Videoing your hunt - Part 2

From: Pat Lefemine Date: 21-Jul-02

Please discuss the 2nd part of our feature on how to videotape your bowhunts.

Great article Pat.

Excellent tool to help me edit all my digital videos. I copied it for future reference.

I ordered the new Canon GL2.

Can't wait to try and make my own DVD's!

Hi Guys, I've been videoing my hunts for a couple of years now, with pretty good success. I simply bought a cheap telescoping video camera stand, took the legs off it, made a pipe clamp attached it to my my stand on the right side, I then simply attach my camera to the screw on clamp provided with the stand and I'm ready, I use them on both my 8mm video cameras as they are standard setups and other than the cost of my cameras the holders are about $20 each.......

Pat, I think you are taking the right step in targeting the broadband space. But...I think as this article points out it may be some time before broadband has the usage levels.

According to this article only about 10% of cable subscribers are also using broadband.

As a Computer Professional that supports web based products I can tell you first hand that what people want and what they are willing to pay for are two different things.

On the bright side hunters tend to be a patient bunch and if it takes 20 minutes to see a 60 second video clip then so be it.

I definately need to upgrade to a digital video camera. To use Pat's words the analog format, "sucks."

For what it is worth here is some footage I have taken this spring. They are big files so if you don't have broadband start the download and get a cup of coffee or two.

PA Turkey Hunt(Gun) I was the caller shooter in this one.

http://haingray.zenmasters.com/images/pahunt.mpg

NB Bear hunt footage (I would show you the video of the shot/miss but it is too embarassing) :o)

http://haingray.zenmasters.com/images/bearnite1.mpg

Don

Pat, I think you are taking the right step in targeting the broadband space. But...I think as this article points out it may be some time before broadband has the usage levels.

According to this article only about 10% of cable subscribers are also using broadband.

As a Computer Professional that supports web based products I can tell you first hand that what people want and what they are willing to pay for are two different things.

On the bright side hunters tend to be a patient bunch and if it takes 20 minutes to see a 60 second video clip then so be it.

I definately need to upgrade to a digital video camera. To use Pat's words the analog format, "sucks."

For what it is worth here is some footage I have taken this spring. They are big files so if you don't have broadband start the download and get a cup of coffee or two.

PA Turkey Hunt(Gun) I was the caller shooter in this one.

http://haingray.zenmasters.com/images/pahunt.mpg

NB Bear hunt footage (I would show you the video of the shot/miss but it is too embarassing) :o)

http://haingray.zenmasters.com/images/bearnite1.mpg

Don

Razor - doesn't the camera move every time you stand up or draw the bow? Wouldn't it be steadier if it were attached to the tree?

ttt

Pat, I've just read both parts of the article and really enjoyed it. It was very informative. However, I am a little confused about your camera selection. Did you say that the JVC you use is NOT good for field work? If so, what were the problems you experienced? I am considering buying the JVC GR-DV3000. It's just the next step up from the camera you have, but I can't afford the Canon.

Doug

Pat, I have another question regarding the editing process. With the Adobe software you use, can you use different types of scene transitions, or is a black fade in/out the only option? I might like to try using a wiper effect, or as I have seen before, a page turning, or door opening. Are these features to look for in the editing software, or the camera itself?

Thanks.

Godscop, There are some great new DV camcordders on the market, including anew JVC 3CCC digital camcorder!

The new Canon GL2 is a great one too!

Godscop,

I only tried that one JVC, I am now using a Canon GL1 and GL2 (just got a 2nd). The camera you spoke about may be very good, I only have experience with the one.

On transitions, yes there a a bunch of them available to you. I usually stick with fades to black or transition fades but that's a personal choice.

Good luck and glad you liked the articles.

Thanks for the replies guys, but unfortunately, the Canon is a little out of my price range. Last year I did pretty well with a Sony Hi 8 camera, got 3 successful bow hunts and one M/L hunt, as well as some pretty good footage of bucks that I let walk on tape, but the picture clarity isn't the greatest. I would like to try to improve it this year, but can't afford 3K for a camera.

Those were good articles. My friend has a digital camera which we took to Texas 2 years ago. We could download clips to the Ulead capture software on the PC but we couldn't understand how to run them together. It looks like that Adobe program is a lot better. We got good footage but we didn't do any introductory shots or shooting shots, but thanks to your tips I'll make sure we get some next time.

Okay, I went and got the GL2 and am looking forward to using it. So how do you suggest camoing up this shiny camera? Anyone?

Get some cloth camo tape, or you can buy a Cam-Kote rain cover for the camera which sells for about $150 and comes in Mossy Oak.

Nice camera, I have both the GL1 and GL2 and like them both.

Where could I get the rain cover? Is it sold in local stores, or mail order?

Thanks-Doug

You can find the covers on ebay. I use the cloth camo tape on mine. It was bought strictly for hunting so it seemed the best solution. The covers are nice but I like keeping my set-up simple. Sometimes its hard enough to find the right button during the action and the cover can complicate this.

Don's correct. The cover can be a pain in the ass. But, it allows me to keep shooting in the rain and I would not do that without some type of protection. But if you are just needing to camo the unit, get the tape instead.

Pat, where did you get your GL-2? I hear that they now have VU meters which is a must for video production.

thanks

I currently have a Hi8 camcorder which seems to pick up noise from the camcorder itself. Is there a way of getting rid of that noise? Do the Mini DV camcorders have the same problem?

I love my GL2 better resoltion than the XL1S!

Pat, I just bought a Sony DSC TRV27. What are your views on this camera ?

Pat what seetings are you using when you compress ? I'm having trouble keeping the MBs down without loosing the picture. I thought the sample turkey was excellent.

Pat, I'm interested in purchasing a Mini-DV and am looking for suggestions on a unit. You've mentioned the GL2 and a few others. Have you posted a summary of your views on a few different models with pro's/cons? Since I don't have anything, I'm very open to your comments. Terry

Without taking lots of extra batteries, and no electricity in AK. Are there any hand crank, solar charges that work for Sony camcorders?