Some microphones will come wired for "Dual-mono." This simply means that the microphone is built with a stereo connector, but it sends the same exact audio signal to both channels equally. If you purchased a microphone that is wired for dual-mono, then you have the freedom to use either the recording settings for "Stereo", or the recording settings for "Mono". 

Handheld Recorders In The Field

We at Campbell Cameras understand how the money that you invest in good video equipment can rack up real fast. If you are looking to mic up the cameraman and the hunter that will require dual channel wireless microphones that start around $700. Not to mention that if you have wireless microphones hooked to your camcorder, it will turn off the on-board microphone (except the Canon XHA1-s), that means you will have to buy a shotgun microphone to pick up the ambient noise. We have come up with a cost-effective audio solutions for those who are looking to mic up more hunters, spot & stalk hunters, waterfowl hunters, and any other situations that separate the cameraman and hunter. The solution is Professional Quality Handheld Audio Recorders starting at $86.

So how do you transform these handheld audio recorders into something that you can use? The Gorillapod.

Gorillapod Original with the Tascam DR-05

The Gorillapod has flexible, wrappable legs allow you to secure your portable handheld recorder, compact digital camera or mini video camera to virtually any surface.

TASCAM’s DR-05 brings high-quality stereo recording to an easy-to-use portable powerhouse with a size and price that anyone can handle. The DR-05 records in MP3 or WAV format – including 96kHz/24-bit high-resolution audio – to microSD or microSDHC media. A pair of all-new microphones handles up to 125dB SPL with the sensitivity to capture every detail. With new recording features like Peak Reduction and Quick Menu, the DR-05 puts film-quality recording in the palm of your hand.

What You can do with the Tascam DR-05:
• Attach it to a Gorillapod and use it as a mini tripod or wrap it around a tree limb to capture audio.
• Attach it to the shoe of your video camera or DSLR
• Add another microphone via the mini plug port. This includes adding a wireless microphone.
Example: Hunter and Cameraman are in different tree stands. You can capture the audio from the video camera and cameraman via the camcorder's microphone. Set the Tascam DR-05 on a Gorillapod around a tree limb, add the external wireless microphone and you can capture the audio of the hunter without being connected to the cameraman.



Tascam DR-07MKII 2-Channel Price $149.00

TASCAM’s DR-07mkII improves on one of the best-selling portable recorders ever with adjustable microphones, clear sound quality and a great new design. The stereo recorder features a pair of adjustable condenser microphones. The built-in cardioid pattern mics can be moved from an XY position, for tight imaging, to an AB position, for a wider ambient sound. Choose the best sound depending on the source and environment.
What you can do with the Tascam DR-07MKII:

Tascam DR-40 4-Track Price: $199.99
The adjustable mics, four-track recording and extended battery life of the TASCAM DR-40 give you the flexibility you need to record tracks anywhere.
The DR-40 captures up to four tracks from built-in, high-quality condenser microphones, XLR mic or line inputs. The internal mics are adjustable from XY to AB position, helping you to tailor your recording to the sound of the room. A pair of great-sounding TASCAM microphone preamps welcome condenser microphones with phantom power, recording at up to 96kHz/24-bit resolution. It accommodates balanced XLR or 1/4" line inputs using locking Neutrik Combo jacks. The DR-40 accepts SD or SDHC cards up to 32GB, and a 2GB card is included.
Once recorded, play back your takes with EQ and the optional Level Align feature to avoid volume jumps. A stereo reverb effect is also built-in, as well as a speaker and chromatic tuner. Transfer recordings to computer using the USB 2.0 jack. Other features include overdub mode, variable speed playback, limiting and low cut filter, and much more – all with TASCAM’s simple-to-use interface. No other recorder makes home or live recording as simple as the TASCAM DR-40.

Tascam DR-100MKII 2 Channel Linear Price: $329.99

The rugged TASCAM DR-100mkII offers high-end recording features to outdoor videographers who demand more from their portable recorder. It features four built-in microphones, two cardioid and two omnidirectional, for great sounding recordings. A pair of XLR microphone inputs with phantom power welcomes pro-grade condenser microphones, and line in and out connectors are also provided. The markII version adds balanced line ins, S/PDIF digital inputs, locking connectors and more.

Adding a Shotgun Microphone to a GoPro HD HERO2


One improvement that they have made with the GoPro HD HERO2 is that it has a mini plug port that allows you to add an external microphone (while using the skeleton casing). We are getting a lot of questions about how to mount a shotgun microphone with the GoPro HD Hero2.











Step By Step Instructions:

1) Attach a GoPro Tripod Mount to the bottom of the Wrap Around Mount.

2. Then attach a Shock Mount for your Shotgun Microphone, or a shogun microphone that already has a mount included. For this example we used the Audio Technica Pro-24 Shotgun Microphone

3) Connect the Shotgun Microphone to the GoPro HD Hero2 using the GoPro HD Hero2 Skeleton case and connecting it to the mini plug port.

Before you buy a camera it is important to determine what type of filming you will be doing and to determine the audio that you will need. If you would like to record the voice of the hunter then wireless microphones are what you need. If you would like to capture the ambiance of the the area that you are filming then a shotgun microphone, which is a microphone that sits on top of the camera and extends the reach of the internal microphone, is recommended for you. If you are looking at using both wireless mics and a shotgun microphone then you must look for a camera that has XLR ports which allow you to use both of these at the same time. There are Beachtek Audio Adaptres to use with cameras that don’t have the XLR port options but it is important to decide if this is what you want to do before you buy your camera.

Get No Payments + No Interest if paid in full within 6 months on purchases of $99 or more with Bill Me Later.

Campbell Cameras is pleased to announce a new Financing Plan through PayPal- Bill Me Later®.  If you are pre-approved for Bill Me Later, you can checkout with PayPal and choose Bill Me Later. If you do not see the option for Bill Me Later you will need to do the following steps to be approved for Bill Me Later service.

How to apply for Bill Me Later:

1) Go to www.billmelater.com

2) Click on "Account"

3) Click on "Need an Account"

4) Go through the application process, you will be asked to sign into your PayPal Account or create a PayPal account.

5) If approved, you should see the option for "Bill Me Later" on your PayPal Checkout

What is Bill Me Later?

Here's what you'll want to know:

Click here to view the Bill Me Later Terms and Conditions.

If you do not see the Bill Me Later Option under PayPal, it means that you are not "pre-qualified" for the Bill Me Later Service. You can apply for the service by going to www.billmelater.com and applying for an account. If approved, it will be linked with your PayPal account and you will see that option available when you checkout!

After you record your filmed hunt there are different options to do with that film. You can hook up your AV cables that came with your video camera directly to your TV to showcase your footage. Another option is to transfer your footage from your camera to your computer to use to edit the film or burn directly to DVDs. To do this you connect a firewire cable from your camera to your computer. Since most computers do not have a firewire port we here at Campbellcameras.com have created a capture device that allows you to plug into your camera and connect to your computer using a USB port. Once you have downloaded your footage into your film you are now ready to edit it using your favorite editing software. Campbell Cameras has teamed up with the Campbell Outdoor Challenge to bring you the Campbell Outdoor Video Editor, an easy to use editing software specifically designed for the outdoors. This breaks down other editing software into more useful terms and allows for customization specifically designed for outdoorsman. This has over 30 animal sounds and includes different transitions and effects. To learn more about this Campbell Outdoor Challenge Video Editing watch this video:

Products Every Outdoor Videographer Needs


Here are some products that every outdoor videographer needs, but you might not think of or you might not know they exist.


Beachtek DXA-2T Audio Adapter 



The Beachtek DXA-2T is an audio adapter that screws onto the bottom of your handycam and turns your camera's one audio port into two XLR ports. This allows you to run a shotgun microphone and a wireless microphone at the same time, allowing you to get pro-quality audio from your handycam.







Beachtek MultiMount 5D Accessory Bracket

The Beachtek MultiMount 5D Accessory Bracket is essential to the outdoor videographer because it gives you 5 additional shoe mounts than your typical camera. These shoe mounts can be used to mount your shotgun microphone on a shock mount, a handheld audio recorder, a video camera light, wireless microphone, monitor, etc!





Hoodman LCD Hood


 Hoodman provides LCD screen hoods in various sizes (2.5-3", 3.5-4", and 4.5"). LCD screen hoods are important for when you are outside filming on a bright day. When filming in sunny conditions, the glare off of the LCD screen will make it hard to view the footage that you are capturing. The Hoodman LCD screen hoods are a simple and cost-effective way to eliminate that problem.

UV Filters are used to protect your lens against UV Rays that over time can damage your lenses. However, the main reason we suggest using UV filters is for protection for your lens against natural elements, such as scratching or cracking of the lens. Depending on the lens filter size of your camera, the prices range from $9.99-$24. This is A LOT CHEAPER to replace than it would be to replace your camcorders lens. They also do not alter the final outcome of your image. 

Remote Controllers

Remote Controllers are important to the outdoor videographer and hunter because it allows you to control basic functions of the camera with little movement and noise, all at the end of your fluid head handle. Your camcorder must have whats called a LANC port to hook up the LANC remotes. Look up your video camera under the specifications tab and see if it has a LANC input. If you are using a small Canon camera that does not have a LANC port but does have a hot shoe you can use the Canon RA-V1 Remote Adapter that slides into your hot shoe and gives you a LANC port. Does your camera have the AV-R Remote Input? No worries, there is an adapter that goes from AV-R to LANC so that you can use the LANC remotes!

All items purchased will be shipped out the NEXT DAY. If you purchased an item on Tuesday at midnight it will be shipped out on Wednesday. UPS Ground takes 3-5 buisness day (not including the day that the item leaves the store). Below is a map of the USA and the general days it takes to ship to the various regions. This is for reference only and we can not guarantee a delivery unless it is shipped overnight or two-day. All video cameras and purchases over $1,000 will have to be signed for by the customer when UPS drops them off.

In the United States, UPS observes the following holidays:

Memorial Day - May 28, 2012*
Independence Day - July 4, 2012*
Labor Day - September 3, 2012*
Thanksgiving Day - November 22, 2012*
Day after Thanksgiving - November 23, 2012**
Christmas - December 25, 2012*
New Year's Day - January 1, 2013*

The online store is open 24-7. For questions or call-in orders, we are open from 8am to 5pm (Mon-Fri) CST. Campbell Cameras call-in orders are closed on the following holidays: New Years Day, Easter, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas.

Currently we are shipping to the United States and Canada. In the future, we hope to ship more internationally. When shipping an item to Canada, remember there will be the Customs tax on the item. 

DSLR Lighting Techniques from Eve Hazelton from Realm Pictures on Vimeo.


Some different Lights that can be used for this type of set-up includes:

Bescor LED-95K Kit

Smith-Victor KSB-500 Economy Softbox Light Kit

Joby GorillaTorch Blade

Joby GorillaTorch Flare

We would just like to share a video put together by one of our camera school students just this past year. Mike (Shotgun) Mike Stephan , both the video work and the edit are that of a professional! Congrats to you on a job well done!!


 
Kansas from Mike Stephan on Vimeo.

Click here to view feedback from the 2011 school.

Here is a comparison chart of the three models: 

Professional Waterproof Flat Lens Housing for GoPro

Price: $99.00

Eye of Mind permanently attached a flat lens to the GoPro underwater housing to get razor sharp video and stills underwater and on land.

Ideally you would use your existing housing for land and the Professional Flat Lens housing for underwater use to remove the focusing issue of the standard waterproof housing.


Best video setting is 1080p and 720p video with this housing.


There will be NO vignetting at these resolutions at all.
You can also use stills and 960p, but there is a little bit of vignetting at the far corners.
 Focus is from 8" to infinity.
We are selling the COMPLETE housing.
All you do is add camera and start shootn'.


Each and every professional flat lens housing is pressure tested at 200 feet (61 meters) for 1 hour.

Now updated with a black plastic lens protection ring.

Housing works with the LCD screen.  Works with all HD Hero cameras including the 960.

The GoPro housing itself is rated at 180 feet (60 meters), so 200 feet is right on the fringe for this GoPro housing.

These fish were captured using the GoPro HD and the Professional Waterproof Flat Lens Housing:

Marsa Shagra og Marsa Abu Dabbab - Egypten from Søren Mikkelsen on Vimeo.

Here is a video filmed with the NORMAL GoPro Underwater Housing and then filmed using the Professional Flat Lens Housing:



The Professional Flat Lens Housing and GoPro HD was used during Shark Week:


Here are some more stills from using the Professional Flat Lens Housing:

Difference Between GoPro HD Hero and GoPro HD Hero2

*Now supports time-lapse photo every 0.5 seconds. Requires Class 10 speed SD Card

You are able to turn the beeping sound off on all three models. It is done through the “Storyteller” software (or APP for Android/ iPhones) that comes built into the cams.

Once in storyteller go to Tools > Configure Camera > Position 1 > Audio.

When filming in the outdoors there are a lot of obstacles in the way such as tree limbs and therefore using manual focus is recommended. If you use auto focus the camera will focus in on the tree limb in front of the animal instead of the animal itself. If you use manual focus then you have the capabilities to focus in on what you are interested in filming. 

Allmost all of the cameras will have manual focus. The smaller cameras (Canon VIXIA HFS30, Sony HDR-CX560V/700v, Sony HXR-MC50U) all have a manual focus small wheel to the left of the lens. This does allow you to manual control the focus, but it can be difficult to get a precise focus with such a small wheel. The Canon HFG10 and the Canon XA10 (smaller cameras) and all of the professional cameras will give you a manual focus ring that is around the lens and allows you to get more precise focus.

The best hunting typically happens right as the sun rises and sets; therefore, low light capabilities of cameras are very important to hunters. To find the low light rating of video cameras you will look at the LUX rating. The lower the LUX rating the better the camera is in low-light situations. There is no standards in LUX ratings and so you have to know how the brand rates their cameras. Sony rates their LUX ratings as straight out of the box without making any changes to the camera. Whereas Canon’s LUX ratings are the lowest that the camera can possible go with changing different settings. Beware that the film quality goes down and becomes more grainy as you change the settings to bring in more light to the camera.

To determine what camera is right for you the first step is to decide what you will be using your camera for. If using only for personal use to film your hunts and family then any of the small HD cameras are perfect for you. If you are planning on using your camera for film production; including creating dvds or a tv show or for a chance of getting your filmed hunt on a TV show then I would recommend you look for a High-Definition Camera that is a 3 chip sensor. Most TV Networks now require that the main camera in a show has to be a triple sensor camera. 20 minutes of a 60 min show can be from a secondary camera that does not have to be the triple sensor. 

For a camping trip, you are going to want a small camera that is light and easy to carry around. If water will be involved on this camping trip I would suggest taking a look at some of our weatherproof/waterproof cameras.

The only professional camera that is weatherproof is the Sony HXR-NX70U. It meets stringent dustproof and rainproof requirements, making it perfect for outdoor videography. It has 98gb internal memory and an SD/SDHC media card slot to record 1080p HD. It has a 14x optical Sony G lenns and a handle that allows for dual XLR inputs (adding external microphones). 

If you are looking for more of a POV camera that you can turn it on and wear it while hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, river rafting, fishing, etc. than I would recommend the GoPro HD Hero2 camera. It is a small point-of-view camera that records 1080p HD video from your helmet, ATV, chest, kayak, or anywhere else you choose to mount it. Optional mounts can be obtained for even more ways to record your camping trip. The waterproof (up to 180ft) polycarbonate housing also protects the camera from crashes and scratches. Aside from shooting HD video, the HERO2 also captures 11MP digital stills,  photo bursts and time lapses. It is also compatible with the Wi-Fi BacPac™ abd Wi-Fi Remote™ (Available Winter 2012) to make filming easier.

With the new camera technology they are now being able to place them into smaller cameras meaning you wont sacrifice footage quality with the secondary camera. 

If you are looking for a smaller handycam camcorder, I would recommend these 4 options:

Canon HFS30: HD, 32GB Internal Memory, Records to SD Cards (2 slots), 58mm Lens, 10x optical zoom, mini plug audio port (to add a shotgun or wireless microphone), LANC port (add a remote control), Touch & Track and manual focus circular wheel.

Canon HFG10: HD, 32GB Internal Memory, Records to SD Cards (2 slots), 58mm Lens, 10x optical zoom, mini plug audio port (to add a shotgun or wireless microphone), Good in low-light(bigger image sensor than the HFS30), LANC port (add a remote control), Touch & Track and manual focus ring around the lens. 

Canon XA10: Same as the HFG10 but instead of the mini plugs it offers two XLR ports (to add both the shotgun microphone and the wireless microphones) and it has infra-red capabilities.

If you are looking for more of a basic point-and-shoot camera to mount on your bow, gun, head, or etc., take a look at these Point-Of-View Cameras:

GoPro HD Hero2: The GoPro HD Hero2 camcorder records full 1080p HD video from your bow, gun, helmet, ATV, or anywhere else you choose to mount it. Features include: 11MP image sensor, Full 170º 1080p HD video, Mini plug audio port (to add external microphone), compatible with the Wi-Fi BacPac and Wi-Fi Remote, capable of live-streaming to the web, takes photos and photo burst.

Contour GPS: Includes a built-in GPS receiver that tracks your location, speed, and altitue while also recording hands-free 1080p HD. Features include: built-on bluetooth and a mobile app to use your smartphone as a wireless viewfinder, 135º wide-angle lens, and records to a mico SD card.

There are two types of zoom, optical zoom and digital zoom. While using Digital zoom the camera takes a look at what it’s “looking at”, and digitally zooms in, usually two or three times closer. The problem with digital zoom is that you lose quality when you do this, therefore it is not recommended for hunters. The optical zoom lenses actually “move” you closer to the subject of the video without sacrificing quality. The higher the optical zoom rating the farther away you can be to take a video and still get a clear, close-up image. If you are hunting using a bow then a 10x zoom will be enough zoom for you as your subject is not going to be that far away from you. If you are hunting using a gun or are up in the mountains then I would recommend a 20x optical zoom to be able to capture the subject far away. For example: If you are in the mountains and the sheep is 200 yards away from you then using a 20x optical zoom the camera brings in the subject to 10 yards on the camera.

These cameras that we sell are the same cameras used in a lot of different filming conditions but we fill like these are the best ones for the outdoor world. None of the Canon or Sony video cameras are waterproof but we do recommend rain covers which allow you to use your video camera in the rain and it will protect it.

There are a lot of situations where we get hunters and cameramen who have dropped their camera out of their tree stand or even accidentally run over it. The manufacture warranty will not cover this and therefore you will be left without a video camera. We recommend the MACK Warranty which is like a type of insurance for your video camera. This is going to cover the fall from the tree stand and the time you accidentally ran over it. It will also cover any other normal wear and tear and accidental use. It will also now cover water damage as long as the product can be retrieved. If will not cover  the video camera if it is lost or stolen. This is a 3-year-diamond warranty that will also come with two free cleanings for the video camera and one free head cleaning. The 3-year Mack diamond warranty is the best accessory to protect your video camera from the outdoors!

Most hunters, being first time videographers, rely a lot on the LCD screen. This is an okay tactic but the videographer has to be careful because sometimes what they see on the LCD screen is not actually what is being recorded. This is the difference between Canon and Sony video cameras. Canon’s LCD screens have a lower resolution then the actual camera itself therefore it does not depict what the camera is actually recording. Sony cameras have a higher LCD resolution depicting a more accurate image.