6 Best Hunting Video Camera Under $500: (2023 Guide & Reviews)

Last Updated on August 30, 2023 by Sharon Advik

Hunting has been a passion of mine since childhood.

I enjoyed fishing with my grandfather, heading out on the boat and uncovering new areas, and scrambling up rock faces to spy deer in their natural habitat.

Now that I have grown older, I’m interested in pursuing my passion beyond recreational hunting and videography.

Videography offers clear insight into an animal’s habits, how well it moves within its range of land, what methods successfully bring them down safely, and which will leave them stressed or injured.

With this knowledge, I can continue to hunt while enjoying a sport that brings a sense of discovery.

I will brief some of the best hunting video cameras under $500, which I used in my passion for hunting videography.

Which is the Best Hunting Video Camera Under $500?

Here are my recommended top 6 Best Hunting Video Camera Under $500:-

DJI Osmo Action: (best hunting video camera under $500)

As a hunting videographer, I set out to a remote hunting location early in the morning.

I was equipped with my DJI Osmo Action camera, a tripod, and additional batteries to ensure enough power to capture the entire hunt within my $500 range.

Upon arriving at the hunting location, I met with the hunting party and discussed the plan for the day’s hunt.

I also got permission from all parties to film and photograph the hunt and understand any specific requests or restrictions.

Features:

• Model: DJI Osmo Action
• Effective Megapixel: 12 MP
• Image sensor: CMOS
• ISO range: 100-3200
• Shutter speeds: 1/8000 seconds
• Storage: Single Slot: MicroSD/microSDHC/microSDXC
• Viewfinder: 2.25-inches
• Image stabilizer: ‎Digital
• Dimension: 65mm*42mm*35mm
• Weight: 124 g

ISO/Shutter speed

I adjusted the ISO setting to around 400, depending on the light available.

It ensured the images were crisp and clear without too much noise due to graininess or blurriness.

I wanted to freeze the motion and avoid motion blur when taking videos.

So, I adjusted the value of the shutter speed to 1/60s.

It was fast enough to freeze the action without creating too much interference from the camera shake.

Aperture/Depth of field

Typically, for outdoor activities such as hunting, it is best to choose an aperture between f/4-f/8 depending on how much light is available for shooting.

So I chose the aperture of f/8. It gave me enough depth of field to emphasize the objects in the landscape.

White balance/ Frame rate

White balance affects how colors are reproduced in an image and can help ensure colors look true-to-life and consistent throughout all shots taken during shooting sessions.

Setting the white balance correctly for each scene is key for professional-looking footage, so adjust it for every shot taken during filming sessions.

I adjusted the white balance to Sunny as it was daytime and the sun was over my head.

As for the frame rate, I adjusted it to 30 fps to capture the motion easily and in perfect quality.

Why is this camera the best?

It is the ideal camera for hunters who want to capture outdoor experiences.

Its features are specially designed to make capturing high-quality hunting videos a breeze, making it the best choice for avid hunters.

The Osmo Action’s rugged design is waterproof up to 11 meters and shockproof, making it perfect for withstanding any environment and condition hunters may encounter outdoors.

Additionally, its dual screens allow for easy framing of shots from the back screen while still seeing what’s being recorded on the front.

The camera can also be easily controlled through side buttons or your voice!

This camera has impressive video capabilities, making it great for capturing hunting videos.

It can record stunning 4K videos at 60 frames per second or even slow-motion 1080p at 240 frames per second, making capturing fast-moving animals or activities much easier.

The advanced stabilization technology ensures footage stays smooth and steady regardless of terrain, and the HDR video feature captures details even in challenging lighting environments like a forest.

Conclusion 

When combined with one of DJI’s drones, such as the Mavic 2 Pro Zoom, users can create breathtaking aerial shots from above that will impress all viewers.

With such impressive features and capabilities, it is easy to see why this camera is considered by many as the best hunting video camera under $500.

Canon EOS Rebel T7: (best hunting video camera under $500)

It was a day when I went out hunting with my friends.

I brought my Canon EOS Rebel T7 camera and a variety of lenses, including a telephoto lens for capturing distant shots and a wide-angle lens for capturing the entire hunting party and the beautiful landscape for 500$.

When we reached the destination, I took some test shots to adjust the settings on my camera to match the lighting conditions and to get the focus right.

As the hunting party set out, I captured footage of the beautiful landscape and my friends preparing for the hunt.

I also got various shots, including close-ups of the hunters, wide shots of the action, and reaction shots of the hunting party.

I also used continuous shooting mode to get multiple shots quickly.

Features:

• Model: EOS 1500D
• Effective Megapixel: 24.1 MP
• Image sensor: APS-C
• ISO range: 100-12800
• Shutter speeds: 1/4000-30 seconds
• Storage: SD Card
• Viewfinder: 3-inches (920K dots)
• Image stabilizer: ‎None
• Dimension: 129mm*101mm*78mm
• Weight: 475 g

ISO/Shutter speed

Using an ISO setting of 100 is best, which helps capture sharp and clear videos without any digital distortion.

So, I adjusted the ISO to 100.

I adjusted the shutter speed value to a fast setting of 1/50 seconds.

It helped me freeze the motion and prevented motion blur in my shots as my friends ran around hunting birds.

Aperture/Depth of field

I needed enough depth of field that both my friends and their targets were in focus in the same shot.

So, I used an aperture setting of f/16, which gave me enough depth of field for a scene like this.

White balance/ Frame rate

I adjusted the white balance to Daylight mode because I was outdoors and shooting during the day.

I got natural results with nothing to adjust later.

I wanted sharp videos, so I adjusted the frame rate to 28 fps.

Why is this camera the best?

This entry-level DSLR camera has various features that make it well-suited for capturing the beauty and excitement of a hunt.

This camera is equipped with a 24-megapixel APS-C image sensor, which allows for stunning images with plenty of detail.

The ISO range can be set from 100 to 12800, allowing photographers to shoot in various lighting conditions.

This camera also offers fast autofocus performance and full HD video recording up to 60 fps.

This ensures you’ll always catch all the action when filming hunting footage.

Also included are an optical viewfinder, a three-inch LCD monitor, and built-in Wi-Fi connectivity.

You can use these features to help frame shots before filming and share your footage with others after you shoot.

Also, it has a durable construction and weather sealing designed to withstand harsh conditions common while hunting.

This makes it ideal for outdoor activities, where its rugged construction will protect it from any impact or moisture damage it may encounter in the wilds of nature.

Conclusion 

Overall, it is ideal for those looking to capture hunting videos on the camera.

With its robust feature set, solid build quality, and impressive image quality, this camera provides hunters with everything they need to capture their adventures in stunning detail and clarity.

It is the best hunting video camera for under $500.

Click here to buy.

GoPro HERO9 Black: (best hunting video camera under $500)

I once went to Wilderness with my GoPro HERO9 Black to capture the video of a leopard hunting its prey.

I carefully set up my camera in a strategic spot where I believed the leopard would hunt and waited patiently for the action to unfold with the help of a $500 magic gadget.

The day passed, and there was no sign of the leopard.

I kept an eye out for any signs of the leopard’s presence.

As the sun set, I spotted a leopard in the distance, stalking its prey.

Quickly, I adjusted my camera settings to match the lighting conditions and focused on capturing the leopard’s skillful hunting techniques as it chased and ultimately caught a deer.

The footage I captured was breathtaking, showcasing the raw power and skill of the leopard as it hunted.

Features:

• Model: HERO9 Black
• Effective Megapixel: 23 MP
• Image sensor: 1/2.3 CMOS Sensor
• Shutter speed: 1/2000 to 1/25^th second
• ISO range: 100-6400
• Storage: Micro SD
• Viewfinder: 2.27-inches
• Image stabilizer: Digital
• Dimension: 71mm*55mm*34mm
• Weight: 158 g

ISO/Shutter speed

I adjusted the ISO setting to a minimum of 100.

It ensured that the images produced were less grainy and could capture details.

To avoid motion blur, I adjusted the shutter speed to high, resulting in dark images.

So, I opted for 1/1000^th of a second of shutter speed.

Aperture/Depth of field

I adjusted the aperture setting to f/2.8.

It gave me plenty of detail in foreground and background elements while still being able to separate them properly with a shallow depth-of-field effect.

White balance/ Frame rate

I chose the Auto mod of white balance to ensure that my camera captured accurate colors despite changes in lighting conditions while shooting outdoor scenes like these.

I chose the frame rate of 60 fps to ensure smooth videos without taking up too much space.

Why is this camera the best?

It boasts a 20MP sensor that captures 5K video in up to 30 frames per second (fps).

This ensures every detail is captured in high definition, allowing me to capture exceptional images in any environment.

The HyperSmooth 3.0 stabilization feature also makes it possible to shoot smooth footage, even when recording on the go.

The TimeWarp 3.0 feature allowed me to record time-lapse videos with ultra-smooth motion and speed them up or down for a fantastic effect.

The front screen previews the shots before taking them so photographers can frame them exactly how they want, while voice control allows activating functions without touching the camera.

This camera is also waterproof up to 33ft, making it perfect for recording underwater footage during hunting trips near lakes or rivers.

Its long battery life and rugged build quality also mean it can last through any activity or use.

Conclusion 

Its unique features and built quality make this the best hunting video camera for under $500.

It is an essential tool for any keen hunter who wants to document their adventures with quality footage they’ll be proud of sharing with friends and family.

Click here to buy.

Canon VIXIA HF R800: (best hunting video camera under $500)

I wanted to capture the video shots of a beer standing near the waterfall and hunting the fish.

So, I set out to a remote location with my Canon VIXIA HF R800 camera in a wonderful range of $500.

Once I arrived at the location, I set up my camera on a tripod and adjusted the settings to match the lighting conditions and to get the proper focus.

I then positioned my camera to capture the waterfall and the beer in the foreground.

I was amazed to watch the bear skilfully catch the fish as they fell from the waterfall.

I got multiple shots, including close-ups of the beer hunting, wide shots of the action, and reaction shots of the beer catching the fish.

After the hunt, I reviewed the footage and selected the best shots to edit into a final hunting video.

Features:

• Model: Canon VIXIA HF R800 Camcorder
• Effective Megapixel: 3.28MP, can record up to 1920 x 1080p60 videos
• Image sensor: CMOS
• Storage: SD/SDHC/SDXC
• Viewfinder: 3-inches (230K dots)
• Image stabilizer: ‎Optical and Digital
• Dimension: 53mm*58mm*116mm
• Weight: 240 g

ISO/Shutter speed

The ideal ISO for this situation was 200 because the higher ISO could result in a grainy image.

I adjusted the shutter speed at 1/50^th of a second to maintain sharpness while allowing some motion blur, which can help create more dynamic-looking footage.

Aperture/Depth of field

I needed a shallow depth of field to separate the beer from its background (the waterfall).

So, I chose the aperture setting of f/5.6.

White balance/ Frame rate

I was near a waterfall under dense trees, so I adjusted the white balance to Shady.

It helped me to get natural-looking, realistic results with optimal color effects.

I chose the frame rate of 30fps, which provided me the results with smooth motions yet still crisp detail while recording.

Why is this camera the best?

Featuring a 57x Advanced Zoom, the HF R800 can capture distant subjects, ensuring you don’t miss a single moment of the hunt.

With an advanced image stabilization system, even when the user moves around, they can rest assured that the footage will stay steady and free from blurs or shakes.

It also features Full HD recording at up to 1080p resolution.

All the hunting videos will be captured with stunning detail and clarity, making them great for sharing on social media or simply reliving memorable moments afterward.

Furthermore, the camcorder’s built-in microphone captures audio clearly, so you won’t miss any soundbites of natural ambiance while out in the woods.

It has two SD card slots that allow for extended recording time and dual-band Wi-Fi so anyone can easily transfer their videos to other devices.

Additionally, its 3-inch capacitive touchscreen LCD makes it easy to access menus and review footage directly from the camera without constantly checking a computer monitor or additional device.

Finally, one of the most valuable features of this camcorder is its infrared compatibility, allowing it to record in total darkness using night vision technology.

Conclusion 

This camera is, therefore, the best hunting video camera under $500.

It is a perfect choice for anyone looking to capture high-quality hunting videos with ease and precision.

Click here to buy.

GoPro Hero7: (best hunting video camera under $500)

It was sunny, so my friends and I went to the beach.

I didn’t forget to bring my GoPro Hero7 to capture the moments under 500$.

We were enjoying our little party when I noticed an eagle flying gracefully over the sea and moving in a circular motion like it was waiting for its prey.

I knew it was hunting for the fish in the sea, and how could I miss this?

So, I quickly set my camera on a tripod and adjusted the settings to match the lighting conditions and to get the proper focus.

When the eagle started flying toward the sea, it changed its body shape by spreading its claws toward the sea.

I made sure to capture the whole scene of eagle hunting and was amazed by the results.

Features:

• Model: GoPro Hero7 Black
• Effective Megapixel: 12 MP
• Image sensor: CMOS
• ISO range: 100-6400
• Storage: SD
• Viewfinder: 2-inches
• Image stabilizer: ‎Digital
• Dimension: 62mm*45mm*33mm
• Weight: 116 g

ISO/Shutter speed

The low ISO value is necessary to avoid any digital noise in the footage when shooting in darker conditions, such as overcast days or sunsets, so I adjusted the ISO to 200.

As for the shutter speed, I set its value to 1/1000s for capturing fast action without motion blur.

Aperture/Depth of field

There was plenty of light, so I chose the aperture value of f/2.8, which created a shallow field depth, giving my video a cinematic look due to its soft focus effect.

White balance/ Frame rate

I set the white balance to Daylight and the frame rate to 60fps.

It allowed me to slow down any action sequences during post-production without compromising image quality.

Why is this camera the best?

It is an ultra-versatile and powerful camera that is ideal for recording outdoor activities, particularly hunting.

With its high resolution 4K/60fps video, 12MP photo capability with 30fps burst, and 240 fps slow motion capture, this camera offers some of the best features for recording hunting adventures.

The most attractive feature for hunters is its waterproof design.

The camera can withstand up to 33 ft (10 m) underwater without a case.

This makes it perfect for recording your hunting trips in wet or cold conditions.

The camera has advanced stabilization settings that significantly reduce any shaky footage from your hunt.

Its intuitive menu layout makes it easy to navigate and access all settings quickly without searching through endless menus or settings.

In addition to its superior image quality, it includes several other must-have features like time-lapse mode and auto low light adjustment settings, which automatically adjust the exposure levels when shooting in dimly lit environments to capture more details in shadows and highlights.

Conclusion 

It is an excellent choice for anyone looking to record their hunts with the best hunting video camera for under $500.

It offers some of the best features available on any action camera today.

From its waterproof design and advanced stabilization capabilities to its wide range of recording options and voice control technology, all these features ensure stunning footage every time.

Click here to buy.

Panasonic HC-V180K: (best hunting video camera under $500)

This time, when I was in the natural habitat of wildlife, I was sitting near the river.

It was full of crocodiles, but they were hiding underwater.

Maybe they were waiting for their prey.

When there was no movement, I was busy capturing the landscape shots with my Panasonic HC-V180K.

Suddenly, there was movement, and I saw a group of zebras advancing toward the river to quench their thirst.

I knew there would be some action, so I quickly climbed a tree.

Then, there was the moment when one zebra came and began to drink.

But in the other moment, it was in the death grip of a crocodile’s jaw.

I was lucky to capture the whole scene.

Features:

ISO/Shutter speed

For the perfect video of a crocodile capturing a zebra, I adjusted the ISO to its highest value, 1600, on this camera.

It helped me to capture more details and better color accuracy in the footage.

I adjusted the shutter speed to 1/1000th of a second to ensure the camera correctly captures any fast-moving action.

Aperture/Depth of field

Also, I adjusted the aperture to its widest setting of f/2.8 so more light could enter the camera, creating a larger depth of field and revealing more details of the scene.

White balance/ Frame rate

As I was shooting in bright sunlight, I adjusted the white balance to Auto.

I used the frame rate of 30 fps to achieve the maximum frame rate and capture the video in HD.

The result was a clear, smooth video of a crocodile capturing the zebra.

Why is this camera the best?

It is a powerful and feature-packed camcorder ideal for recording hunting videos.

It has 50x Optical Zoom and 90x Intelligent Zoom that can capture the most detailed shots even when the photographer is far from the target.

The LEICA Dicomar lens allows sharp images with minimal distortion or blur.

It has a 5-axis Hybrid Optical Image Stabilization to stabilize every shot.

This camera also comes with HDR Movie mode, which helps balance exposure levels, so no important detail is lost in shadows or highlights when shooting in difficult lighting conditions.

Its Creative Control feature also gives you advanced editing options such as slow motion or time-lapse recording, which is perfect for creating fantastic hunting videos with added drama.

Conclusion 

It is the best hunting video camera under $500 for recording hunting videos due to its versatile features and superior image quality.

Its advanced optical zoom and image stabilization will help to get close-up shots without losing image clarity.

At the same time, its creative control allows for adding extra effects that will make the videos stand out.

Click here to buy.

CONCLUSION:

All the cameras we will discuss in this article are all right, guys.

Do you guys have any experience with these cameras? What are your thoughts on them?

Which is your Best Hunting Video Camera Under $500?

Is there a camera I didn’t mention in this article that you love using for filming hunts?

Would you please leave your thoughts and comments below?

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