Action Camera (like a GoPro) vs. camcorder

[clayshooter99]

Interested to hear from you guys and gals what you are using and why. I want a camera to video vacations, hunts, shooting events and such. I am torn between an "action camera" like a GoPro or Insta 360 type or small camcorder. I read that DJI (action camera) is chinese and they have been deemed a security threat (insta360 is also Chinese). If I went camcorder it would likely be the Sony 405 for around $300.

I do not water or snow ski. I do not climb mountains. I do not do extreme weather differences such as 0 degrees or 100+ degrees. I would likely use it on hunts and vacations....on the vehicle dash to video beautiful drives. It might be used on an ATV or UTV. No plans for underwater but could be a possibility in something like natural springs (would not buy action for this reason alone).

I am not looking for any action cameras for less than $250 range and not really above $450-500. I also need something user friendly as I am not really blessed in use of electronics.

I read the zooms are much better on camcorders......is there zoom on the GoPros? The zoom is a pretty big deal to me and I don't understand how the GoPros work on that.

For a hunt either would likely be on a tripod....I could also see a camera head mounted for the right situation.

My guess is, with my comments, most of you would say an action camera but I want to hear the opinions.

Thanks

 

[Brandon]

The go pro has no zoom. What it does is gives you a nice picture of what you see or would see in whatever the activity or setting you are in. What your eye sees is how the go pro is going to be -or really close to it.

Camcorderid what you expect it to be... zoom in and out may not have as wide a angle or bubble view the go pro gives.

 

[snapping turtle]

If image stabilization is a factor go with the go-pro.
If you want a do it all go for a DSLR with the lenses you need and the 4k you want. (Not getting this at your price point. )

Want an in between get an iPhone pro with large storage (or external storage) from 13 model and up.

Then again it is your cash flow. (There are other good android camera phones out but I can't recommend them because I don't android)

 

[dnurk]

As ST posted above phones these days are every bit as good at recording pics and video as lower end dedicated camcorders. Until you get into dslr hat holds true. Google Pixel 8 consistently ranked as one of the better androids for video/pics.

downside is phones can run way hot if trying to video for any length of time in hot or sunny weather.

go pro is super durable and will take anything you can dish. Can also hold a ton of video. i Love my go pro but if zoom is a major factor for you I’d shy away from that.