and regular use, you’ll find this Canon model worth every penny you pay. Let us now take a look at the features that help the product stand out.
20X HD Optical Zoom lens
This feature offers the ability to zoom in on distant objects and capture a decent bit of details while you film.
HD recording capability
This model can allow users to record 1920×1080 videos, which would be great for precisely filming the hunts.
Other features
Other basic features of this camera include a 3 inch LCD touchscreen display with a tilt-able electronic viewfinder, 64 GB memory card, and an undefined ISO level. As for power, it packs a rechargeable 1780 mAH Lithium-ion battery. It’s got a shutter speed of 1/2000-6 sec and also has certain in-camera editing features and CMOS sensor
Video Camera Camcorder with Microphone
You get an incredible feeling when you can not only view the raw footage of nature you just visited, but also hear the mesmerizing noise the surroundings made.
You can achieve this extra brownie point by adding a mic, but why go through that hassle when the video camera by Video Sky already has an in-built microphone slot.
Remote Control
You have to be very wary of making a public appearance to the birds and animals when you are out nature-shooting. These animals are extremely cautious and will sense you from miles away. So, a remote control feature allows you to operate the camera from a distance of 7 meters, while you remain in hiding.
Wi-Fi
For the above feature to work, you need to connect the camera with a remote through some means. So, having Wi-Fi accessibility lets you easily connect these two things. Moreover, you can even couple the camera with your phone or laptop and share the footage with the push of a button.
Microphone
The XY-stereo technology on this microphone means it is not one of those cheap, good for nothing mics. This small component can easily capture the smallest nuances and make your video livelier.
Noise Reduction
Another reason this mic is so great is that the NCR noise-reduction cancels the white noise and helps produce a cleaner sound. The best part is that you can always retrieve the recording and refine it more through other software.
Frames Per Second
This camera boasts 30 frames per second capacity. So, it will be incredibly helpful when you are trying to make a bird-flying video or take footage of an animal that is moving fast.
Pixel
The 24.0 megapixel with hp 1080P pretty much ensures that the outcome will be smooth and clean.
Hood
This camera also has a make-shift hood to cover the lens from the sun. Thus, it reduces glares. Other features like screen rotation, face detection, pause/unpause, zoom lets you do a lot more with this product and makes it more fun.
4K Camcorder Video Camera Vlogging Camera
While this camera has a ‘vlogging’ status, we would like to inform you that you can easily use this product to shoot your hunts.
In fact, a vlogging camera means it has a super easy interface, and you can hold it by hand to capture most videos. However, it is always better to use a tripod to get the most stable view.
Nonetheless, this is a fantastic camera for on the go, hunting videos.
Touch Screen
A cool feature of this vlogging camera is the touch screen. You can adjust settings on moment’s notice thanks to this feature. Moreover, the 3-inch display gives you enough space to navigate through the settings comfortably.
Easy Rotation
The touch screen has a rotation option of 270 degrees. So, you can focus from any angle and rotate the screen to view without having to move the camera.
Zoom
This does not have auto-focus, so you can zoom at will and manually capture the object in a video. You can go up to 16x times closer, and that gives you massive leverage for distant videography.
Night Mode
Using IR technology, this camera can even shoot at night. So, you will not need a separate one for night vision. However, you need to ensure that the camera is completely still. For this reason, it also has an anti-shake feature.
Time Lapse
With this camera, you can take a continuous shot of an event happening in super-fast mode. It is a unique kind of videography that most people enjoy watching.
Battery
You will receive two batteries when you buy this product. The batteries are, of course, rechargeable. You can shoot time-lapse or any other video without interruption, while the other battery keeps charging.
Clarity
This camera boasts a magnificent 4K quality video that can adapt to a 13.0 MP sensor comfortably. The camera can record at 48.0M pixel, which means, even when you zoom, and the object becomes large, the image will still have ample detail.
Wi-Fi
You can use Wi-Fi to transfer data to your other devices or use USB cables to perform the same function.
Canon VIXIA HF G50 4K30P Camcorder
Canon is a household name for the camera world. There are very few brands that can even compete with the quality of a Canon camera.
If you wish for such a product for your hunting, then your desire is about to come true. The VIXIA HF by Canon is terrific on the go. It is small and compact but has high-resolution options.
This model is on the expensive side, but you will not regret it when you see the amazing videos you took!
Card Slots
Since the camera captures such high-density videos, your memory card can easily fill-up. Hence you have dual card-slot options where you can insert SD, SDHC, SDXC cards. Any of these cards can have up to 2 TB capacity, which is huge for taking hunting shots.
LCD
This model boasts a 3-inch LCD where you can view the richness of the videos and adjust accordingly. The display is also a touchscreen.
Circular Aperture
You can use the video-mode utilizing the 8-bladed circular aperture if you want a beautifully blurred background. This system also reduces ‘starbursts’ and makes the out of focus areas appear more aesthetically.
ViewFinder
The hole through which you can view the object is flexible on this model. You can extend it or tilt it to 45-degrees if you are sitting in an uncomfortable position trying to take a shot.
Motion Capture
This product can adjust phenomenally to both fast and slow motions. So, when you are taking high-speed shots, the shutter and frame per second increase and vice versa.
Stabilization
The camera must remain steady so that the video does not appear to be shaky. However, to counter any issues regarding this problem, the camera has a 5-axis stabilization system.
Zoom
You can view the wide angles of the same field and also zoom up to 20x with this model.
Quality Image
This camera shoots at 1280×720 HD resolution along with 4K UHD 30P recording capability.
Powerful Processor
A DIGIC DV 6 image processor ensures that what you see in the viewfinder translates in the captured video.
DJI OSMO Pocket 3 Axis Gimbal Camera Bundle
We cannot stress enough how important it is to keep the camera steady for shooting a high-quality video.
If you do not maintain that you will find yourself with footage that barely looks good, and most certainly will not do justice to what you saw.
More importantly, the camera might have the quality to capture excellent footage, but a lack of stabilization will not let you deliver quality video. Hence you need the Gimbal camera bundle by DJI.
3-Axis
For ultimate stabilization on such a small camera, the model adopts a 3-axis gimbal. So, however you rotate the camera, the center remains on point, and the chance of the camera shaking reduces immensely. Thus, you get a smooth video every time.
Extremely Portable
The beauty of this product is that it can be held on hand. While all other cameras on this list can also be like this, they always need a tripod for the best result. However, this model is so portable that you can easily carry it without a tripod, plus the gimbal ensures steadiness all the time.
Detail
Do not be fooled by the small size of this product because it can still shoot at 4K Ultra HD, starting from as low as 60P. The impressive 1920×1080 FHD also ensures that every frame remains crystal clear.
Sensor
Since this camera is small, it also has a comparatively small display. But it is still praiseworthy. The 1/2.3 inch display can portray incredible depth and clarity. Thus, the user can understand the angles and adjust the camera as needed. It also has easy control buttons to adjust different modes.
Easy Transfer
You do not have to rely on memory cards only for transferring images with this model. With different smartphone adaptors such as the lightning adaptor and USB-C, you can share the videos. You will receive both of these plus a power cable for charging the product.
Different Modes
You will not be limited to just one kind of video mode. This camera gives you the freedom to capture slow-motion, panorama, and motion-capture. So, you can create an entire short-movie with this camera!
Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera
Cinema cameras are a whole new ball game in the camera world. While you might think it will deliver the same result as a vlogging one or a DSLR, it will actually provide much more than that.
Hence, if you are looking for a camera to create quality nature and hunting, or bird videos for your social media, then you should check this product out.
However, you do have to pay a few extra bucks to get that cinematic experience. But once you get this baby, you will never look back at another camera for shooting hunting videos ever again.
EF Mount
It has an EF lens mounting system, a feature that is available in Canon models as well. So, you can attach the various EF lenses on this camera for differentiated shots and videos.
High-Quality Footage
This model allows you to shoot at an incredible 4K, 75 fps rate. For slow-motion, you can bump it up to 120 fps. You can also retrieve the slow-motion in 2.6K raw.
Touchscreen
The Black Magic pocket cinema camera boasts a 5-inch display. So, there is no way you will miss any detail on such a gorgeous touchscreen. Moreover, you can pinch to zoom in or out to get the bigger picture. All the control panels are also readily available on the screen.
Audio Support
The cinematic experience would not be complete without amazing sound captured at the heart of nature. Hence this model has four built-in microphones. Moreover, for further support, you will also get XLR input with high power capacity.
Security
You can edit the videos by transferring them to your laptop via USB cables. You should receive type-A and type-C cables. Moreover, it also features an encryption system that ensures that no one but you can access the files.
Durable
Most people forget to consider the hardware and build of a camera and end up buying a product that does not last. Luckily, this model has a polycarbonate composite body that is exceptionally durable. At the same time, it is compatible with the lenses and batteries, so that the internal integrity remains safe.
Conclusion
A lot of hunters testify that they were able to significantly improve their understanding and skills with the help of the recorded hunting episodes. Also, it can capture your glorious shots. So, having your own filming gear is handy for both pros and amateurs. The camcorder from some of the most reliable companies listed here should be a good choice. Let us know if you have any recommendations!