Shooting hunting stuff with a DVC30

[tgm4883]

I posted this over at camcorderinfo.com forums a couple days ago, but I couldn't get a response. What I am doing is I am going to be filming my brothers hunting trip. I'm going to use our panasonic DVC30P. I also bought an XLR microphone for it. What I am looking for are any tips or settings that I should know so I can get the best video. Maybe things that I should do or other accessories that I may need to get that would greatly benefit the video.

Thanks

[kisrum]

UV filter for lens? Don't know much about filters in general, but I use one of these cuz experts say to, especially outdoors. Also it is cheap protection for your permanent lens. Many other filters to choose from although changing them frequently outdoors would be a pain.

My old panasonic sounds like an old smoker waking up wheezing when I start recording. If yours does the same, then you could scare off some game. Hunters love that.

Lightweight tripod.

[BJ_M]

yep - tripod .. or at least a mono pod

hood for lens and a uv filter ... hood very good thing (you can even make one your self)

don't put the mic to close to any shooting ..

many animals will be spooked by the lens - so aim it slightly up or down if you can or well camo'd ...

try to dampen the noise so you dont scare everything away ..

extra batteries and a water proof bag ...

[tgm4883]

Awesome, I got the mic but either I misunderstood or was misled to believe that I could plug the mic directly into the camera. Oh well, just had to order another $250 part to make it work. I also ordered a UV lens to help protect the camera and I have a monopod that I plan on using. My brother says he usually hunts in shaded areas, and the camera has a small lens hood on it, so do I still need a bigger hood or will this one be ok? I also wanted to know if anyone has any....settings (not sure if thats the word im looking for).. that would help out, Im going to set the white balance to outdoor and the camera has a cinegamma mode which is supposed to shoot so it would look like film, but since i haven't really used film i couldn't tell you which looks better. Any help is appreciated. This is the camera that I will be using, with everything pictured. (except I wont have the IR adapter on the top)
http://catalog2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ModelDetail?displayTab=O&store...Model=AG-DVC30

Also, how close would be too close for shooting? The first couple weekends we are going to bowhunt, but I think we are going to use rifles later on next month.

[BJ_M]

if you are in the shade or in a treestand (shooting down for bow hunting) - that lens hood is ok ..

bow hunting you will be within 10 -30 yards .. you should not shoot past that ...

as for rifle - dont know where you are hunting - in michigan you would be lucky to shoot more than 100 yards and that is rare .. but in texas , 200 - 300 yards is not uncommon and you would need to to really zoom in (and mount or hold your camera on a solid base like a truck hood) or use the monopod with a stick in your hand to the ground (2 legs) ...

i assume your talking deer hunting .. if for moose or bear or turkey , elk , etc etc .. the set up may be a bit different -- even different areas ..


for deer -
in michigan people just sit most of the time--- in ontario we use dogs and a lot of walking and stalking (in some areas) ... since i dont know what you are doing i cant offer to much more advice .. but you can come with me wolf, moose and bear hunting (plus deer) right near my house ..

[BJ_M]

i should mention - i dont think both of you will be in the same tree stand or to close to each other .. but you should have pretty well the same line of sight ..

in most areas - you will require a lic to hunt also - even if you only have a camera .. no kidding ... rules are pretty clear about this .. should check ...

[pijetro]

You picked a good camera for low light situations ,since most of your action happens early morning or sunset...
Although i'm a big fan of manual control, perhaps you should just stick to automode settings..
Yes, you can plug the microphone straight into the XLR input of your camera..
Travel light, stay in a treestand, keep your camera dry, and use walkee talkees with earpieces...

When zooming into the animal, you'll need to keep just as still as through a rifle scope..
Nothing worse than shakey footage...

[tgm4883]

I got all the licenses I need to hunt up there, I plan on hunting some too. We plan on hunting elk, what I am told is we are going to find a spot and call the elk to us. Distance wise I just want to not blow anything out on the camera from the loud bang of a gun.

As for the microphone, I physically cannot plug the mic into the camera, wont fit. The microphone has a bigger plug than the camera will allow, if you read the description of the AG-MYA30G XLR microphone adapter it says it is required with the AG-MC100G, but only mentions it as an accessory on the mic description.

I will try to use the monopod and if that becomes problematic, I will get a small tripod or treestand to use. I do not know how they communicate out there, I dont believe they use any walkie talkies, but I will check.