Dear researchers,
We're planning to begin a zoo project comparing animal behaviour when being observed, compared to camera footage. I don't suppose anyone could recommend good types of video camera for zoo recording? Most importantly, the camera would need to have a long battery life and be able to record for 3+ hours at any given time, but also have a relatively wide lens - and be fairly inconspicuous. Any suggestions would be very much appreciated!
Hi James,
It really depends what type of animals you´re filming and under what conditions (under water, on land, high frame rate, low frame rate).
What I recently used for recording zooplankton behavior (but it can be used for filming behavior of basically any animal, also much larger than zooplankton) is a modified GoPro camera.
Using a ´Backbone Ribcage´ mount (check their website for prices) you can modify the camera in such a way, that you can add any professional lens you want, including wide angle lenses. I solved the battery issue by connecting a large external battery.
Further, I made the camera sensitive for infra-red light, by removing the IR cut filter while mounting the Ribcage, so I could film in dark with IR illumination.
You can install this Ribcage mount yourself, without professional equipment.
This way you can create a relatively small, affordable and versatile camera.
Hope this idea is of any use :)
I think it depends a lot on the conditions in which you want to do the filming, mainly light. The Canon G16 is a very powerful compact camera with an excellent processor, similar to the larger range of reflex cameras. It has a very bright lens for the whole range (apertures f1.8: 2.7) that is very effective in low light conditions and the video quality is very good. As for the lens it has a good range from wide angle (6.1-35mm). The duration of the battery is also acceptable.
Hi Hans, Sebastian, Pablo,
That's brilliant, thank you so much for your help! The camera will be housed in an outdoor aviary, and unmannedfor periods of a few hours. I'll look into the three types; fingers crossed!
Best wishes, and thank you for your help!
James
Hi
Have you considered CCTV cameras? Standard security CCTV cameras have infra red LEDs for night filming. An HD-TVI (or Turbo) CCTV camera plus an suitable recorder will allow scheduling, should you need it, and the ability to film with motion detection or continuously. Hikvision have a good range and can be relatively cheap. You can usually record 4 cameras at a time, should you want to. If mains is available, they can be viewed directly as well.
The cameras give a good quality HD image.
The cameras use 12 volts, and can either be used with mains power (with a suitable plug adapter,) or with 12 volt batteries. Lithium batteries from Tracer power are the best. For CCTV equipment contact Handykam (Cornwall UK) as they are experienced working with researchers.
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