Overview
Looking for the best camera to film your own hunts? You’ve come to the right place.
Today, we’re going to take a look at the best cameras for hunting and to suggest our top picks for you to choose from.
Photography and videography are both complicated subject matters, but we have done the research and put together this great list for you to ensure you get great shots while you are out in the field.
Let’s get started.
8 Best Cameras To Film Your Own Hunts
Take a look at these popular cameras and decide what if best for you and your own needs.
You’ll definitely find the one that will suit your needs and budget.
1. Fujifilm X-T20 Mirrorless Digital Camera
Fujifilm X-T20 Mirrorless Digital Camera is an ideal choice for hunters who want to film their own hunts.
Even though this camera looks like DSLR camera, it’s loaded with a host of the latest features.
For instance, the camera boasts the X-Trans CMOS III APS-C sensor that ensures an excellent image quality, removing false colors and moiré without an optical low-pass filter.
The response in a burst-mode isn’t bad, either. Moreover, this sensor reduces the level of noise above ISO 12800.
Fujifilm X-T20 Mirrorless Digital Camera features a 24.3MP sensor, ensuring each detail is captured in your videos and photos. The burst mode lets you capture the millisecond of that ideal shot.
The camera supports 4K recording.
Besides artistic effects, this camera allows you to use film simulation modes, including documentary-themed tones or monochrome video. The camera has multiple exposures, too.
Unfortunately, if you record in a 4K video mode, you’ll have a certain limitation that equals 29.97 FPS.
If you can film your hunt in 1080p, it’s possible to record more than 59.94 FPS.
Fujifilm X-T20 Mirrorless Digital Camera is lightweight, has a strong battery, SD card, and a nice design. The camera will survive even if the temperatures drop till 32F.
The drawback is that Fujifilm X-T20 Mirrorless Digital Camera shouldn’t be used in extremely cold environments.
Although it can survive the cold weather, it might stop working if the temperature becomes incredibly low.
At the end of the day, this is a fantastic camera that you can use to film your own hunts. Additionally, it is relatively small, making it easy to carry around with you during your hunts.
2. Sony Handycam HDR-CX440 HD Video Camera
Sony Handycam HDR-CX440 HD Video Camera is resolution-wise with a frame rate of 60p and a resolution of 1920×1080.
The camera allows recording video in AVCHD and MP4 formats, so a video can be easily uploaded to a website or played on the big screens.
With Sony Handycam HDR-CX440 HD Video Camera, you can live stream through Ustream.
This is the feature that normally only extremely expensive cameras have.
Sony Handycam HDR-CX440 HD Video Camera is lightweight and amazingly compact. It weighs 7.6 ounces so you can keep it handy whenever you go.
When it comes to hunting, many hunters choose this camera because it has a 30x optical zoom.
The SteadyShot Image Stabilization technology that the camera offers helps to film in full zoom without sacrificing quality.
On the contrary, thanks to this feature, you’ll be able to capture more diverse and higher quality footage.
Sony Handycam HDR-CX440 HD Video Camera has a remote control, which is available through NFC and Wi-Fi. All you should do is just connect the camera with your tablet or phone, and start filming.
There’s no input for headphones and external microphone. It’s not recommended for low light filming.
The battery life is a bit short yet it can last and film for about 2 hours if it’s not cold outside. You’ll need at least an hour to recharge the battery.
3. GoPro Hero6
If you’re looking for a high-quality mini-camera that you can take hunting with you, GoPro Hero6 is your best option.
This mini camera has a host of features that a regular camera offers.
The GoPro Hero6 camera allows you to film high-quality videos with minimal setup and effort.
While it doesn’t feature top of the line audio and great zooming, it still supports 4K video at a significant 60 FPS.
Send your hunting videos to your smartphone right after you stop filming. The camera can be mounted to your gun, hat, arm, or even your dog.
It’s waterproof and versatile, making GoPro Hero6 an ideal addition to any hunt filming arsenal.
If you are looking for a way to easily film your own hunts. the GoPro Hero6 is your best option.
4. Canon VIXIA HF G20 HD Camcorder
With a resolution of 1920×1080, Canon VIXIA HF G20 HD Camcorder is a popular HD camera among hunters and videographers because it is truly a fantastic camera.
The camcorders with 4K filming seem to be better, however, the G20s sensor also captures excellent footage, and it works perfectly for HD filming.
With the weight of 1.3 lbs., Canon VIXIA HF G20 HD Camcorder is lightweight and compact. It has a great internal memory of 32GB.
There are two slots for external cards, as well. When buying external cards though, ensure you purchase a class 4 or above card since the camera works better with it.
Canon VIXIA HF G20 HD Camcorder provides a solid zoom of 10x for filming allowing you to zoom in on your game.
Despite it, the camera has customizable zoom speeds, which ensures top-quality filming.
Moreover, the camera features a manual audio level control for better sound, a headphone jack, and an external microphone terminal.
If you’re looking to film from a distance, Canon VIXIA HF G20 HD Camcorder is an excellent choice for you, as it has a built-in LANC remote control terminal.
The battery life of this camera is around 2 hours, so having a spare battery is essential.
The battery can last longer (about 12 hours) though if you film in short bursts.
Due to its astonishing low light performance, Canon VIXIA HF G20 HD Camcorder allows you to film in minimal illumination yet receive top quality videos.
Moreover, the camera features the HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor that improves the video’s quality.
The downside is you can use the camera in the wooded areas only because of low zoom. Furthermore, the camera lacks Wi-Fi connectivity so there’s neither live streaming nor smartphone control.
5. Panasonic HC-X1000 4K Ultra HD Professional Camcorder
Capturing both full-HD images and 4K video with 50p and 60p frame rates, Panasonic HC-X1000 4K Ultra HD Professional Camcorder provides high-quality video.
The camcorder offers a long-range video recording due to a 20x optical zoom. The triple lens rings control it, allowing you to film your hunts at the higher zoom rates and still ensure the high image resolution.
Panasonic HC-X1000 4K Ultra HD Professional Camcorder has manual focus and autofocus.
Most avid hunters use manual focus for better videos.
The independent focus ring of the camcorder is easy to operate. Plus, the camera features dual card slots, allowing you to save your videos on SD memory cards.
This is good news for those who hunt frequently and film each hunt. There will be enough storage space for all your hunting memories.
Panasonic HC-X1000 4K Ultra HD Professional Camcorder has a headphone jack to ensure the sound-recording goes well.
There are two channel input terminals so you can attach shotgun microphone for filming on windy or stormy days.
The wireless microphone can be connected to it as well.
The camera has two remote control options – Wi-Fi working through NFC and a LANC terminal.
The first option is used in the Panasonic Image app (you can download for free on Google Play or iTunes) while the second one uses the fluid head handle to control the camera.
One of the reasons to buy Panasonic HC-X1000 4K Ultra HD Professional Camcorder is because it records perfectly in low light thanks to the 0 LUX mode.
Deer and elk hunters swear by this camera as these animals are usually active at dusk or dawn and thus excellent low light filming is required.
The major drawbacks are weight and size. It’s bulky and weighs 3.42 lbs.
This may make it too cumbersome to carry while you hunt, although it will definitely work well with a tripod.
Although Panasonic HC-X1000 4K Ultra HD Professional Camcorder is fantastic, and highly recommended.
6. Sony Cyber‑Shot Digital Camera
Sony Cyber‑Shot Digital Camera is a solid, versatile, and modern camera that is ideal for filming your own hunts.
The camera has potent image processing, 25X optical zoom range, and a super-fast autofocus system.
It has the continuous shooting option up to 24 FPS, which means you’ll save that ideal shot even with the quickest action.
With Sony Cyber‑Shot Digital Camera, you’ll be able to capture 4K Ultra HD footage without pixel binning but with a full pixel readout.
The camera is ideal for slow-motion shooting due to an anti-distortion shutter that works at more than 1/32000 seconds.
There’s an option for 40X slower than natural motion, albeit a 20X zoom range is a lot more popular.
The settings of the high frame rate include 960 FPS, 480 FPS, and 240 FPS. The camera is a bit heavy with a weight of 2.5 lbs.
Sony Cyber‑Shot Digital Camera is a top quality bridge camera that has awesome abilities and great performance.
Sony Cyber‑Shot Digital Camera is a fabulous, versatile, all-in-one camera option.
7. Canon XA11 Professional Camcorder
Known for its high optical zoom, Canon XA11 Professional Camcorder is one of the best options for professionals.
It has a 20x optical zoom, ensuring clearer shots in both open and wooded areas.
The optical zoom offers a few speeds: slow, constant, fast, variable, and normal.
The camcorder is great at low-light filming, as it provides a 1.2 lux that lets you film a clear video during dark conditions.
There’s also an infrared emitter used when filming at night.
With a resolution of 1920×1080, Canon XA11 Professional Camcorder falls into the HD category and simultaneously records in two formats – AVCHD and MP4.
This way, you get a web-friendly video with quality HD reproduction. Thanks to this feature, you can enjoy a variety of post-capture options.
Canon XA11 Professional Camcorder features a built-in headphone jack, dual memory card slots and an integrated microphone with XLR and mic inputs.
The camera has both manual focus and autofocus, providing the opportunity to adjust shutter speed, gain, white balance, etc.
The LANC terminal lets you control the camcorder remotely. Canon XA11 Professional Camcorder has a powerful lithium-ion battery with the battery life being around 2.5 hours.
The downside is the camera doesn’t have Wi-Fi support, although this isn’t a make or break concern for most hunters.
8. Sony FDR-AX100/B 4K Video Camera
Sony FDR-AX100/B 4K Video Camera allows capturing 4K videos – be it hunting or any other event – at a 30p frame rate.
What makes this camera different from other cameras is that it offers a plethora of options while remaining compact.
The camera features a microphone that aids in canceling your voice and capturing better quality videos and audios.
The camera also has a 5.1 channel surround microphone built in it, with easy manual settings that let you reduce wind noise on a tree stand, eliminate your voice in the video, and focus on the deer or elk sounds.
Sony FDR-AX100/B 4K Video Camera features a large screen and a 12x optical zoom, making it a perfect choice for the hunter in the woods.
There are a few charging options that include a USB cable and a standard DC charger.
You can also charge the camera with a solar power charger, which a great option for hunters who are outdoors all day.
Additionally, there’s a multi-functional shoe that keeps accessories like advanced gears, auto-lock accessories, flashlights viewfinders, and others.
The camera has a Wi-Fi remote control option or you can download PlayMemories app on iTunes or Google Play and control it via your smartphone.
There’s also a little infrared controller, which is an external remote control device that comes with Sony FDR-AX100/B 4K Video Camera.
The downside is that there’s only one external card slot and it’s unable to film fast objects. Moreover, the camera isn’t good for filming during the darker hours.
Important Things to Consider When Choosing The Best Camera To Film Hunts
Before you swipe your card to prove your purchase, pay attention to the following things:
1. Resolution
Nowadays cameras provide 2K, 4K, Quad HD, Full HD, HD, or SD, depending on the model.
While it’s better to choose Quad HD (2560 × 1440) or Full HD (1920×1080), you can go for SD (720×480 or 720×576) if you want to save money or if you do not care about having crystal-clear shots.
2. Battery
Each camera has its own battery life that typically lasts from one hour to up to 10 hours.
Again, a camera with a powerful battery can cost a fortune, so it would be great to have a spare battery, especially if you’re going for a long hunt.
If you film your hunt during the cold weather, your battery’s life will be shorter than expected. In this case, it’s recommended to wear a heated vest to keep your camera warm.
3. Zoom
Depending on how you usually hunt, choose the optical zoom that will meet your filming needs.
The rule of thumb is the higher zoom is better since it gives you more options, however, this may not always be the case depending on your hunting style.
For instance, rifle hunters need up to 20x for capturing bigger distances and open areas.
Bowhunters don’t need such a zoom since 10x will be enough for filming hunts in the woods.
Zoom plays a critical role in the quality of your video so make sure you do your research.
4. Weight And Size
While weight and sizes aren’t as critical as resolution or zoom, don’t overlook these two factors.
As a hunter you already need to carry a lot of heavy stuff, so the last thing you want to do is to add a heavy and huge camera to it.
A compact camera with the needed zoom, resolution, and memory will do the trick for most hunters, although you need to consider your exact needs.
5. Headphone Jack
Although a headphone jack serves as an additional feature, it is a great bonus if your camera has it.
This feature will let you monitor the recording and adjust the audio input to the filming environment to improve the video’s sound right away, without waiting until you get home to use your laptop to edit the footage.
6. Memory
The majority of cameras feature removable memory cards, internal solid-state drives, internal hard drives, or a combination of these three.
Cameras with removable card slots and internal solid-state drives are much better than those with internal hard disks in our opinion.
Having an extra fast memory card like Lexar, Sandisk, or Kingston will help you film longer videos.
7. Remote Control
Even the cheapest cameras have a remote control that features start/stop filming and zoom in/out buttons.
Not only does remote control make it easier to film your own hunts, but it will also ensure better quality.
Not to mention that it’s convenient. Additionally, see if the camera you want to buy whether it has Wi-Fi or NFC connectivity or a LANC output.
If it has, you can control your camera using a remote control in most instances, which is a great option since it allows you to put some distance between you and your camera.
8. Microphone
Most modern cameras have a built-in microphone. However, in many cases, it may not be enough depending on your own needs and specifications.
Consider purchasing an additional shotgun microphone to eliminate wind noise and capture better-quality audio, particularly when shooting from a tree stand.
Your camera should have an accessory shoe to allow for the microphone mounting.
9. Low Light Capabilities
You never know when you start filming your hunt. Be it early morning or late evening, or simply a very dull day, you don’t want your video to be too dark.
Look for a camera that records in low light environments.
Pay attention to the sensor size; the bigger sensor is able to capture the bigger footage in dim conditions.
10. How You’re Going To Shoot
As you know, hunting is a challenging sport that requires a lot of time, patience, skills, and gear.
The same can be said of filming your own hunts.
You need to think about how you are going to get your shots – if you are going to be in a tree blind, we highly recommend Muddy 1004557 Outfitter Camera Arm, which will allow you to get high-quality, fluid movements and is 360-degree extendable.
This means that you can easily get great shots while in your tree blinds.
Additionally, we highly recommend getting a high-quality tripod and fluid head such as Manfrotto 502 Video Head MVH502AH, which will allow you to get fluid shots on your tripod.
Can I Just Use My Regular Camera To Shoot My Hunts?
Unlike filming everyday events, filming a hunt requires specific equipment that can handle a variety of different environments and distances.
Unfortunately, your regular camera most likely cannot handle these tasks, especially if it is an entry model.
Moreover, you might want your camera to take professional photos outside of the hunting environment.
Additionally, high-quality cameras have both fantastic filming and photographing capabilities, which means you get great photos and videos while out in the field.
Many high-quality cameras also can withstand cold temperatures and are waterproof, which is something that your average camera can just not handle.
Is There Any Other Gear I Need For My Camera?
As any photography lover knows, there are nearly endless gear options for your new camera.
However, one thing we highly consider picking up is a quality tripod or camera arm.
This will make things much easier for you while you are trying to get footage out in the field.
If you think that the idea of hauling your gear up into a tree stand or setting up your camera on a tripod seems too cumbersome, we can recommend sticking with the GoPro Hero6, which you can just strap to your head or body and film with.
Conclusion
Each camera for hunt filming has its perks and drawbacks, so it’s up to you which one you need.
Weigh all the pros and cons before making your final choice.
At the end of the day, the best camera to film your own hunts is the camera that satisfies your own unique hunting desires and needs.
We hope you have found this guide to be useful and we hope you have a great time getting some great shots out in the field. Feel free to send us any photos or videos you take while shooting!
Thank you for reading this article on the best camera to film your own hunts!
Lover of hiking, nature, camping, bird calls, and more. I run ATO and do my best to provide interesting information for my readers to help make their outdoor adventures more fun.