Action cam?
Contributors to this thread:Elk
From: Elkaddict
02-Feb-16
I'm trying to figure out if there is a good all purpose cam to use in the outdoors. I don't want to carry a tripod for hunting. I do a lot of fatbiking, roadbiking, cross country skiing, triathlons, snowshoeing, elk hunting, deer hunting, swimming, fishing, etc.....I've been thinking about the GoPro or Garmin Virb. I know there are mini cams, hand helds, etc. I'm a little worried about the GoPro style as it appears the animals are always so far away, being that there is no zoom. Any thoughts on all purpose cameras and options that are out there?
From: Azslocker
02-Feb-16
Solvid Cam Strap with a canon camcorder works great! Zoom and very versatile
From: CO Elkaholic
02-Feb-16
I have both set ups---a GoProo and also the Solvid Cam Strap with a camcorder. I have a Pansonic with a 90x zoom and as Azslocker said, using a camcorder is a very versatile set up. The GoPro does have it's place though, especially with the different sports you are looking at. I use my Solvid for elk hunting but for biking and water sports, the GoPro has more mount options plus with a waterproof back door, you can use it underwater. Can't do that with the camcorder.
The sound quality is another thing to think about. The camcorder is definitely better IMO. If you get ne that has a mic jack, you have even more options. Another important feature is make sure you get a camcorder with wifi so you can manage the camera with your iPhone or device. GoPro has an app you can download.
From: longbeard
02-Feb-16
What is a Solvid Cam Strap and where can I get one?
From: tacklebox
03-Feb-16
I run several different cameras depending on the need but most recently picked up the Go Pro Hero 4 Session. Pretty cool little camera, no zoom of course but you can switch from wide to med and can always bring a subject in closer in post.
From: CO Elkaholic
04-Feb-16
CO Elkaholic's Link
Longbeard Here's the link.
From: snapcrackpop
04-Feb-16
snapcrackpop's Link
Action cams are good for filming you, walking the blood tail, "other shots". Not good for filming the animal unless they are 10 yards.
The link is a recent discussion about "action cams" on bowsite. I recommended the Sony ActionCam.
I wish I could find a video camers with a manual focus ring for under $400. That's what I want for filming treestand hunts.
From: snapcrackpop
02-Mar-16
the new Sony AS-50 action cam is available for $200 with a digital zoom and wind noise reduction setting.
From: Elkaddict
03-Mar-16
Cool. Dumb question but I'm assuming that can be controlled right from the camera also? Meaning I don't have to use a phone app, correct?
From: Elkaddict
03-Mar-16
Did some research, these look like pretty cool cams.
From: snapcrackpop
03-Mar-16
Im not 100% but I would expect the zoom to adjust from the settings menu.
You can use a smartphone app or any tablet with wifi. Tablets likely have better wifi reception (distance).
From: Elkaddict
08-Apr-16
Anyone have anything new to add?
From: snapcrackpop
08-Apr-16
I purchased the new AS50 and turkey hunting starts in 5 days! I should realy start playing with it more before season starts.
From: ScottTigert
09-Apr-16
Tactacam mounts to your stabilizer thread. Fixed 3X lens. costs about $250.00 Works great. Much better than Go Pro Scott
From: snapcrackpop
12-Apr-16
Ready for turkeys tomorrow. I found out how to power on & off the camera with the smartphone/tablet app. So now I can set the camera past the decoys, pointed back at the blind and turn it on remotely when the action starts! (A little battery life is used to run the wifi or bluetooth.)
From: wildlifehunter
13-Apr-16
Midland 400 xt they are great small cameras that can be run from a smartphone as well. Zoom, sound and a lot of different mount types available. Can be purchased new or used on ebay for as little as $50.00. Have 3 of them. Great battery life and have worked great for me. I mount one on bow stabilizer, one on tree and one behind turkey decoy or deer trail.
From: snapcrackpop
13-Apr-16
snapcrackpop's Link
Here's a short video of today's turkey hunt using the Sony AS50. OFF WITH THEIR HEADS!