Camera and set up for fun filming only?

[woundedbuck]

I am looking for a camera and camera arm to film my brother and my niece next year. I would also like to just take some video of our hunting camp. Is there any tips, tricks or products that would make this more enjoyable or a little easier. I just want the videos for memories, I am not trying to produce any hunting videos. Any info (tips) would be appreciated.

[Matt / PA]

I have been extremely happy with my Sony Handicam 308 DVD recorder (similar to this one)

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Sony-DVD-Handycam-Camcorder-DCRDVD610/sem/rpsm/oid/201783/catOid/-13063/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

Takes great video, low light is pretty good, night shot, image stabilization and the optical zoom is very strong. Great little camera for the $$

Get yourself a $50 Pineridge Archery bow/camera arm, an extra battery, some discsand your set.
The camera arm can be found from here on HNI. They are a sponsor. (I think you get a free camo sleeve with the camera arm still? (I got one with mine)

[MichiganWhitetails74]

Little mini DV handi cams work great...You will do fine even if you do not want a wireless mic set-up...

I use the Gorrilla Arm Treepod to hold my cams

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_49534?cm_mmc=froogle-_-400-7-6-_--1-_-38-881-641-00&hvarAID=46KY&mr:trackingCode=2B29C4F6-ADE0-DC11-AA92-001422107090&mr:referralID=NA

Wireless mics add a great touch...Pinnacle Studio 11 will get you on board with editting and great music and transitions...

I use a Panasonic AG-DVC 30 3 CCD...I have been making videos for 5 years..and they're better then most of what I see on TV...Because I am myself..and I have learned along the way....its a tough market if you ever wanted to get in...seems like its a who you know type thing...

Have fun and get a stable arm for the tree...and have fun editting!

[Urban Legend]

The most important thing to making your video look good is to take off the manual auto focus. Learn to use the manual focus, it will pay off ten fold.