Forget the auto focus. Use the manual focus, and learn how to set it so that anything from zero to 40 or 50 yards will be in focus without constantly adjusting. Get an external mic if you can afford it. Get a wind muff no matter what micyou use(including the on board camera mic), and even if you can't afford one. Actually, they are not that expensive. Use some form of camera stabilzation. I am not a fan of tree mounted cam arms. We use a shoulder mount that works very well. Use a head cleaner often, even if your camera hasn't gave you the "clean heads" message. Get out there, lay some footage down, then watch and critique it, and learn from it. Get a wind muff. Learn how to use the manual adjustments for low light. See, there isn't much to it...

In case I forgot, make sure you pick up a wind muff for your mic.