Getting Started filming your hunts

Timnterra

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 18, 2012
Messages
1,820
Location
Rapid City SD
I took a stab at filming a hunt last year for the first time. I set up my phone on my spotter with a phone skope and set it to record while I took the shot. It was cool to get to see the bullet impact and the animal go down. I went antelope hunting yesterday with some friends and didn't think about filming anything. I've wanted to go back and watch the video of the hunt several times and then remembered there is no video. I decided that videoing the hunt is a way for me to get a lot more enjoyment out of the hunt. I love telling stories and being able to show the video is really cool.

Here's what I need help with. I am not a photographer. I own a Nikon DSLR but no telephoto lenses. I am thinking, for what I want to do, buying a new camera that has a huge zoom range like the Nikon COOLPIX p1000 might be the way to go.

Those of you who film your hunts, how do you get it done? What equipment do you use and why?
 
Tagging in...
I've been thinking a lot about this too.
That COOLPIX p1000 looks to be pretty awesome. I probably wouldn't bring it on an extended mountain hunt, where every ounce counts, but for the shorter more accessible areas it could be great way to capture great memories. It could also be an a very useful tool for preseason hiking/scouting trips.
 
I'm using the Coolpix p1000. The zoom is something to behold. My initial videos and even stills were difficult to center when zooming, because of the weight out front and the position of the quick release adapter being on the rear of the camera.

I have since bought a couple of mounts that have a lens support and they reposition the center of balance. The lighter of the two is only available from Lem's in Korea on eBay. The other is a Manfrotto mount ( don't remember the model) that you do an easy work-over to fit the p1000 lens length. It is bullet-proof, but twice the weight of the Lem's model.

Just Google P-1000 lens support and you can find both + the remodel instructions. Add a good sturdy ball head with a quick release and you're ready to go. I don't miss my spotter/phonescope at all.
 
This is the Lem's support. IMG_20191005_002832525.jpgIMG_20191005_002754516.jpg

It adds 2-1/4" forward to better balance the lens when using a lot of zoom.
 
I will also suggest you buy 3-4 extra batteries and a remote control. I have the Aodelan brand for Nikon, model ML-L7A ( cheap on Amazon), works for still pics AND video on the P1000.

Download the free SnapBridge app from Nikon and you can move stills and video to your phone or to any social network. Follow instructions to pair with Bluetooth. I also picked up a small card reader & USB to transfer pictures to view or transfer without Bluetooth.

One note of caution : The really too cheap p 1000s are all European models. Be sure and specify the American model. I found that B&H in NY had the best price on the American model, just call the major camera outlets and talk to a representative. They will usually knock off a few bucks or add extras.

Hope this helps for those who are interested in a great and easy to use camera. For those of us that are not camera experts, the auto setting gives remarkable results.
 
Warning! This thread is more than 5 years ago old.
It's likely that no further discussion is required, in which case we recommend starting a new thread. If however you feel your response is required you can still do so.
Top