I have recently started filming my hunts, my wife's hunts and some friends hunts. I use a cheap little sony handycam and am ready to upgrade. I have looked at a Sony and I think it was a cannon gl2. I would like to know what your opinions are for a high end HD camera. I would like specific options like a shotgun mic, ability to attach a light for night interviews and ability to use a wireless mic on the hunter. I am on a $3000 MAX budget. Thanks a ton

I run a rode videomic on my canon hv20 and it works awesome. Rode has other mics to choose from too that aren't ridiculously priced.

$3000 got me a used Sony HVR-Z1U, shotgun mic, battery pack, tapes and bag. Now, I know the guy I bought from, so I did get a deal. BUT you can find a good camera, that's used, that'll fit your budget. If you are truly serious, I understand TOC is only accepting filmed hunts in hi def, so look for a high def (1080p) camera.

Learn your camera! There are A LOT more buttons on a high end camera than there are on a Handycam. Vicki Cianciarulo once told me that's it's mostly common sense, like keeping the camera steady and focus focus focus! lol Just do a lot of practicing when you get one and you'll be an old pro in no time.

Sent ya a PM Jimmy.