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Hello All,
For many years now I have been keen on the idea of using a video camcorder
as an alternative to film cameras for recording the birds I see.
Ten years ago I made my first foray into this field with a Sharp
VL-S860X.
I chose (or was advised to choose) this camcorder because it recorded in
S-VHS-C format (supposedly significantly higher resolution than VHS-C) and it
had a 12x zoom lens, the most powerful zoom on any 'consumer' camcorder on the
market at the time.
However, the results were extremely disappointing.
The resolution achieved was very 'average' under anything other than
perfect conditions while the zoom lens was nowhere near powerful enough for my
purpose.
Overall, my experience with this camera was enough to put me off the idea
of using video camcorders to record bird images.
On the point of zoom lens ranges, most manufactures promote the zoom range
with a number such as 20x to indicate the maximum power.
However this figure is a little misleading. It indicates the ratio of the
maximum zoom compared to the minimum setting.
The resulting power of the zoom is actually based on the construction of
the lens.
Some lenses 'start' their zoom from a very wide angle and end up at a
moderate zoom setting while other lenses start at a less wide setting and
therefore end up at a higher zoom setting.
Calculating this can be a little tricky but a good video camera sales
person (I have met a couple) should be able to calculate this for you in 35mm
film camera terms. This conversion information can sometimes be found in the
user manual.
Recent postings on Birding-Aus have regenerated my interest in camcorders
and the other day I took delivery of a Sony DCR-TRV320E Digital 8 unit.
The main reasons I chose this model are:
- it is a true digital format camcorder even though it uses 8mm tape and
not the so-called mini-DV tape;
- it has probably the most powerful zoom lens of any of the current
'consumer' digital camcorders on the market, up to 1200mm optical in 35mm
terms;
- it is a lot cheaper than most of the mini-digital-video camcorders on the
market;
- all of the reviews (at least 4) that I have read give the range of Sony
D8 camcorders a good to very good rating;
- the resolution achieved under test has been reported to be at least equal
to most of the 'consumer' digital camcorders on the market;
- this model has a removable 'Memory Stick' (a mini floppy disc about the
size of a stick of chewing gum) for recording still shots;
- the highest grade 8mm tape (HSE) appears to be exactly the same tape as
is used in the smaller mini-digital cassettes and is somewhat cheaper.
So far I have been able to open the box, remove the camcorder, charge and
install the battery.
I have found the viewfinder and the LCD screen and now I am reading the
manual (a desperate move, I know) and exploring all the buttons and knobs.
It is my intention to eventually (as soon as possible, actually) add a
page to my web-site with more details on using this camcorder for birding along
with examples of what the camcorder can achieve. Unfortunately, limitations on
the web-site space I have available will mean there will only be 'still' shots
taken from the video and the Memory Stick and not actual video.
If anyone is considering the idea of a video camera for birding they may
like to wait a couple of weeks to see what I come up with.
The Sony D8 cameras appear to be a popular choice generally as they are in
short supply at the moment.
However, digital camcorders are like PCs, new models are coming on to the
market every week.
Choosing a model suitable for a specific purpose can be daunting and
frustrating.
Note: I have no personal or business connection with the Sony Corporation
or any other company that manufactures or markets Sony products or any other
product I may mention in this context.
The opinions I express in this context are entirely my own unless otherwise
stated and do not represent an endorsement of any product mentioned.
Other people's experiences and opinions may vary from my own.
The information and opinions I express are simply provided for interest and
entertainment only.
I cannot accept responsibility for any misfortune, misadventure, loss or
damage that may occur to other people or their property as a result of
acting on opinions or results I may state.
Here's to good video-birding,
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