Given that a best video camera for hunting can require a good bit of monetary investment, it becomes quite essential to choose a worthy camera which you wouldn’t have to replace for at least a few coming years.
Let’s help you shortlist all the camcorders available in the market.
Our Top Pick
Canon VIXIA HF R800
Available right now
Best Video Camera for Hunting Comparison
Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Top 10 Best Video Camera for Hunting Reviews- 2023
1. Canon VIXIA HF R800 Camcorder
While most other video cameras discussed here were within the $1000 line and were worth the price you pay them, VIXIA HF R800 from Canon beats them the all-in price. It is obviously a best video camera for hunting for under $500.
Key features of Canon VIXIA HF R800 Camcorder for hunting:
Let’s have a closer look at the key features of the Canon VIXIA HF R800 Camcorder.
2. Canon VIXIA HF G20 HD Camcorder
With its looks, features, and design, this piece from Canon easily comes out as a rival to the pro-grade cameras.
Basically, Canon VIXIA HF G 20 is suitable for professionals and advanced amateurs alike.
G20 has more than one winning edge feature, and one obvious thing is its low light shoot quality and new controls.
Plus, it can work for those with a tight budget.
There are a lot more factors that make us put this one at the top of the list.
Check out its features and you will know what makes this one of the best video camera for hunting filming.
Key features of Canon VIXIA HF G20:
Discussed below are the major features and highlights of Canon VIXIA HF G 20.
3. Sony 4K HD Video Recording FDRAX33 Handycam Camcorder
In the camcorder market, the good ones you find might have one or other fault- one might be bulky, other might cost you a limb, or might not have the required zoom range.
Well, FDRAX33 is the whole (beyond) HD recording package with just about no flaws.
The Sony 4K FDRAX33 camcorder ultimately sets a new standard for the HD video recording technology.
It has Sony’s legendary BOSS packed into a 4k mini camcorder- and guess what makes it better- at a stunningly lower price.
If you want to buy the camcorder for filming hunts Check out its features to know more.
Key features Sony 4K FDRAX33 Handycam:
Here are the main features of the Sony 4K FDRAX33.
4. Canon XA11 Professional Camcorder
We’re concluding the list with another winner from Canon, XA11. Canon XA11 Professional Camcorder is a compact deal and an ideal combination of the best of basic features as well as many of the professional features.
It is good enough to shoot events or for making documentaries as well as for capturing a perfect hunt game.
Despite that Canon XA11 Professional Camcorder leans more towards the pricey end, users have found it totally worth more than the money paid for it.
Read on to know how the camera has won the hearts of its users.
Key features of Canon XA11 Professional Camcorder:
Let’s see the core feature of the last best video recorder for hunting filming- Canon XA11.
5. Sony FDRAX53/B 4K HD Video Recording Camcorder
We discussed FDRAX33 above. Now, FDRAX53/B 4K was introduced as a replacement to FDRAX33.
You saw how its predecessor is totally something that the users would love.
Well, this new one in the series ultimately brings out the best of the model and combines it with the latest in shooting technology.
So, needless to say, it simply came out as one of the best in the brand’s high-end 4k line-up.
The camcorder is an ideal combination of all-round video shooting capacity, a range of portability and customization options as well as a high-resolution output.
Furthermore, despite all the improvements, the product is kept well within the $1000 line. Read on to know more about Sony FDRAX53/B 4K.
Key features of Sony FDRAX53/B 4K:
Let’s take a closer look at the main features of the FDRAX53/B 4K camcorder.
6. CofunKool 4K 60FPS 48MP Ultra HD WiFi Night Vision 16X Camcorder
If you’re looking for cheap options when buying cameras for hunts then CoFunKool’s camcorder is probably the top quality camera for self-filming hunts under $300. Packed with plenty of features, it can provide beginner vloggers the base they need.
The first feature it should be lauded for is the 4K Ultra resolution. At this price, the color quality and resolution are very impressive. You’re getting 24FPS videos at this resolution, which at this price is good enough. Of course, you can reduce the resolution to get a much higher FPS.
With a 3-inch touchscreen, this shouldn’t be hard to control, and the 270-degree rotation is appropriate for vlogging activities. The most important Pause function is there, so you can continue recording in the same file. USB and TV output is there to allow you to transfer your files for editing and viewing purposes.
You’ll love the WiFi feature as it allows you to connect to your phone, and you can control this camcorder virtually from your phone. The details are in the manual. Another feature is the webcam mode; you can use it as your PC’s external webcam if you want!
PROS
CONS
7. Lincom Tech 4K Ultra HD Camcorder 48.0MP Night Vision with WiFi
This camcorder is the cheapest on this list at just under $150. But don’t let that fool you as it has most of the features of a $1000 camcorder, albeit the quality isn’t up to the mark. Even so, for this price, many will be jumping up on what it has to offer.
It has up to 4K video if you want to vlog at that kind of monstrous resolution, and it’s at 30 FPS. So this is better than the CoFunkool camcorder at almost half the price. The camera is 48MP, which is a standard for video cameras.
As for controls, you have an LCD touchscreen. Changing modes is very simple, and with the 270-degree rotation, you can swivel for selfies and see what you’re filming as well. The external microphone picks up sound and reduces noise while you record.
The WiFi connectivity option is there to give you virtual control over it. When you connect it to your phone, you can navigate this camcorder from your phone. Taking photos and videos from a distance is a good feature, especially for amateurs at this price.
This is one of the best video camera for hunting that surprise you with its features. Night vision helps with taking videos at night and with crisp picture quality. And the pause function is there to give you some breathing room for long video sessions.
PROS
CONS
8. Panasonic 4K Camcorder HC-WXF991K, 20X Leica DICOMAR Lens
Panasonic calls this camcorder a Cinema-like video camera. With the 20X Leica Dicomar lens, they have the right to call it so. This camera has everything a professional videographer or vlogger needs. It might be expensive, but the brand name doesn’t disappoint.
The 4K Ultra HD @30FPS recording is always the main feature, but the thing to be impressed by is the in-camera editing for 1080p HD videos. You can edit these videos as soon as you finish recording them! Another important feature is the Electronic viewfinder.
As mentioned before, it has a Leica Dicomar lens with a 20x optical zoom that gives your videos a cinematic flavor and the hybrid OIS will allow you to move to a certain degree without messing up your line of view.
It doesn’t have an external microphone, but with its picture quality, it shouldn’t matter too much. The WiFi features are available like remote control, multi-camera scene, etc. At least the twin camera is something that every vlogger will love.
PROS
CONS
9. DJI OSMO Pocket 3 Axis Gimbal Camera Bundle
This product is a bit different compared to the others on this list. At the time of its release, it was the most compact Gimbal camera available in the market and still one of the most compact ones. You’ll receive this camcorder in a bundle with many accessories.
With its 4K video recording at 60FPS, this is the camcorder for filming hunts. You’ll be getting stabilized and crisp videos all around. And the 80-degree field of view is nothing short of amazing. We appreciate its 120FPS recording ability in its slow-motion settings. It captures the smallest details without hampering with stability.
But this is mostly for people on the move; stationary photographers will be more comfortable with traditional camcorders. With features like ActiveTrack, Motionlapse, and Panorama, this OSMO Pocket camcorder has all the creativity a youtube vlogger might need.
And about the accessories, you’re getting extensions rods, a tripod, and a polarizer set and some more. Connecting is done through USB cable, and you’ll get the necessary cables with it.
PROS
CONS
10. Canon VIXIA HF G50 4K30P Camcorder
Canon’s been around the camera realm for a long time, and if you’re a seasoned camera user, then you know how reliable they are in any price range. And this Vixia camera from the HF series is just as reliable. You’ll have all the high-end features in a compact size.
For starters, this camera has 4K UHD video recording ability along with quality slow-motion video capture. In the 4K resolution, you can capture videos at 30FPS which is not surprising given the price. For advanced amateurs, this camera might be it!
With almost a 5-hour battery life and a 3-inch touchscreen, you shouldn’t face any difficulties during the usage. It’s proofed against water, shock, and dust, meaning you’re allowed to get it dirty but keep it to a minimum! The 40x optical zoom is another great feature.
The camera comes with a 20x optical zoom lens if that 40x zoom isn’t enough for you. Furthermore, it has a dual SD card slot as an extra besides the built-in storage. Although it’s a bit high priced camcorder, we can’t fault this canon hunting camera regarding its quality.
PROS
CONS
How do you film your own hunts?
With the introduction of higher quality cameras and GoPros, it is very much possible to film your hunts for later viewing or sharing them with people. It is possible to film your hunt by yourself without any external help. However, it is recommended to have the following tools at your disposal.
A Suitable Camera
This is the most essential item of recording your hunt. When it comes to cameras, you have several options. The most available option will probably be your phone. It is possible to record a hunt using your phone set in landscape orientation for the best results.
While a phone is the most available one, it’s often not the best choice in terms of recording videos. High res and powerful cameras like DSLRs and mirrorless cameras capture better videos and retain quality even if zoomed in.
GoPros are also a helpful tool as they provide a first-person view and gives a dynamic viewing experience when played back. Though they have lower video quality.
Whichever camera you choose to use, make sure you have some experience in operating it and that it has enough memory or storage space for your videos. You do not want to run out and lose footage.
Tripod Stand
During a hunt, it is hard to keep the camera steady, especially when chasing after an animal or even when moving. A camera fixed upon a tripod stand is a good way to get steady footage of your hunt.
You can also opt for a monopod, which is less stable but much faster to assemble, and you can quickly start recording. We recommend using this with DSLRs.
Mountable Microphone
Not as necessary as the other two, but being able to add high-quality audio to your video footage will make it much better. Most DSLRs and mirrorless cameras can mount headphones on them that will improve sound quality, thus making them more advantageous to use in this regard over phones.
Once your equipment is properly set up, you can then finally go out to hunt. How you choose to film the hunt is largely based on preferences. You can choose to keep the camera on your person all the time or have it recording from afar with the help of a tripod.
Some situations call for different approaches, but it’s nothing a little creative thinking can’t help solve.
How do you film duck hunts?
Ducks are surprisingly fast, and anyone who has tried to catch a duck can attest to that. As such, filming them can be difficult at times and requires some luck at times.
It is recommended to make sure the auto-focus setting of your camera is turned off. Filming duck hunts often requires you to be able to take out your camera on a moment’s notice and start filming. You do not want to waste time fumbling with the camera’s autofocus settings and having it focus on the wrong object.
Some key things you need to know to succeed in this endeavor is to pay proper attention to the habits and timings of ducks. Having a good idea of how and where they move about will give you an edge in terms of being able to somewhat predict them.
And it is also important that you learn to spot them from a distance and to be able to quickly take out your camera and start filming. Filming ducks is not easy, and you should be prepared for a lot of misses and bad takes at the start, but practice will get you there soon.
What is the best camera for filming hunts?
The Canon VIXA HF G20 camcorder is a top pick. It features high-quality video recording, a built-in microphone with superb sound recording, and 32 GB internal memory allowing for long filming hours.
And it is somewhat bigger than usual hunting cameras and will take some getting used to, but the benefits far outweigh its negatives.
How do you film a deer hunt by yourself?
For a deer hunt, you can benefit greatly from making use of a tree arm and base that will allow you to attach your cameras to trees and allow filming. Before filming, you might want to plan your approach out in case you want to get specific shots. This will reduce much of the hassle later in the hunt.
When filming amidst trees, you will want your camera’s autofocus turned off. This will make sure your camera doesn’t mistakenly focus on the trees and blur out the deer.
Make sure your camera is stable and simply wait until a deer comes into view. You can choose to film earlier if you’re sure that your camera has enough memory.
How do you use a GoPro for hunting?
Filming with a GoPro can be a bit of a different experience. The main thing you need to know is that GoPros take their best shots when you’re close to the targets, and you’ll need to plan your hunt out to incorporate that.
Make sure the GoPro’s mount is secure regardless if it’s on your shotgun barrel or any other location. You don’t want it to fall off. Try to film during the day when the sun is out to ensure the high-quality of your videos.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Let’s looks at some common questions we receive related to hunting filming
What camera is for filming your own hunts?
You can select any of the camcorders listed above based on your budget and experience level.
If you are a pro-level user, Canon XA11 Professional Camcorder and similar cameras with advanced features should be your preference.
Else, if you are just a beginner or light user, you can go with any of the budget-friendly ones listed above.
You can refer to the next question to see the factors to consider while finalizing a hunting camera.
Is it okay to use the regular camera for filming the hunts?
It’s totally up to you. No one’s stopping you if you’d like to use your normal camera for hunt shooting.
However, it won’t give the output you might expect. If you are just casually shooting your hunts now and then, it’s alright to stick with your normal camera.
However, if you are a pro user willing to make great films of your pro hunts, it’s good to have a camcorder that can create the kind of result you (and others) would love.
What are some important factors to consider while buying cameras for shooting hunts?
Here is a quick list of factors to keep in mind while you are hunting for a hunting camera.
Compactness: The weight and size of the camera you are using would matter amid filming hunt. There might already be a lot that a hunter would have to carry. Plus, as a hunter, you’ll have to move around a lot.
Battery: Typically, a camera battery should last at least 8-10 hours. The longer the better.
Zoom: The zoom should be in accordance with the distances you shoot. Bow-hunter might need just 10X zoom, while rifle shooters might need about 20X zoom, as they shoot over long distances.
Remote control: Many cameras nowadays have a remote control feature. It makes controlling the camera much easier.
Performance in Low light conditions: As a hunter, you might need to film in different environments and lighting conditions. Check the low light performance of the camera before you finalize it.
Microphone: Many of the modern-day cameras have microphones built-in. The quality may differ for different models. It would be a good idea to check it beforehand too.