Video Camera Suggestions

[M3GAN]

I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions of a HD video camera with a long battery life that I could use on an upcoming thru-hike. Weight is also important. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[James S]

M3gan

check out the Kodak Zi6 HD Pocket Video Camera, $165 & Flip Video MinoHD. their both small as you can get for video. the only drawbacks are they don't hold much internal memory, you have to get a sd or whatever memory card they use, and they don't have a big zoom. i think they both have only 2x. don't have 1 myself yet but i've been researching this matter myself for a while now. right now i'm leaning towards the kodak. costco and walmart here have the flip here in idaho. online amazon has both. hope this helps. i will probably buy mine in a couple months, if you don't have one by then i'll let you know my feelings about the kodak.

[James S]

M3gan,

p.s. in april kodak will have a weather resistant model out also, called the zx1, $149 suggested retail price. i wonder if any fellow hikers on here have either yet?

[M3GAN]

Thanks for the suggestion James! I will definately check it out.

[Kevin]

I don't shoot with a kodak but the Weatherproof on my camera is totally worth the extra few dollars.

[Brandon Hill]

I haven't tried them myself, but I have heard good things about the flip line too....

[Paul Sheehan]

What do you intend to make with your camera? If it is a TV show you can often rent multiple batteries from a camera rental house and chargers for your car.

[M3GAN]

I just want to make a quality home video. I wont have access to a car since I will be on a PCT thru-hike. But I think I have the power source figured out, so Im good on that part of it.

[Paul Sheehan]

That camera uses AA NiMH batteries

You can buy a 4 pack at Buy.com
http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=90145978&listingid=38...

Or http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/246915-REG/Sealife_SL190_AA_N...
B&H and it they come with a extra charger for 34.95. If you can take two chargers that is always best.

These batteries are good for about 1000 charges before you need to replace them.

[ficade]

The HD Flip is a good idea. I think you get about 60 minutes on that. However, you don't necessarily have to shoot in HD to get real clear video. Don't be fooled by HD. I bring a small lightweight (Memory Stick- 40 Gig non HD) video camera and carry extra batteries that give me hours and hours worth a video. You have two choices. lightweight and limited battery life, or extra weight and hours of battery life. Battery life goes quick in the backcountry. Turning on and off your camera takes up a lot more battery than you think. You can always convert video to HD when you edit. Good Luck, and have fun.

[Paul Sheehan]

The biggest issue with the flip cameras is their ergonomics. If you are trying to do anything other than dead on shots and basic pan and tilt you can run in to issues. Also you need to figure out if you intend to use a tripod or monopod. These can do a lot to improve shots.

[M3GAN]

Thank you guys! Your tips have been more than helpful. I have a couple of cameras that I will be checking out in a few days. I will let you know what I am thinking about getting and would love to hear any input on the models I have checked out. :-)

[James S]

also check out sony webbie cam. its hd . a little bigger than the others but more zoom and memory. a little more $ 200.