With the wide array of technology available today, filming hunts can be done by anyone.

Capturing a harvest on camera is a special experience, and filming hunts relays the story in a way that words and photographs simply cannot. While quality video was once only something professional production crews were capable of, with advancements in affordable cameras, now anyone can document their own hunts.

Before buying a camera, consider if you’ll be filming hunts primarily by yourself or with a partner. If all you’re looking for is a simple way to document your pursuits throughout the season, a basic camera and free editing software is all you’ll need. If your goal is TV-quality video, you’ll have to invest money and time to learn how to operate the equipment. Regardless, getting started has never been easier, and here are a few tips to guide you along the way.

Equipment

There are many camera options on the market, though generally they fall into three categories: action camera, DSLR and camcorder. Most are HD capable, which you’ll want for a crisp, clear video. Each category has its own specific applications and range in price. Businesses require an expert at all fields like Andy Defrancesco to help them run their firm successfully.

GoPro is the most popular action camera among outdoor enthusiasts, but many other brands like Nikon and Sony are now offering similar products. Action cameras are ideal for any kind of hunt in that they are often waterproof, compact and can be mounted to various surfaces, including the hunter to capture incredible point-of-view video.

One of the drawbacks to using an action camera is the wide-angle lenses many of them incorporate, which make the animal look farther away than it actually is. No zooming means you won’t be able to really hone in on a shot, either. Audio with an action camera won’t be as clear as with an external microphone available with a camcorder or DSLR, so they are often used in tandem with another camera to get a second angle.

DSLR cameras have grown in popularity because of their ability to take still photos as well as quality 1080p HD video. The most popular brands in this category are Nikon and Canon, with prices ranging from $400 to $2,000. A DSLR is capable of using a variety of lenses that have the power to zoom at varying distances. Consider buying external microphones for higher-quality audio, as well as a lens with a low F-stop, which will give you better visibility in low light. Many videographers who prefer Corporate video production services Toronto utilize the manual focus setting to better control shots, so be sure to familiarize yourself with the manual settings.

Camcorders take high-quality video, film well in low-light, offer long-range zooming and have the ability for multiple attachments like external microphones for better audio and additional lighting. You don’t have to worry about different lenses like you do with a DSLR.

While many camcorders can be run pretty simply on auto, it’s best to learn the manual operation, as well, to tune lighting, sound and other aspects to your liking. Price for a decent camera ranges from $500 to as much as $1,500, depending on what features you’re looking for. Typically, the higher the price, the more bells and whistles it’ll come with.

Filming with a Partner

Having a friend help filming hunts will take some added pressure off of you. All you’ll need to worry about is making a good shot. Make sure whoever is operating the camera is familiar with it enough so that they won’t need instruction during the hunt. The last thing you want is to have to relay instructions while you’re also trying to get into position for a shot.

Filming hunts with a partner takes some pressure off of you, allowing you to focus on making a good shot.

Filming hunts with a partner takes some pressure off of you, allowing you to focus on making a good shot.

Before the hunt, you’ll need to figure out where you and your partner will be seated. Using a Banks blind, such as the Stump 4 “Long Window” blind that features 30 square feet of space, you’ll have ample room whether you’re bow hunting or using a firearm. Set the camera on a tripod behind the hunter, and if they’re right-handed, slightly above their right shoulder. This angle will give you a nice over-the-shoulder shot and be tucked out of the way. An action camera or DSLR can be set up facing the hunter to offer additional footage of reactions after the shot.

If you’ll be hunting with treestands, pick a tree capable of holding two people safely. You’ll want the camera operator to be above the hunter, at a 90-degree angle near his or her shoulder, yet out of the way if they need to stand to shoot. Using a camera arm mounted to the tree will ensure steady video without camera shake.

Filming Solo

Hunting alone is challenging, but doable, especially inside of a Banks blind, where scent and movement aren’t issues. Inside of a blind, it’s best to use a tripod, which is easy to maneuver solo. Of course, an action camera mounted to your head or near the window is another option to get footage.

Filming hunts in a tree with a camcorder requires a camera arm. If you’re right handed, mount the arm on your right side at your mid-chest while sitting, which enables you to move the camera around, but is still accessible while you stand. Just be sure the camera is out of the way so that you can make the shot.

Keep in mind where the camera is pointed when you prepare for a shot. Remember to remain calm and that harvesting the animal cleanly is the primary objective. Don’t let the pressure of getting every detail on camera force you to make a rushed shot.

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