Filming your hunts can be both challenging and rewarding. It can be expensive, time consuming as well.
Over the years, I have tested dozens of cameras on hunting adventures and found the Canon VIXIA HF G50 to be the best camera for filming hunts.
I am a long-time hunter. I love filming hunts, watching hunting shows, and posting video content on social media. I’ve experimented with various cameras, settings, and features to find the best options for quality footage at reasonable prices.
The Canon VIXIA HF G50 stands out from other models on this list. It’s compact and lightweight. It combines professional-grade resolution with stabilization features and easy-to-use settings.
Of course, every videographer has their preferences. So, I’ve curated a list of the best cameras for filming hunts based on budget, style, and essential features.
List of Top 10 Cameras for Filming Hunts
- Overall best cameras for filming hunts: Canon VIXIA HF G50
- Best budget camera for filming hunts: AKASO EK7000 4K
- Best camera for self-filming hunts: Mevo Plus Live Streaming Camera
- Best video camera for filming hunts: Canon EOS 5DS R Digital SLR
- Best budget video camera for filming hunts: Canon EOS Rebel T6
- Best action camera for filming hunts: GoPro Hero 9
- Best video camcorders for filming hunts: Panasonic HC-X2000
- Best Low light camera for hunting: Sony A7S II
- Best hunting video camera for beginners: Sony HDRCX405
- Best hunting camera for professionals: Canon EOS 6D
10 Best Cameras for Filming Hunts Reviewed
Below I’ll go into detail about why I think the following are the ten best cameras for filming hunts.
Best Overall Camera for Filming Hunts: Canon VIXIA HF G50
Hunting lets me to experience nature as a participant. It’s also a stress relief for me.
I found the Canon VIXIA HF G50 is hands-down the best overall camera for filming hunts. It has an impressive
- 20x optical zoom,
- anti-shake features
- night vision
- and impeccable video resolution
I love that the Canon VIXIA HF G50 has three-inch screen flip screen. It completely reverses so I can easily self-film when needed.
The next feature I appreciate about this camera is its 4k UHD video recording. It has a 1080-pixel resolution that delivers clear, high-quality images. When I watched my footage after the hunt, I was immersed back into the moment because of the crisp image quality.
One more aspect I love about the Canon VIXIA HF G50 is the 5-axis optical image stabilization feature. It helps reduce distortion when I am moving while filming.
Hunting brings me close to the wild. For this reason, I enjoy the built-in 29.3 mm wide-angle lens. It makes the prey look closer, so I can get more lifelike shots in the wild.
Plus, this lightweight camera weighs only 1.25 lbs, and is easy to carry. It’s the perfect choice if you don’t have much room to spare in your backpack or trunk.
Documenting hunts takes a lot of time and patience to perfect craft. I am happy that as a handy camera, the Canon VIXIA HF G50 uses batteries, so I can quickly swap dead ones for fresh ones, even in the heat of the moment.
I love the lithium-ion batteries in the box so I can get started from the get-go. The batteries are rechargeable. I got to save money from having to get new batteries every time.
Another benefit I get from this professional camera is the auto-focus features. It’s perfect if I need to take a quick shot of my prey on the fly.
Still, I can easily switch to manual focus, which is great for long-exposure shots or portraits, if a suitable lens for portrait photography is available.
Conclusion:
I recommend the Canon VIXIA HF G50 to anyone who wants a lightweight and compact, high-quality camcorder-style camera.
This camera is priced at ~$1,000 and is an investment. That said, I think it’s worth it. If you want to get serious about filming, you need a quality camera that can handle a hunter’s pace.
Best Budget Camera for Filming Hunts: AKASO EK7000 4K
Hunting can be an expensive hobby. I’ve had a lot of success using my AKASO EK7000 4K, especially when I was on a tight budget. This affordable action camera has impressive features for the price.
One aspect I love about this camera is it’s waterproof and durable. It’s exceedingly durable, and films with crystal clear resolution quality. No matter what happens on my trips, I know the camera will be fine.
Plus, the WiFi feature lets me upload as I go, giving my family updates as they happen!
You can’t talk about the best budget camera without first mentioning the excellent price.
One of the best things about the AKASO EK7000 4K is it’s around $100, making it the camera I recommend most to beginner photographers.
Despite being a cheap camera with 2x digital zoom to film hunts, the AKASO EK7000 4K offers the professional video quality of an expensive camera. By the way, I, personally, prefer optical zoom over digital zoom anytime because digital zoom may degrade the quality of the video.
I also like its awesome 4K HD slow-motion video recordings. Slow motion is an excellent feature for both bow hunting and rifle hunting. Using slow motion mode, I can take in the details and movements of deer in the footage. Moreover, the slow motion scenes of the hunt add drama and tension, and make viewers feel the intensity and excitement of the chase.
Plus, the 170-degree wide-angle lens lets me see more of my surroundings to immerse viewers into the hunt.
Besides that, the hands-free features on this camera are out of this world.
I also appreciate the 90-minute (rechargeable) battery life. With long battery life, I can record hunting process for an hour and a half straight without touching a button.
One more feature I love about this portable camera is it’s remote. It lets me wirelessly control the camera without messing with the lens. I feel comfortable using this function. Moreover, I can be more creative and flexible when recording my hunting experiences.
Durability is essential for a hunting camera, and the AKASO EK7000 4K includes a durable waterproof case. It can withstand most drops and go into water as deep as 100 feet, making things convenient for me.
At only 2 oz and ~1 by 2 by 1.5 inches, this compact and lightweight camera can go with you anywhere.
Something I didn’t expect was how many accessories come with the camera. You’d think that for a cheap camera, they’d gouge you for additional gear, but the box includes everything you need to start filming from the moment you open it.
When I received mine, there were two batteries, a bicycle stand, mounts, helmet mounts, tethers, USB cables, an AC charger, and more, making taking photos convenient for me.
Conclusion:
If budget is a barrier to recording hunts, then the AKASO EK7000 4K is the best camera for someone who wants a high-quality action camera at an impressively affordable price.
Best Camera for Self-Filming Hunts: Mevo Plus Live Streaming Camera
Self-filming hunts can be both rewarding and challenging. After I’ve tested countless cameras, I found the Mevo Plus Live Streaming Camera is the best camera for self-filming hunts.
I love that this camera connects my video content to my audience via WiFi, USB, Ethernet port, or an LTE network. Plus, the 10-hour battery life means I can upload photos in the wild, as I’m self filming hunts.
One of the best features I love about this camera is the autopilot feature. It gives me live editing tools. I can touch up my photos and bring out the focus where I want before I share them, all without a computer.
Self-filming hunts is a memorable and fun experience for me. I love telling the story of my hunt in a more personal way.
Another feature that makes me love this camera is its impressive video resolution. It comes with full HD 1080p video streaming. With that, I can live-stream crisp footage that goes viral.
Plus, four different connectivity options make this camera easy to get my footage from the camera to my followers in real time. I like this feature because I can share my hunting experience in an authentic way.
Normally the Mevo Plus Live Streaming Camera has a one-hour battery life. With the boost, I get ten hours of battery for those full-day hunts. This function makes for a more meaningful self-filming hunts for me without tracking to charge my camera.
Conclusion:
Self-filming hunts is a fantastic way to document and preserve hunting trip. The Mevo Plus Live Streaming Camera is an excellent camera for self filming hunts. I recommend this camera to hunters who’ll use their cameras for live-streaming self-filming hunts or social media purposes.
Best Video Camera for Filming Hunts: Canon EOS 5DS R Digital SLR
Filming hunts is all about planning, observation, attention to detail, and how to tell a good story. I found the Canon EOS 5DS R Digital SLR is one of the best video cameras for documenting the experiences.
It can shoot videos and images at 1080p HD resolution. Best of all, it has impressive low-light performance for those who film in darker areas like shaded forests.
With this camera, I can capture crystal-clear footage even in dark conditions thanks to the automatic ISO (low light). As someone who loves a good night hunt, this is my favorite feature.
What I like about this camera is its manual focus. This feature allows me to zoom in to get those extra details when I’m able to take my time with a shot.
DSLR cameras can be difficult to get the hang of. That said, the Canon EOS 5DS R Digital SLR has an easy-to-navigate control screen. It makes learning how to use this powerful camera a breeze.
I love that Canon EOS 5DS R Digital SLR has
- WiFi features
- a USB port
- and a CF card slot
With that, I can upload images and hunting videos however works best for me.
Unlike Nikon D850, Canon EOS 5DS doesn’t feature Silent Live View Mode, but with Canon’s Silent Live View shooting mode, you can take videos/pictures very quietly – ideal for hunting filming and street photography.
Conclusion:
Filming hunts allows me to record the important moments and and relive the memories again. The Canon EOS 5DS R Digital SLR is more expensive than some other camera options, so I recommend this camera to serious videographers who want
- sharp lines
- clear images
- customizable settings and lenses
- low-light performance settings.
Best Budget Video Camera for Filming Hunts: Canon EOS Rebel T6
Budget hunting video cameras are usually more cost-effective than high-end ones. The Canon EOS Rebel T6 is one of the best budget video cameras for filming hunts. It’s comfortable to hold and produces high-quality images.
Best of all, it doesn’t break the bank. I can customize each shot how I prefer thanks to its automatic features and manual settings.
One aspect I love about this camera is the nine-point auto-focus that makes life so much easier. It lets me get clear shots of moving targets.
However, the manual features and stabilization are just as impressive. I can really get close details as I film. I love not having to worry about my hands shaking as I film!
At an affordable price of under $500, this DSLR camera is the ideal camera for beginner photographers and videographers.
Like all DSLR cameras, I can attach different EF/EF-S lenses to capture close-range or long-range shots with impressive image quality.
What makes this model a cut above other cameras is the 1080p video resolution and the low-light performance features. These two features are the most significant because it makes deer hunting convenient for me.
Without needing an additional optical zoom lens, the Canon EOS Rebel T6 has 3x optical zoom and captures images with high-speed and stellar quality. That means I can capture a picture of my prey as it’s on the go. There’s nothing quite like a mid-motion capture to remind me of the thrill of the chase.
The screen size is three inches on the backside of the camera. With this feature, I can set up the device well before going for a hunt. Unfortunately, the screen is not reversible, making this camera not ideal for self-filming.
I also like the that box includes
- a camera cover
- battery charger
- lithium-ion battery
- neck strap
- lens cap
- charging cables
- and warranty card.
I appreciate not having to buy extra accessories. This has everything I need, right from the get-go, so I can get filming right away.
Conclusion:
I always have my camera rolling whenever I’m out hunting. I recommend the Canon EOS Rebel T6 to beginners because this camera is
- affordable,
- easy to learn,
- has awesome image quality,
- and enough features to capture the heart-pounding moments of a hunt.
Best Action Camera for Hunting – GoPro Hero 9
Action cameras can capture cool, dynamic footage. Regarding action cameras for hunting adventures, what could beat the GoPro Hero 9? This phenomenal action camera gives viewers an up-close-and-personal perspective of your hunt.
What makes this model a cut above other action cameras is its stabilization. It comes with built-in horizon leveling, so no matter how much I move, the image stays steady.
On a similar note, slow-motion video capture is a dream.
Is there anything more thrilling than the sight of your prey in flight? With the image slowed down, you can truly appreciate the beauty of the moment.
I love the timewarp feature for hyperspeed videos. I use the timewarp for compilations.
One more feature I love about this camera is its waterproof. If I wade into a river or run through a stream, I know the camera will be just fine.
This high-quality video camera features a screen on the front and back. You can make sure you’re picture-perfect throughout the recording and quickly switch camera viewpoints as needed.
I appreciate the schedule capture feature. With this setting, I can set a timer for the camera to start recording videos at a specific time, even if my attention is elsewhere.
I also find advantageous about this camera is it’s compatible with hundreds of GoPro accessories, so I can mount it on a helmet, bike, or tripod conveniently.
For those mounting this camera on themselves, the stabilization features deliver smooth footage even on the roughest terrains, making things convenient for you.
Conclusion:
Action cameras are great for hunting filming. I recommend the GoPro Hero 9 to anyone looking for a portable, compact, and durable action camera that delivers professional quality footage.
Best Video Camcorders for Filming Hunts: Panasonic HC-X2000
Camcorders often make better videos than cameras. Coming with several user-friendly features, the Panasonic HC-X2000 is the best video camcorder for filming hunts. It has 5-axis HYBRID image stabilization features – both electronic and optical image stabilization in the lens, high-quality audio and video, super slow-motion recording and high-speed auto-focus.
Anyone involved in high-speed chases or looking to capture moving targets on film will be impressed with the optical zoom features and auto-focus settings. You get 24 times optical zoom for incredible detail up close, which makes taking hunting videos conveniently.
One of my favorite features of the Panasonic HC-X2000 is the built-in LED light. Instead of relying on low-light performance, this camera provides illumination to capture footage on the darkest of nights.
While I don’t use this feature while hunting, I love it for night snaps of my trophies. There’s nothing like being able to pose your hunt immediately, day or night.
This impressive camera for filming hunts has a four-hour battery lifespan. Should you lose juice mid-hunt, you can easily replace the batteries and continue filming. The camera features a lithium-ion battery upon arrival.
I love that the Panasonic HC-X2000 has a detachable handle. This removes some of the bulk of the ~6 lbs camera and also works as a remote control when unattached.
The Panasonic HC-X2000 measures 12.79 by 11.1 by 8.46 inches. It’s bigger than many other models featured on this list. With this size and weight, I can shoot steady and stable videos while hunting.
However, some filmers find the size and weight of this camera a tad too bulky, especially for overnight hunts when having other gear to carry.
Conclusion:
At ~$2,000, the Panasonic HC-X2000 is the best video camcorder for serious video and hunting enthusiasts. If you need a camera with impressive zoom features without the need for additional lenses, as well as unmatched stabilization features, this is right for you.
Best Low Light Camera for Hunting: Sony A7S II
Filming night hunts can be challenging and frustrating. It requires a faster shutter speed to capture motion. It’s also harder to find focus in low light. Coming with various camera modes, the Sony A7S II Camera is the best low-light camera for hunting adventures.
One of the best things about this camera is its high-speed autofocus. If I’m hunting something at night, nothing beats this Sony’s high-speed autofocus. I get clear pictures on the fly in low light conditions.
The Sony A7S II Camera focuses in low light conditions with an exposure value (EV) as low as -4. With this feature, this compact DSLR camera is ideal for anyone shooting footage and game in low-light settings.
The next feature I like about this camera is its five-axis stabilization. With that, the footage still comes out smooth and precise when I walk or run.
Plus, this camera is easy to move with! It weighs only 1.38 lbs and measures 9.61 by 6.1 by 5.67 inches.
Since you can’t recapture a kill, you have to get clear footage on the first try. Luckily, the Sony A7S II camera captures high-quality 1080p video resolution, and 1920×1080 high-frame rate for 5x slow motion videos. I know pictures of my kills will be crystal clear, no matter the daylight level.
I was thrilled that this camera has dual SD card slots, allowing me to film over longer periods of time without switching cards. I feel relieved and reassured because my hunting footage is safe and secure.
Another feature I appreciate about this camera is the silent shooting mode. This feature works by turning shutter sounds off. Thanks to it, I am able to record my videos when close to the prey without disturbing it.
The Sony A7S II camera features all the accessories and parts needed to get started.
You’ll find accessories like a shoulder strap, body cap, accessory shoe cap, necessary cables, AC adapter, charger, and one rechargeable lithium-ion battery. It’s got everything I need from the moment I purchased, which makes taking photos convenient.
I especially love the shoulder strap, which keeps my camera secure on the move.
On the downside, I found the sound quality a bit tinny. The mid-range frequencies and the bass frequencies are not well represented, so buy this camera if sound quality isn’t important to you.
Conclusion:
This camera is perfect for anyone who wants to capture night hunts or the starlit sky at their camp without compromising quality.
Best Hunting Video Camera for Beginners: Sony HDRCX405
Filming hunts allowed me to watch footage and learn from my failures when I was a novice hunter. The Sony HDRCX405 is the best hunting video camera for beginners. This easy-to-use camcorder-style video camera is affordable, lightweight, and delivers stellar video resolution.
One thing I love most about this camera is the noise reduction feature. This keeps my movies with clear sound, no matter the background.
Another aspect I love about this camera is the features are simple to navigate from the 2.7-inch LCD screen, the 30x to 60x optical zoom options leave little to be desired, and the autofocus features help capture crisp images.
The Optical SteadyShot image stabilization guarantees smooth video footage even when you hunt a wild boar.
One more feature I love about this camera is the full HD CMOS Sensor that’ll produce natural color for my hunting videos.
I also loved using this camera because it’s lightweight. It weighs 1.19 lbs and measures 5 by 2.1 by 2.3 inches, making it easy to hold and easy to pack.
The Sony HDRCX405 is battery-operated and comes with one lithium-ion battery in the box, enough to capture hunting videos for as long as 1.5 hours.
The only downside to this awesome camera is that the audio quality could be improved, and there’s no feature to hook up an external mic.
Conclusion:
Failure was a majority and success was a minority when I just started filming hunting. After using this as my beginner camera for months, I recommend the Sony HDRCX405 to those just starting out for all the reasons that I loved it.
Best Hunting Camera for Professionals: Canon EOS 6D
Many professional hunters use cameras to share their knowledge and techniques with others. The Canon EOS 6D is the best hunting camera for professionals.
This high-quality DSLR camera supports other lenses, captures high-resolution footage, and features auto or manual focus settings – It has everything you need to film outdoors, and in fact, many hunting shows are filmed with it.
The professional-grade footage that this camera captures, paired with an affordable price tag, making it one of the best professional cameras for filming hunts.
At the time of its release, the Canon EOS 6D was the lightest camera of its kind. Weighing only 1.7 lbs and measuring 5.71 by 2.8 by 4.37 inches, this professional camera is effortless to carry with you on a hunt.
I love the 20.2-megapixel optical sensor resolution and full HD video recording. With 11 auto-focus features as well as manual focusing, I capture clear images and amazing videos that are instantly shareable.
The box includes a camera cover, battery pack, battery charger, neck strap, USB cables, and a one-year limited warranty. What I like most is the warranty. It gives me a bit of peace of mind. If something happens on the hunt, I know I can get it fixed.
One downside to the Canon EOS 6D to keep in mind is that it doesn’t have much in terms of image stabilization features.
Not having stabilization features is fine for hunters who prefer to settle in and wait for the moment as opposed to active hunters who stalk their prey.
Conclusion:
Canon EOS 6D is the best valuable hunting camera for professionals. I recommend the Canon EOS 6D to anyone looking for a durable camera that delivers professional-grade, high-resolution footage.
Four Types of Cameras For Filming Hunting
While you have endless options of cameras to shoot an exhilarating hunt from, I recommend the four main types of cameras to take out on your next excursion.
Camcorder
A camcorder is a type of camera made for filming personal videos. Camcorders typically have flip-out screens so that videographers can see live footage of what they’re filming, ensuring they’re getting the shot.
What I love about using a camcorder for hunting is that they’re super easy to use. Camcorders are great beginner cameras because they have intuitive features like
- auto-focus
- facial recognition
- WiFi connectivity for easy uploading
Camcorders are versatile in the field because
- they’re compact
- easy to carry
- have adequate to exceptional low-light performance
- have electronic or optical image stabilization features to capture crisp and clean shots
Camcorders are awesome for filming hunts because they have noteworthy optical zoom ranges without you needing to lug around additional lenses through the bush.
However, some videographers prefer not to use camcorders because they are less durable than action cameras and often don’t support additional lenses.
DSLR
A DSLR, a digital single-lens reflex camera, is a professional-style camera used by videographers and photographers alike.
Many people ignore the fact that a DSLR camera can take amazing videos. A DSLR camera is, in my opinion, the best camera for filming hunts because DSLR cameras will give you the best video quality of all camera types.
Another feature that sets a DSLR above other camera types is DSLR cameras have interchangeable lenses. Different lenses cater to different types of shots, so you can customize the lens to the moment.
DSLR cameras also include microphone jacks for superior audio quality and low-light shooting features to capture a hunt in any kind of light. These cameras also have long battery lives.
Some downsides to keep in mind about DSLR cameras are that they are somewhat tricky to learn, expensive, and sometimes bulky, especially with additional lenses.
Action Camera
Action cameras, like a GoPro camera, are another type of camera I recommend for filming a hunt. They are perfect for self-filming and getting a personal perspective of a hunt.
What I especially love about action cameras is how small and lightweight they are. Plus, these types of cameras are extremely durable and waterproof so you can take them with you on rugged terrain.
Some downsides to using action cameras to film a hunt are that they usually have limited or no zoom features, only use a wide-angle lens, and audio is so-so compared to other camera types.
Live Streaming Cameras
Live streaming camera are used for streaming live video over the internet. These cameras allow you to broadcast events in real-time, which is ideal for streaming hunting.
When streaming hunting, you can mount your live streaming camera on a helmet, a tripod, a chest mount or other smooth surfaces. With these, you can record multiple angles and viewpoints, and be more creative with footage when sharing hunting with the audience.
9 Things To Consider When Buying Video Cameras for Hunting
Before spending your hard-earned cash on amazing cameras for hunting, consider these nine things. The below tips will ensure you’re spending money wisely on the right features.
1. Your Budget
Cameras range drastically in price from around $100 to several thousand dollars. Therefore, your budget is an important thing to consider before investing in a video camera for filming outdoor experiences.
Your budget will affect everything mentioned below, from which type of camera you can buy to how long the battery lasts.
2. Camera Types
Consider which type of camera works best for you. Basically, these are the four types of hunting video cameras:
- DSLR Video Cameras
- Camcorders
- Action Cameras
- Live Streaming Cameras
DSLR video cameras have a larger learning curve to get the hang of but produce high-quality productions with crisp and clear video and audio.
Camcorders are traditional video cameras that are easy-to-use and great for beginner and advanced videographers. Meanwhile, an action camera is virtually hands-free and perfect for self-filming. Live streaming cameras are video cameras capable of recording streaming live video to the web.
Of course, everyone has a different preference for which camera type they use based on
- how it feels in their hands while filming
- ease of use
- and affordability
3. Compact, Light, and Easy To Carry
If you plan to bring a camera along with you on your next hunt, you’ll be glad if it’s lightweight, compact, and easy to carry.
On the other hand, if you want to get a range of amazing shots with different lenses, you’ll need to consider the additional bulk for each individual lens.
In my experience, the extra weight is worth it when you get the shot (and the shot of the shot).
4. Video Resolution
Capturing footage of a hunt requires a camera with great video resolution.
Full HD video is the standard for high-quality resolution with crisp and clear images and colors. Full HD video is 1920 pixels across by 1080 pixels. Plus, full HD is also good for video editing.
5. Good Low-Light Performance
Cameras need light to capture quality images, so low-light performance indicates the minimum light levels needed to snap a photo or video.
If you predominantly hunt during the day, this feature is less necessary than those who hunt before the sun rises or after it sets.
6. Audio Quality
You don’t want just to capture video/image, you want to capture the experience, and good audio helps immerse viewers into the scene.
If you plan to only show video footage and overlay another audio source for the video, then good audio quality is a feature you might consider sacrificing for other features. However, if you want to capture all the nature sounds, adding an external mic is highly recommended.
7. Good Image Stabilization
Image stabilization is an important feature to have on your hunting video camera. Why? Because cameras for filming hunts need to have good image stabilization to minimize blurriness during a high-action scene with a lot of movement.
8. Excellent Manual Focus
Manual focus is essential for filming hunting activities. Instead of relying on auto-focus, manual focus lets you control the focal point of the lens.
While auto-focus is useful for portrait photography, it often produces blurry footage. It isn’t quite as quick as a manual focus while shooting fast-moving animals.
9. Battery Life
There’s nothing quite as disappointing as tracking prey all day only to have your camera battery die right before the bullseye.
Long battery life is a worthwhile investment when buying a great camera for filming a hunt. There’s no point taking the camera along if it’s not going to work when you need it.
Another thing to consider before buying a video camera is the option to purchase spare batteries to replace the dead ones as needed.
Conclusion
Investing in the proper camera to record hunting experience has many benefits. Many cameras can do that, but you need one to fit your needs and requirements.
Now you know everything about the top 10 cameras for filming hunts, you’re ready to hit record on your next epic shot.
The best camera for the job is the Canon VIXIA HF G50.
With this professional-grade camera, you’ll shoot footage that’s good enough to go viral and give you tips on how to improve your shot. With all the features needed to capture the moment, this camera is for beginners and advanced filmers alike.
Purchase one of the best cameras for filming a hunt today so you can enjoy showing others your perspective, improve your techniques, and maybe become an internet sensation.
