5 Best Cameras for Filming Hunts in 2023 – Buying Guide & Reviews

Hunting and photography often go hand in hand, and my passion for this combo started at an early age, as my grandfather used to take me hunting.

Getting into the wild was the best part at first. Then, stalking prey made it even better, only to enjoy a good barbecue at the end.

But then, the best impression was bringing back good memories while watching everything on film. My grandfather had the same passion and used to take a video of everything.

Obviously, we didn’t have today’s technology back then. There wasn’t that much variety, either. Today, it’s different. There are countless options out there.

Browsing the best cameras for filming hunts can be challenging. I’ve been there, done that, tried out all kinds of cameras from friends and family, and scoured the Internet all over for reviews and recommendations.

I hope my list will inspire you to capture the best moments of your hunt.

Comparison Table

Discovering the best cameras for filming hunts

Here are my best recommendations!

Best video camera for hunting overall: Sony FDR-AX100/B

I think this is the best camera for self filming hunts, suitable for self filming and different other ways due to the rotating screen. It has a 14MP resolution, which is more than enough, as well as ultra advanced Bionz X image processing motor. As for pictures, you have up to 20MP for the resolution.

You can capture 4K/30p videos, way over the HD resolution, as well as 120p videos due to the 1” Exmor R CMOS sensor. The lens type has a fixed zoom, while the speaker carries the Monaural qualities. Overall, you’ll love this camera and not just for hunts, but for pretty much everything else.

Best for value for money: Sony FDRAX53/B

You can get this camera with a series of extras, but I’m warning you, each extra will add to the price. It’s the best video camera for hunting if you want value for money. You’ll get the ZEISS lens, 20x optical zoom, 4K shooting, and 30x clear image zooming in 4K.

Basically, there are professional features at an affordable price. You would normally find some of them on higher end cameras. I also love the three inch LCD touch panel, night shot capabilities, and time lapsing features too. You’ll feel professional, and the results won’t disappoint you.

Best camera for clarity: Canon VIXIA HF G70

Excellent to shoot in 4K UHD conditions at 30p, Canon’s camera is cheaper than Sony’s and provides better clarity in more lighting conditions. Sure, Sony can get there too, but there’s too much tweaking with the features. If you’re not an expert or a tech geek, I think this is a better option.

Anyway, you have full HD shooting capabilities and five axis image stabilization, which is great for pictures without a tripod or videos. There’s great compatibility with other Canon upgrades, too, if you feel like you want more.

Best hunting video camera under $500: Panasonic HC-V180K

This is the best camera for filming hunts under $500, ideal if you only shoot videos on holidays, your hunting trips, or maybe a car meet you’d like to attend. It’s not a professional tool, but it gave the noob in me great confidence and a good overall experience.

Let me get into details and a few specs now. There’s 50x and 90x optimal zoom, as well as intelligent zoom. The 28mm wide angle lens is great for large and wide pictures, suitable for long distance shooting of landscapes, groups of people, and so on. The sensor is great and shoots well in low lighting areas too.

You have a few creative controls too, which means you can add effects or shoot in certain modes without going too technical about it. As for the audio, it’s crystal clear and crisp.

Best budget camera: Canon EOS Rebel T6

This could be the best video camera for deer hunting if you’re shopping on a budget. I know what you’re thinking, performance will be terrible, but no! In fact, unless you’re a professional photographer or filmmaker, differences are insignificant and impossible to notice anyway.

Let me clear it up… You have a solid 18.0 MP APS-C CMOS sensor, which is slightly less powerful than what high end cameras have. You have a quality DIGIC 4+ image processor, too, full HD 1080p recording, ISO 100-6400 for most lighting conditions, built in wireless connectivity, and excellent focusing.

And when I say most lighting conditions, trust me, there won’t be too much sun or perfect lighting in the middle of the woods.

What to look for in the best camera for film hunting

We all have different requirements when it comes to finding the best cameras for filming hunts. But then, there are a few general things that every hunting enthusiast should look for.

Shooting quality

Whether you’re shooting for your YouTube channel, your personal collection, or just for fun, you want quality results, which means you need a high resolution. I’d never settle for anything under 4K or full HD.

Then, unless you’re hunting in the desert, chances are you won’t have too much light in the woods, so always get a camera with good results in low lighting conditions.

From personal experience, most brands will count on great quality, so I suggest doing your homework or watching lots of samples with certain cameras before deciding.

Lens type

The best camera for self filming hunts can go in two directions. Opt for a telephoto lens and you’ll great excellent close up shots of elements, such as animals. The wide angle lens isn’t bad if you go to nice places, capture landscapes, or large groups of animals.

Personally, I believe the telephoto lens is more suitable for hunting, but then again, it depends on where you’re normally hunting.

Design and durability

No matter how careful you think, you’ll be with your camera, mark my words. You’ll bang it against trees or drop it all the time. It’s a harsh activity, so do yourself a favor and go for something solid, rather than a fancy fragile camera.

You want weather resistance as well.

Audio quality

The image is the main thing people look for, but the audio adds to the experience. Poor quality will ruin everything, so make sure you get crisp audio.

There are two rules here. First, get a camera with a built-in microphone. Second, make sure you check many videos shot with that camera first, there should be plenty of samples online.

Price

Finally, the best video camera for hunting also depends on your budget. You can’t get what you can’t afford, but you also get what you pay for.

Unless you’re already a professional and you take photos for a living, I don’t think it’s a good idea to spend a fortune on fancy features. Opt for a middle range, anything between $500 and $1,000 will do.

Think about your priorities and remember that you can find cameras costing $1,000 that will do the same thing as cameras costing twice as much.

FAQs

Still undecided about the best cameras for filming hunts?

Is 600mm enough for wildlife?

A 200mm lens is often enough, but it depends on what you’re after. If you go after small birds, you’ll probably need 600mm. If you’re after general hunting and you want to record the experience, 200mm or 300mm will do.

What is the best camera to self film hunts?

Different people have different needs. Make sure you know what you’re after, what kind of places you go hunting, and what kind of game you go for. You’ll then be able to make a more informed decision.

How can I mount a camera for filming hunts?

Chest mounts or tripods are useful, but you can also opt for a head or helmet mount. If you’re not a professional, you can also just hold the camera while hunting, especially if you want to capture good moments with your friends.

Wrapping up…

These are some of the best cameras for filming hunts. Each of them has impressed me in the past with its capabilities, especially in terms of image recording.

Of course, small details here and there can make the difference, but make sure you can make the difference between useful features and just fancy bells and whistles.

I think any of the above products will make a good choice to capture the excitement associated with your hunting experiences.