Video of my Buffalo Hunt

[Custom]

Leaving for my first DG safari in a little over a month. Am contemplating whether/how to record the safari on video. Thought about the GoPro, and that might be pretty cool for capturing a lot of the activity, but for the actual stalk and kill I think it is pretty limited by lack of zoom. Am checking out professional video, and may still go that route, but it is pretty pricey. I have a digital super zoom and a digital pocket camera (both recent Panasonic Lumix) that will both shoot video. Don't have any kind of a camcorder, and I don't want to pack too much crap with me. My outfitter says that they can have one of the crew shoot video with my equipment, not sure of their skills. Anyone done a DIY (or DItracker) with good results? Any advice?

 

[JimP]

Have you checked with your safari operator yet about someone to video the hunt for you? On my recent safari we had a professional videographer with us for a week at $150 US a day. It could get expensive if you need them for a whole week but you also have to consider what you might get on film.

We also had one hunter that was packing a Gopro with him at all times and his results were less than satisfactory in the end.. As for having a tracker or another person use a camera it would all depend on how quickly they can learn to use it. But most are fairly simple. Push the button to record and a switch to turn them on and a small lever to zoom.

You might check your circle of friends and see if one of them might have a small camcorder that you could borrow for your hunt. If you go the borrowing route I would just get a 4457 with its serial number on it saying that it was mine for the trip. I doubt that you could find someplace to rent one and take it out of the country but you could also check that out.

 

[stug]

If you want a good video then pay a professional to film it. If you aren't too worried about the quality then get one of the trackers to film. I personally hate watching gopro videos of hunting, too bumpy and you can't see what the person is looking/aiming at.

 

[siml]

I will say go with the professional cameraman, several hunts I have seen ph/tracker get caught up in the moment of the kill and totally forget to even turn the camera on....

 

[Patrick R]

If you want a good video then pay a professional to film it. If you aren't too worried about the quality then get one of the trackers to film. I personally hate watching gopro videos of hunting, too bumpy and you can't see what the person is looking/aiming at.

yes, true... i make use of a gopro a lot...incorporating it into the actual film material...not bad, but there is diffinetly a difference...

 

[Custom]

Stug is probably right, just hire the pro. I am checking with my outfitter on cost for the professional they use and recommend.

 

[Warbird782]

I taught an observer on my lioness hunt to use my DSLR. He shot small video segments and took a ton of still photos during the hunt. I taught myself how to edit and made a 10 minute video of my hunt. Fortunately it turned out well even with an amateur behind the camera. I was pleased over all with it. This is something that is truly best left to a dedicated cameraman if you desire a high quality video.

 

[Custom]

Thanks Warbird. That is the direction I am leaning.