I'm thinking about getting a camera for filming bowhunts this year. I am confused about a few things and I hope some of you can help me out.
1) Optical versus digital zoom: It is my understanding that optical zoom is better, but what are the real drawbacks of a digital zoom camera. Some of the small waterproof flip type cams now have up to 5x digital zoom in HD all for around $120. If filming a bowhunt (not a gun hunt at 100+ yards) would digital zoom be alright? What is the advantage of one versus the other (aside from longer distances)?
2) HD versus SD: HD of course costs more and gives better resolution if used on a HD television. I have heard that HD is also very memory sensitive on a computer and harder to edit with most software, due to the drag on the computer's memory. I do understand that most HD cameras also have a SD setting, but just wondering if HD is indeed "the way to go" or if SD is fine?
3) Cameras versus the elements: I have heard that one of the biggest issues with cameras isn't rain (for which you can just put it away in a bag if necessary) but the temperature changes throughout the day, humidity, etc. How do you guys deal with this?
4) Disk versus SD: What are the pros and cons of each?
I'm looking at some cameras in the range between $120 (flip cam) and $500. I'm leaning heavily toward the little flip camera since this will only be for shooting bowhunting videos at close range. But, I'd like some input. The cheaper one I am looking at is the Kodak PlaySport:
But, I might go for a nice SD or HD regular optical zoom cam instead.
I could really use some advice...
Todd
1) Optical versus digital zoom: It is my understanding that optical zoom is better, but what are the real drawbacks of a digital zoom camera. Some of the small waterproof flip type cams now have up to 5x digital zoom in HD all for around $120. If filming a bowhunt (not a gun hunt at 100+ yards) would digital zoom be alright? What is the advantage of one versus the other (aside from longer distances)?
2) HD versus SD: HD of course costs more and gives better resolution if used on a HD television. I have heard that HD is also very memory sensitive on a computer and harder to edit with most software, due to the drag on the computer's memory. I do understand that most HD cameras also have a SD setting, but just wondering if HD is indeed "the way to go" or if SD is fine?
3) Cameras versus the elements: I have heard that one of the biggest issues with cameras isn't rain (for which you can just put it away in a bag if necessary) but the temperature changes throughout the day, humidity, etc. How do you guys deal with this?
4) Disk versus SD: What are the pros and cons of each?
I'm looking at some cameras in the range between $120 (flip cam) and $500. I'm leaning heavily toward the little flip camera since this will only be for shooting bowhunting videos at close range. But, I'd like some input. The cheaper one I am looking at is the Kodak PlaySport:
But, I might go for a nice SD or HD regular optical zoom cam instead.
I could really use some advice...
Todd