I want to film good point surfing for the personal enjoyment of myself and friends. I would like good quality, but at a reasonable cost. I have seen some guys with small cameras, which seems like the way to go. I would like to be able to ID the surfer at up to 200 yards.
Any assistance would be appreciated.
Roger
I’ve been thinking about investing in a camera as well, since a buddy of mine started bringing is camera along when the surf was good to document some sessions.
Based on my research and talking to my friend here are a few suggestions…
*look for a camera that has the most optical zoom. Digital zoom is really a marketing ploy.
fold out view finder is essential, especially when you are asking someone to take time out of the water to shoot some video
dvd format is cool - especially if you have a dvd writer on your computer. You can edit on your pc and re-record in dvd format from the camera.
extended warranty plan is not a bad idea…My friend has used it on two occasions saving hundreds of dollars.
there are several decent magazines out there that offer good reviews. Some advertisers in the magazines offer prices that are better than mainstream stores like BestBuy.
Good luck!
Im assuming youre looking for VIDEO cam advice. I have a part time videography service so I know a bit.
The best consumer and prosumer level recording format is miniDV.
Reasonable cost is relative so I’ll break it down to under $1,000 and around $2,000.
You can get a great small miniDV camcorder for $600 - Sony DCR TRV-33
go to www.bhphotovideo.com
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=272604&is=REG
For $2,000 the DSR PDX-10 also miniDV but with 3CCD (I own this one). Cheaper 3CCD cams can be had but you’ll have to shop and weigh pros/cons.
Canons are known for their great optics and they have some real nice units.
The other contenders are Panasonic and JVC who also with Sony dominate the professional market.
For 200 yd shots you absolutely need a good tripod - Bogen has some nice units for about $100-200 with the head.
Best way to identify your buds from a distance is with bright colored rash guards.
Sorry man but I gave u incomplete advice.
Canon is also a huge competitor in the pro market. Some experts believe that Canons, due to superior optics, outperform in good lighting (daytime for example) but for indoor (poorly lit) conditions Sony’s are better.
The previous responder is correct that OPTICAL ZOOM is the way to go and Canon
may have an advantage there. I think they have a line called OPTURA that are well accepted and reliable.
Roger-We just bought a Canon optura20 from BH Photo/Video for the very same purpose. Glass lens,16x zoom,1.3 megapixel,3.5" monitor. $488.00 no tax. I found a used waterhousing for it today cheap. The Canon seemed like the best deal out there. Good luck, Steiny
I’ll keep is simple.
Get a video cam with 20 to 25x optical zoom. (around $300-600)
Then get a high optics doubler (around $150-200). That’ll cover the video cam. Yes you really need 40x optical zoom for many surf spots.
For the tripod, you’ll need a decent rig with fluid head for panning. Bogen makes some good ones. Figure $300 or so for the tripod, minimum. Without the fluid head it’ll be sub-pro quality - herky jerky.
But sometimes still enjoyable. I shoot 5-10 days a year, and make little 1-3 minute vids for online consumption. Here is one of last year’s best - note - I do not use a fluid head tripod, yet.
buy a good tripod… manfrotto is the best…
spend much but u have quality.