Video camera buying advice

Katharine · Video camera buying advice

I would like to start filming some of my sessions with my new horse. Both to chronicle our progress and to participate in video coaching. Problem is, I don't have a video camera. My phone is ancient and doesn't do video.

So, does anyone have suggestions for a digital video camera under $100 that can stand up to curious horses and a slow human?

PasoBaby_CarolU

No suggestion on camera, but I do suggest a Gorilla Tripod. You can attach them to fence panels, tree branches, etc. and they work great.

I can't wait to see your videos!

Clarissa

If you only have $100 I would look at a second hand video camera with tripod.

The thing I found was that you look very small even when reasonably close to the camera & the field of vision or the width of the shot is not wide enough to get a reasonable sized circle happening without moving out of shot.

So something with a wide angle lens or that setting gives you aprox a 16m circle in most cameras. You still need to be able to work close to the camera so your voice can be heard & so you don't look too small. Some cameras have a crazy thing where as the subject gets close the camera automatically changes the zoom to keep the focus which is very frustrating when the horse is coming & going such a lot through the field of vision.

With technology changing as often as it does, you should be able to get a quality secondhand digital video camera for a really reasonable price. A sturdy tripod is almost a necessity when videoing horse activites. The sun will be at the wrong angle or the shade in the wrong place or that branch or building restricting use of a certain space if you are relying on attaching camera to a fence or something. A tripod allows you to place your camera in the best place where ever you are.

Make sure if you buy secondhand that it comes with it's software disc & all needed accessories like connection leads to TV, PC, etc. Nothing worse than having to spend a heap of money on after market bits & pieces that never work properly.

Whatever you buy needs to be able to record continuously for an hour. So it's battery needs to be good & it needs good sized data storage disc.

My next camera will be a Cannon something or other (or is it a Sony, I can't remember

) that is waterproof, shock proof, records for 4hrs continuously, takes excellent night footage. I have investigated many cameras & am saving for this certain camera costing about AU$1000. My old Panasonic has done an exceptional job these last 7yrs only needing repair on one occasion. It's a tape video & I purchased spare long lasting batteries & various lenses for it.

Gillies_mom

I have a Panasonic Lumix DMC ZS7 which is a nice camera, and does good videos, I bought it on recommendation from the lady who does the videos in the link below.

http://vimeo.com/rockleyfarm/videos

I don't know if her most recent posts use the same camera, but certainly a year ago she was using it.

Katharine

Thanks for your tips. Off to peruse craigslist and ebay...

cheerios

I have a canon digital camera that wasn't too expensive.

It also has a video function and takes pretty good quality video.

Most digital cameras these days will take video and you can often get a digital camera for less than a "real" video camera.

I second Carol's suggestion to get one of the small, flexible tripods. They are awesome!

bespotted

I recommend a Flip video camera. Very small and good video & sound. Close to your $100 limit, I found mine on sale for $70.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-li...p_used?ie=UTF8&condition=used

Most of my videos are using this flip camera, handheld. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UQZHZRc7yY
I would put it on a tripod if filming myself. Comes with editing software and can be uploaded to you tube directly.
I also downloaded http://www.freemake.com/ to convert videos to different formats & edit.

Latina

Katharine

Thanks for the suggestions! I went with a Flip camera. This is my first video:
http://youtu.be/nvMn8Sz-xOo

CoolsLadyInRed

What a playful , inquisitive boy!!! Have fun with your camera:)

cheerios

bespotted

I hope you like the Flip. I found it to be the most user friendly and best quality for the cost. You turn it on and its ready to film. Hand it to someone else and tell them to push the red button (the only red button) to start & stop filming. Super easy.

You can also take snapshots out of the video easily, so I dont take as many pictures with my digital camera anymore when I know I can capture the action and pull a frame out of the video. Plus it so small I can carry it in any pocket so its there when you need it.

I just got back on my horse for the first time since he broke my knee 4 months ago. I had my husband there for support & safety. He brought the Flip out to film my ride. It was pretty uneventful, but I'll post it on You Tube soon. It sure is great to be back in the saddle again!

Latina