The best video cameras for hunting will have a few key features. Although your video style and budget will be a big factor in what camera will work best for you, some cameras have the upper hand. Here is a list of the best video cameras that are great for all hunters at different price points.
To be honest, I’ve tried video cameras under the 500$ price point and they just don’t seem to be up to the task for hunting scenarios (except for action cameras which I love). In this post, I recommended cameras at about the 1000$+ price range because I want you to be happy with the cameras that you purchase for hunting.
It is at this price point that video cameras seem to become worth their money. Video cameras in lower price ranges are just disappointing, at least in my experience and from my research.
I am not affiliated with any of these camera companies. These are the cameras I’ve personally owned and tried or debated buying in my journey for finding the best video camera for hunting.
This post contains Amazon and other affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Of course, you are not obligated to use my links, but it does help fund these posts in hopes of bringing more value to you!
Table of Contents
Best Camcorders For Filming Hunts (Sorted By Price)
Below are what I would consider some of the best camcorders for hunting. The Sony AX53 is a great budget option, the Sony AX100 is a great intermediate camcorder, the Sony NX80, and Sony Z90 are great prosumer models.
Sony AX53 4K Camcorder – Best Budget Hunting Video Camera
The Sony AX53 camcorder is a great option for those looking for a budget option. Although coming in at around 1000$, it is well worth the money for the features it offers. For simplicity and price, this is a great choice. The 5-axis image stabilization keeps footage looking much smoother.
Sony AX53 Pros
- Lightweight and Compact
- Good Value For The Money
- 5-Axis Stabilization | Steady-shot
- Has night shot IR
- Remote control with a phone
- 20x Optical Zoom (f=26.8-536.0 mm (16:9) f=32.8-656.0 mm (4:3))
- 4K Resolution
- Approx. 1 lb 2.9 oz, Approx. 535 g
Sony AX53 Cons
- Small sensor size – low light isn’t as good
- Fewer buttons for quick manual changes
- External battery exposed
- Does not have 120fps slow motion
Sony AX100 4K Camcorder – Best Beginner Hunting Video Camera
The Sony AX100 camcorder is a great option for bowhunters that are recording from a treestand. The larger sensor (1″) makes this camera better in low-light situations than the AX53. However, this camera does not have as good image stabilization, but that doesn’t matter as much when your camera is fixed to a camera arm.
Sony AX100 Pros
- Large sensor size (1″) – Good in Low-Light
- Lightweight and Compact
- 12x Optical Zoom (f=29.0-348.0 mm (16:9), f=35.5-426.0 mm (4:3))
- Good Value For The Money
- Has night shot IR
- Remote control with a phone
- 4K Resolution
- More buttons for quick manual changes
- Approx.1 lb 11 oz, Approx. 790 g
Sony AX100 Cons
- External battery exposed
- Does not have 120 fps slow motion
- Optical SteadyShot only in certain modes
Sony NX80 4K Camcorder – Best Value Hunting Video Camera
The Sony NX80 camcorder is the next step up. It has a 1″ sensor like the AX100 so it is good in low light, but also has decent image stabilization. This camcorder would be a good option for anything from running and gunning to stand hunting.
Sony NX80 Pros
- Large sensor size (1″) – Good in Low-Light
- Lightweight and Compact (Approx. 2 lb 1.7 oz)
- 12x Optical Zoom (f=29.0-348.0 mm (16:9), f=32.8 – 393.6mm (4:3))
- 18x Clear Image Zoom
- Has night shot IR
- Remote control with a phone
- 4K Resolution
- More buttons for quick manual changes
- Has 120 fps HD Slow Motion
- Optical Steadyshot
- Easy Manual Adjustments
Sony NX80 Cons
- External battery exposed
-
Approx. 2lb 14.6oz (with lens hood, handle, eyecup, NP-FV70A battery)
Sony Z90V 4K HD Compact Camcorder
The Sony Z90V is similar to the NX80. It has a 1″ sensor so it is good in low light, but also has decent image stabilization. The Z90 would be a good option for anything from running and gunning to stand hunting.
Sony Z90V Pros
- Large sensor size (1″) – Good in Low-Light
- Lightweight and Compact
- 12x Optical Zoom (f=29.0-348.0 mm (16:9), f=35.5-426.0 mm (4:3))
- 18x Clear Image Zoom
- Good Value For The Money
- Has night shot IR
- Remote control with a phone
- 4K Resolution
- Has 120 fps slow motion
- More buttons for quick manual changes
- Approx.1 lb 11 oz, Approx. 790 g
Sony Z90V Cons
- External battery exposed
- Expensive
- Heavier than previously mentioned models (Approx. 3lb 1oz with lens hood, handle, eyecup, NP-FV70A battery)
Best DSLR/Mirrorless Cameras For Hunting (Sorted By Price)
DSLR/Mirrorless make great video cameras for hunting because of their larger sensor sizes, replaceable lenses, and customizability.
Panasonic GH5 – Best Stabilized Hunting Video Camera
The Panasonic GH5 is one of the best video cameras for hunting, especially for running and gunning style shooting because it has very good image stabilization. The image stabilization on this camera is one of the best, if not the best in a mirrorless camera.
Panasonic GH5 Pros
- Good in low-light – Larger sensor size than camcorders (Micro 4/3’s)
- Micro 4/3 camera lenses are less expensive than full-frame
- Very good image stabilization because of small sensor
- Has 180 fps slow motion in HD
- Customizable
- Lightweight and Compact
- Replaceable Lenses
- Good Value Mirrorless Camera For The Money
- Remote control with a phone
- 4K Resolution
- Approx. 1.6 lbs without lens
Panasonic GH5 Cons
- Small sensor size for a mirrorless camera
- Need to buy add-ons (like audio, lenses, ND filters…etc)
- Low-light performance is not as good as a full-frame camera
- Need to buy a dummy battery in order to charge with a power bank
Sony A7iii – Best Value Mirrorless Hunting Video Camera
The Sony A7iii is the best all-around video camera for hunting. It is a full-frame camera which is the best for low-light and has many custom settings for quick camera setting changes, which is important when running and gunning. It is also a fantastic camera for photos as well because it takes 24 mp photos.
Sony A7iii Pros
- Full frame sensor – very good in low-light
- Has image stabilization
- Has 120 fps slow motion in HD
- Highly Customizable w/ custom buttons
- Lightweight and Compact
- Replaceable Lenses
- Good Value Mirrorless Camera For The Money
- Remote control with a phone
- 4K Resolution
- Approx. 1.43 lbs without lens
- Can charge camera directly with a power bank
Sony A7iii Cons
- Full-frame lenses are more expensive
- Need to buy add-ons (like audio, lenses, ND filters…etc)
- Image stabilization is okay, but not as good as GH5
Sony A7iii Example Hunting Footage:
Sony Alpha 7 IV – All-Around Hunting Video Camera
The Sony A7IV is one of the best Sony video cameras for hunting and is an upgrade from the older Sony A7iii. If you’re looking for the best all-around camera for both video and still photography, this is the camera. Upgrades from the A7iii include:
- The A7IV can shoot in 4K 60 fps
- A7IV supports 10 bit 4:2:2 internal
- Upgraded resolution of 33 megapixels from 24 (on a7iii)
- Has a faster processor for snappy useability
- 30% better autofocus (and animal autofocus)
- And no overheating (which the A7iii will do when used a lot)
Sony Alpha 7Siii – Best Low-Light Hunting Video Camera
The “S” in the A7Siii means it is more geared toward videography. The video capabilities of this camera are outstanding, the “S” series of cameras have been well-known for their low-light performance.
The A7Sii was one of the best low-light cameras for many years. The A7Siii takes low-light performance up another notch (along with many other things). For hunters, this is very important because most of the time the action is within the first or last 30 minutes of shooting light. A good low-light will drastically increase usable hunting footage and reduce frustration. The Sony A7Siii has no problem seeing animals in those first or last minutes of shooting light when paired with the right lens.
This camera does not have a lot of megapixels for still photography because the reduction in megapixels actually helps it gather more light, which is one of the main reasons this camera does so well in low-light with video.
Best Action Cameras For Hunting (Sorted By Price)
Action cameras are just mini camcorders, they are excellent options for beginner hunters looking to do some filming. Today action cameras have amazing stabilization and very high resolutions meaning making them very versatile. You can crop in on the high resolutions, and because they are so stabilized you can still see animals clearly even with excess movement.
When you’re first starting out you might not need anything more than an action camera or two to capture good quality video. The biggest downfall for hunters is that action cameras are not good in low-light.
GoPro Hero 9 – 5K Action Camera
GoPro Hero 9 Pros
- Extremely Lightweight and Compact (5.6 oz)
- Amazing image stabilization
- Durable and weatherproof
- Over 2x Zoom from 4k to 1080p by cropping in post
- Good Value For The Money
- Remote control with a phone
- 5K Resolution
- Has 240 fps slow motion in 1080p
GoPro Hero 9 Cons
- Small 1/2.3″ sensor size – poor in low light
- Batteries don’t last long
- The audio is pretty good, but not great
GoPro Hero 10 Black – Best Secondary Angle Video Camera
The new GoPro’s are fantastic for capturing hunts on film. They are one of the greatest cameras for hunters looking to get into filming hunts. The new internal computerized gimbal-like stabilization makes the footage look buttery smooth even with excessive movement. Not only do they have great stabilization but they also have 5K+ video, slow motion, and much more. The GoPro Hero 10 black has 5.2k video, 20 MP photos, a FAST brand new processor (finally), and also has insane stabilization.
GoPro Hunting Example Footage:
Sony FDR X3000 – 4k Action Camera
Sony FDR X3000 Pros
- Extremely Lightweight and Compact (4.1 oz)
- Has optical SteadyShot with active mode for image stabilization
- Different ergonomically than GoPro which can have advantages for hunters
- Durable and weatherproof with case
- 2x Zoom from 4k to 1080p by cropping in post
- Good Value For The Money
- Remote control with a phone
- 4K Resolution
- Has 120 fps slow motion in 1080p
Sony FDR X3000 Cons
- Small 1/2.5″ sensor size – poor in low light
- Batteries don’t last long
- The audio is pretty good, but not great
Best Drones For Filming Hunts (Sorted By Price)
These drones are excellent choices for hunters because they are lower profile which makes them pack easier. As a hunter, I appreciate the portability of these drones in addition to their excellent video quality.
DJI Mavic Mini 2 – Most Mobile Drone For Hunting
The DJI Mavic mini-series are the smallest drones that pack the most punch for their size. They offer a lot of great features while still maintaining a small size and profile.
DJI Mavic Mini 2 Pros
- Lightweight (86.2g), low-profile, compactÂ
- 4k Resolution
- GPS
- OcuSync 2.0
- 31 minutes of flight time
- 3-axis gimbal stabilization
DJI Mavic Mini 2 Cons
- Small 1/2.3″ CMOS sensor size (not great in low light)
- Does not have 120p slow motion
- No follow modes or cinematic modes
- Does not have crash avoidance sensorsÂ
DJI Mavic Air 2s – Best Value Drone For Hunting
The DJI Mavic Air 2s is a step up from the Mavic Mini 2. The specs of this drone are better in almost every way except for size. The Mavic Air 2s is larger but is still very compact.
DJI Mavic Air 2s Pros
- Lightweight (198g), low-profile, compactÂ
- 1″ CMOS sensor – good in low light situations
- 5.4k Resolution
- GPS
- OcuSync 2.0
- 31 minutes of flight time
- 3-axis gimbal stabilization
- 120 fps slow motion
- Some cinematic and follow modes
- Has some crash avoidance sensors
DJI Mavic Air 2s Cons
- Larger than the DJI Mavic Mini 2
DJI Mavic 2 Pro – Most Cinematic Drone For Hunting
This drone is technically a better drone in DJI’s tier system. However, DJI recently came out with the DJI Mavic Air 2s so the technology is better in this cheaper and low-their model currently.
This means that DJI must be about ready to release a new version of the DJI Mavic 2 Pro. At the time of this posting, it makes more sense to buy in Mavic Air 2s because its specs are better overall for less money.
DJI Mavic 2 Pro Pros
- Lightweight (297g), low-profile, compactÂ
- 1″ CMOS sensor – good in low light situations
- 4k Resolution
- GPS
- OcuSync 2.0
- 31 minutes of flight time
- 3-axis gimbal stabilization
- 120 fps slow motion
- More cinematic and follow modes
- More crash avoidance sensors
DJI Mavic 2 Pro Cons
- Larger than Mavic Mini 2 and Mavic Air 2s
- Currently, the Mavic Air 2s is a better drone for the price
Conclusion
There you have it, these are the best video cameras for hunting in 2023. I spend a lot of time researching camera gear because I absolutely love cameras and gear.
I personally own or have used a lot of this gear in this post, and the gear I don’t own I wish I did own. Hopefully, you have a better idea of the best cameras for hunting currently on the market so you can make the best purchasing choice for your style of hunting and filming. Â
