Hi. I'm looking for a camcorder to take with me on an upcoming trip to Africa. I'll mainly being taking video of animals from fairly far away. As a result, I'm looking for a compact camera with a large zoom and am looking to spend under $500. Any recommendations?

Check this out - animals video' with an HV30.

http://vimeo.com/717956

Keep in mind it won't look that good straight from the camera - the guy's a professional w/ post processing.

It's also cropped to 2.39:1, to make it look like film, and he used a tripod.

Check this out - animals video' with an HV30.

http://vimeo.com/717956

Keep in mind it won't look that good straight from the camera - the guy's a professional w/ post processing.

It's also cropped to 2.39:1, to make it look like film, and he used a tripod.

VarmintCong: Great video, but the one you listed is shot at a Zoo, which is going to be much different then when on a Safari. He also shot it with a HV20(I own one) very similar to the HV30(tape based). The processing he is using is Final Cut Express, I use this and Final Cut Pro as well. I am going off the link you have posted, so not sure if it is the same one..

For the OP, just remember when shooting with tape in hot/cold climates let your camcorder adjust to heat variations before you start shooting and when your done remove the tape and put it in a safe place.

VarmintCong: Great video, but the one you listed is shot at a Zoo, which is going to be much different then when on a Safari. He also shot it with a HV20(I own one) very similar to the HV30(tape based). The processing he is using is Final Cut Express, I use this and Final Cut Pro as well. I am going off the link you have posted, so not sure if it is the same one..

For the OP, just remember when shooting with tape in hot/cold climates let your camcorder adjust to heat variations before you start shooting and when your done remove the tape and put it in a safe place.

I'm sure, no worries about being eaten at the zoo.

OP, are you taking a PC with you? If not you'll want a tape based camcorder.

I'll be taking either an SR11 or SR12 to Africa on a photo safari in a few months. I'm not sure where in Africa the OP is headed, or for how long, so I wouldn't know how close my situation is to his/hers.

Based on my previous photo safaris (Botswana, Kenya, South Africa), I am very happy with the 12x zoom that the SR11/12 provides. I'd want a longer lens if I were especially interested in bird shots. However, you can and do get surprisingly close to many animals, and the terrain in many areas often prevents you from getting long, clear shots where a serious telephot would be needed. An exception might be in an area like the Masai Mara in Kenya, which has many flat, treeless areas.

An especially important feature is good optical stabilization. You likely won't be able to use a tripod often (or at all), so you'll be doing lots of handheld, zoom shooting. Also, look for units where you can use long-life batteries. Find out about recharging capabilities at the lodges or camps where you'll be staying, then figure out your battery needs from that.

One the great features of the SR11/12 for safari shoots is the large LCD, which makes reviewing the day's activities easier and more fun than on smaller LCD units.