Looking to maybe start self filming deer hunts. Recommendations wanted for a camera? 1080p or 4K under $1000. Must have accessories and anything else one would need to get started and have good enough equipment to make it enjoyable and worth the extra effort.
I have not filmed archery hunts in quite a while so I won't recommend specific equipment. I will say this. For archery hunting, there is too much risk of something going wrong and wounding a deer if I'm screwing with a camera. I typically pic a shooting lane where I hope to get a shot and point the camera there. I used a tree mounted arm to hold the camera and a remote to start it. This initial position is in case I'm surprised by a deer that is in range before I see it. If I see a deer headed my way at a distance, I will pan and zoom to get footage. Before the deer gets into range, I'll position the camera with the right zoom level pointed at the shooting lane I expect to use. Once a deer gets into range, I forget the camera and hunt. Either I get good footage or I don't. I won't risk a wounding.
For hunting from a blind, especially turkey hunting, I like to use two cameras. One is a cheap camera (at least HD) with no optical zoom. I set this camera as a wide angle view. I use a second camera with an optical zoom on smooth head on a tripod inside the blind. I use it to get footage as needed. There will be times when my ability to pan and zoom and track game while trying to shoot it is pretty ratty. When I post process, I cut to the fixed zoom camera when I have bad footage on the other. This allows for a seamless video. You can also get neat video if you're turkey hunting from a blind by using a decoy and a gopro type camera with a remote and placing it at the decoy.
If you want to zoom, don't count on digital zoom. You lose resolution when you do this. If you want to zoom you'll need a camera with a good optical zoom. As for resolution, I'm not sure if/when 4K will have enough content to become ubiquitous. One thing that you can do is to use a 4K camera with a wide angel lens and digitally pan in post processing cutting it back to HD. There are limitations, but it is an interesting concept.
My brother-in law was messing with a gopro type camera that had a small tripod with a couple very quiet servos for pan and tilt. It was controlled from a cell phone.
Don't mess with a camera that attaches to your gun, bow, or even hat. There is too much shock and vibe for these to produce good results.
Thanks,
jack