Todd, and Walt. I have been doing the research on the best cam to get for filming hunts and scouting. This one I am getting has a min lux rating of 0.18. It should be awesome. I know putting all my eggs in one basket may be silly to some, but this cam seems to be the easiest for me to use. It stores all the footage on SXS cards just as memory cards. They are expensive though. The cam I am going to get is the


SONY PMW-EX1 XDCAM EX HD Camcorder
If you guys heard any negativity on it, let me know. I have to dip into my "secret account" or my wife would shoot me. Let me know if you have any knowledge on this cam.

Jason

IMO - The Sony PD-170 is pretty tough to beat. I know nothing about those other cameras but don't know anyone who is using one?

Jason, From what Ive heard of that cam is that it rocks but the cards are sooooo expensive. Like $800 for one. You could always run an exturnal hard drive too with some of the other HD cams. Have you looked at the JVC HD200? I had the chance to film a fishing show using one of those and a XH A1 both in the same day. Both were set up with an external hard drive. The big draw back with the JVC is it is man. focus but its a sweet cam. I think for the money you would be happy with the XH A1. The A1 is alot cheaper and then you could put the other cash into accessories. Heck if you bought 2 or 3 cards alone for the EX you would almost pay for a XH A1. If you want the Sony then you cant go wrong if youve got the cash to do it. I mean its not like youd be unhappy with the EX1.

Jay

Thanks, for the input. You make some valid points there. Yea, you are right, those cards are expensive. I will look into the Canon.

Jason

Jay, I looked into that cam, and the specs look great. I have been loyal to sony for most electronics, but I like what I see there, and I could get all the extras. The one thing I could not find was digitized zoom, I know the optical is 20X. What are the best tapes to purchase also? Thanks for your help.

Jason

I have a buddy who is going to be selling his PD-170 - incase anyone is interested!

Todd,
Sent you an email about that camera. I might be interested. Thanks

Not to butt in but rule number 1 in video is never use the digital zoom. The 20X optical is all you want and need.

Rule number 2 is never use the Auto Focus feature. Having only manual focus should not be a drawback at all, let alone a big one.

Urban, I hear ya, and understand what you are saying. My concern was mostly for filming longer range shots for Velvet footage. The 20X optical is more than enough for the thicker timber here in the Northeast where I do a majority of my hunting. Thanks bud.

Jason