Camera recommendation for about $1200 at DVinfo.net
DV Info Net

Go Back   DV Info Net > Special Interest Areas > Under Water, Over Land

Under Water, Over Land
Tools & Techniques for Nature, Outdoors, Wildlife & Underwater Videography.

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old June 2nd, 2019, 09:38 AM   #1
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Sherburn, England
Posts: 136
Camera recommendation for about $1200

A friend who is a birder much more than he is a photographer/ videographer wants to get some video footage of the migrants birds he sees. Visible migration (birds actually on the move) is his main interest and he has been recording numbers for years, and now he wants to capture this on video.

His budget is only $1200. My feeling is he should get a bridge camera or one of the Panasonic Lumix line, but I'm a bit out of touch with new products so any comments/recommendations would be welcome.

I'd also be interested in any recommendations on a cheap, but reasonably capable video editing package suitable for a beginner.

Thanks in advance

Paul Doherty
Paul Doherty is offline   Reply With Quote
Old June 2nd, 2019, 02:53 PM   #2
Inner Circle
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Lowestoft - UK
Posts: 4,043
Re: Camera recommendation for about $1200

Why a DSLR? I'd be looking at a 2nd hand shoulder type camera on a 2nd hand tripod/head with a proper head that pans and tilts smoothly. A decent zoom that stays in focus and does video properly. Sharp focus is critical and once sharp, staying sharp. If he can live with tape, there are some bargains in the HD camera dept. Things like JVC 200 series go for very little and often an HD drive can be picked up too. Add a satchler/miller/vinten setup depending on where in the world you live and you have a serious system. Although I don't use my DSLRs for video, I can appreciate what they can do - my preference for wildlife and other fast moving things is a real video camera with decent battery life, unlimited shot lengths and buttons gloved fingers can operate.
Paul R Johnson is offline   Reply With Quote
Old June 2nd, 2019, 05:56 PM   #3
Major Player
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Nowra, Australia
Posts: 440
Re: Camera recommendation for about $1200

Spoiled for choice, but you're right, Lumix FZ2500, Rode Videomic if he needs to capture chirps (very directional and sensitive) and don't know about tripods, I'm using a Benro Air for portable. But for a beginner I'd suggest just a Pana HVC180, FHD only, but good IQ on a 50X zoom - count a finch's eyelid hairs, shoots 60P standard so you get a bit of slomo, lightweight, compact and well under $300, and any cheap tripod is better than none.
Rainer Listing is offline   Reply
Reply

DV Info Net refers all where-to-buy and where-to-rent questions exclusively to these trusted full line dealers and rental houses...

B&H Photo Video
(866) 521-7381
New York, NY USA

Scan Computers Int. Ltd.
+44 0871-472-4747
Bolton, Lancashire UK


DV Info Net also encourages you to support local businesses and buy from an authorized dealer in your neighborhood.
  You are here: DV Info Net > Special Interest Areas > Under Water, Over Land

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

 



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 10:03 PM.


DV Info Net -- Real Names, Real People, Real Info!
1998-2024 The Digital Video Information Network