Rosie,

We use a Sony Handycam DCR-HC52/54 connected to an Asus laptop by USB and controlled with AnyMaze software. We use it exclusively for Morris Water Maze and T-Maze studies, so I can't say much about remote control capabilities since it never moves. Overally it works pretty well. I will say that we've found the AnyMaze software to be a bit buggy when recording MWM trials. So, we now manually time escape latency with a stopwatch as a backup since the software does not always accurately capture true escape latency times. Otherwise, we're pretty happy with it.

Selecting the right camera to track an animal in an open field (or other experimental set-up) depends on many factors that you may assess prior to purchasing a particular model:

1. Compatibility with the video tracking software: some packages are designed to work with analog cameras only (BNC cables, frame-grabbers, etc.) and others support digital models (USB, Fireware, etc.).

2. Lighting conditions: this is a critical aspect for a video tracking system. Regular conditions (evenly illuminated scenes without remarkable shadow areas) can be tracked with a black & white camera. However, if a part of the animal is to be tracked and colour is a must, then the camera must also have that feature.

If you need to work in a near-to-dark conditions then you must consider IR (infrared) cameras. Many of these models will allow you to work both in regular conditions so they are perfect if you plan to continuously track your animal for long time periods (e.g. >24h)

3. Precision requirements: higher requirements in time and space precision (i.e. margin of error you allow at measuring time and distances) imply using better camera devices. Regular conditions may be fulfilled with standard features such as 15-25 frames per second (fps) and 1024 x 768 pixels of resolution.

If your object moves very fast or it has a small size in the captured image you may consider more advanced features such as high-speed or high-resolution cameras.

Most of the times, a simple re-arrangement in your experimental set-up (e.g. zomming-in the scene) is sufficient to avoid that inconveniences.

4. Other requirements: a typical case of this is the requirement of recording your videos as they are tracked by the software. In that case check that the connectivity of the camera and the recording device are also compatible.

BTW: the best way to choose the best camera for your video tracking package is a direct support inquiry to the software manufacturer!

I have recently used GoPro cameras with a portable USB battery pack and solar panel for video monitoring (5-7 hours). I have also changed the lens to one without IR filter to enable night-time monitoring in combination with a IR light. I control the camera by using an app for my android (distance about 200-300m).

We use Logitech c615 cameras for OF and EPM like tests. This is a reasonable priced webcam with good optics that works well and reliable.

We have just bought GoPros - about to test them this week, what do people use for getting a wide an angle as possible?

We use Sony Handycams. Useful in a number of different settings, and can add on a wide angle lens as necessary

We though you could no longer add a wide angle lens to SONYcams, I thought the wide angle was now built in and not bread to screw an external lens onto?

To Sarah, my experience with the GoPro is that it has an ultra wide angle. According to technical data it is 170 degree lens.

Super, thanks Ronny.

We have been experimenting using a Kinect system. It is the basis of a a 'game' system that records in UV and visible light. One can automate the recording of any behavior. So far we have been happy. We are using it to record key pecks of a pigeon. We also are using standard electro-mechanical recording of the pecks and are finding high reliability. It gets depth by using two lenses. The data are a 'cloud' of data points. One must write code to detect the response. So, it is not off the shelf, but is adaptable to many behaviors.

I've been using camera traps (Bushnell and Cuddlebacks) that work with IR light and can take video clips of up to 60 seconds. In between the clips you lose a second or so of data if the animal is still moving, but it will trigger the camera again pretty quickly. It's not HD quality, but does not disturb the animals and you don't have to wade through hours of film when no animal is there.

Can anyone assist urgently with ANYmaze software picking up network media streaming using a Gopro hero3 camera???

I was recently looking into this topic as well.  I contacted GoPro to ask about IR/low light capability for the HERO cameras and got this response: 

"Hi Sara,

Unfortunately the HERO cameras do not have that capability they also can not shoot very well in very dark conditions. Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Many Thanks,

Cody A.

GoPro Support

http://gopro.com/support"

If you've managed to find a good camera for filming small animals in open field tests under IR, please let me know!  The most recent Sony Handycam we purchased doesn't do IR at all, and the low light capability under red light is very poor.  

look into Microsift Kinect. see

Damian M. Lyons, James S. MacDonall, Kelly M. Cunningham (2014).A Kinect-based system for automatic recording of some pigeon behaviors. Behavior Research Methods.

I understand it is possible to remove the IR filter from many cameras including Go Pro's. So then you can film anytime there is an adequate IR light source. There is even a Yout Tube video on adapting a Go Pro yourself! Bear in mind the conversion will void any warrenty and is probably not reversable!

iPhone 6S! It's small, has a very adequate image quality and also has a slo-mode with 240 fps for high speed stuff. I've yet to find anything to replace it for the cost/ease of use for my purposes (mouse nociceptive assays). I hold in my left hand while I apply a stimulus with the right. 

Has anyone tried setting up go pro to anymaze software?.

bravo Alexander Chamessian