Does anybody else bring a camcorder into the BWCA? If so, what models or types are preferred for optimal picture quality? I've got a Sony "digital 8mm" camcorder now, but many times the outdoors shots leave much to be desired. And when photographing the BWCA, you want it to look as good as you remember it in person.

Thanks.

I only bring my digital camera. A friend did bring his compact Sony camcorder once. He did use it some. He found it hard to remember to bring it out on portages and in the canoe so he got mostly pictures around camp. He did not feel comfortable leaving it around his neck or out of its bag when portaging or paddling. He said he probably would not bring it again.

I have a Sony Hi-8 and it takes good pictures...I have taken it before but I will not take it back to the BWCA....Unless you have a sack full of charged batteries or are planning on finding an electrical outlet to recharge after about 30 or 40 minutes of filming you are done for the trip. I believe the digital camera is definitely more practical for this journey.

I have taken a camcorder before and even have footage of a bear at our last portage in 04'. It was kept in a small drybag close to my wife who operated it. This year we only took a digital camera, a Olympus stylus 500 which also shoots video... it was all we needed...

Bruce

Use your digital camera for movies. The picture quality isn't as good as a camcorder but it's way better than worrying about batteries and trashing a thousand dollar piece of equipment.

I've been bringing my sony miniDV camera for the last three years, shooting several hours of tape each trip. I did purchase a waterproof/shockproof case made by Pelican to protect the camera from the elements. While I'm in the canoe, I keep it directly under my seat so I can access it right away. So far, I have not damaged it at all...

I do the exact same thing, Ash. I'd wager we use the same Pelican case (mine's grey). I even went so far as to purchase a cheap snap buckle dog collar to use to attach the Pelican case to the seat, so in the event of a spill the case and camera won't float away.

How do you like the film your Sony Mini DVD produces? Are the colors true at all times? How about shooting shorelines? Mine has a heck of a time filming shorelines decently when even a portion of sky is included. I'm fine when zoomed in on the trees, but as soon as the sky comes into the shot it drowns everything else out and makes the shoreline completely black. It's such a waste, too, as plenty of beautiful shots are missed because of this.

Here's a good tip: Invest $12 in a dry-pack, available from your outfitter (mine is Canoe Country Outfitters in Ely). Totally waterproof and a great place to stash the camcorder, digital camera, wallet, or whatever.

I've actually had pretty good luck with my camera. I record to MiniDV instead of directly to DVD. I'm learly of the DVD camcorders because I don't know how to import them into my Mac and edit.

But in terms of colors and details, I've been pretty happy. I'm used to shooting film though, so maybe I've lowered my expectations quite a bit!