Taking pictures from the stand

[nbadger23]

I'm putting together a write-up for my late season trip to Missouri and I'm disappointed in some the pictures I took. I use my phone as my main camera and although it works fine for scenic type shots it doesn't zoom in worth a darn at any distance. I knew that going into the trip as I had the same issues last year but I just ran out of time in regards to figuring out a different plan.

Does anyone have any advice on a type of camera that they use that's small, silent, easy to use and has enough zoom strength to take a decent picture of a deer at 30 yards or so or am I going to have sticker shock at what that may cost?

[Scoot]

ndbadger, my brother is constantly telling me how good the camera is on his phone. Over and over again he takes crummy pictures with his "excellent camera" on his phone. The truth is, no matter how many megapixels a phone offers in its camera, it simply won't take the quality of pictures a decent camera will. I've seen some absolutely wonderful pictures taken with phones- when everything is perfect, any camera will work. However, you'll do yourself a huge favor getting a decent camera.

My last two cameras have been "bridge cameras". This is sort of a compromise between a small point and shoot and a big DSLR. I used a Sony HX-1 and a Panasonic Lumix can't remember the model (the current one is the 70 I believe). You can get a Lumix for under $300 if you shop around. It's a little heavy for backcountry hunts (still doable), but the weight/size is no biggie for whitetail hunts. I have been super happy with the Panasonic bridge cameras- I think they are very tough to beat for the purpose you're asking about. One reason I went with the bridge camera is because they have electronic shutters. Electronic shutters are super quiet, as opposed to DSLRs which have loud, mechanical shutters.

That's my $.02. If you've got other questions, fire away and I'll try help. Others here will be helpful too and you might get some good info out of the photography forum here as well- some really bright guys/gals in there who know a lot more than me.

[sticknstring]

I bought a Nikon L820 last year because I was sick of the quality of my smartphone pics from the stand. My 3 requirements were a large optical zoom, runs on AA's, and relatively inexpensive ($180). So far, I've been really happy with it. You'll never regret having a quality camera afield, but will always regret not having one when an opportunity arises.

[nbadger23]

Scoot - you are 100% right about the cell phone cameras, they can only do so much. I appreciate the input and I will check out the photo forum as well but you and stick gave me some good guidelines.

One of the questions I had was if you keep the camera hanging around your neck while you're hunting? Can a person get put it on a neck strap that is similar to what you can get for binoculars so that it holds tight to the body?

[Scoot]

nbadger, I like to keep my binocs and rangefinder on the kind of strap you described. I also have gotten so I really want to have my binocs/rangefinder on me when I hunt, so I don't like to swap that out for the camera. I keep my binocs/rangefinder on that type of holder and I wear my camera over my shoulder with a homemade extra long strap. I put it over one shoulder and cross it over so the camera sits on my side- kind of under my left armpit. I can take pics and move it over quickly and get it out of the way. I can still shoot with it on and in that position. That works for me...

[WallyGator12000]

Scoot, on a side note- I'd love to know how you keep both your binocs and rangefinder on your strap. I've tried to figure out a way to keep both and I just can't seem to make it work. I might be a moron, or maybe I'm using the wrong type of strap. I've got my binoculars on the Under Armour binoc harness, which is the basic elastic strap that holds your optics tight to your chest.

[Scoot]

WallyGator, you're not a moron for this at all- I struggled with this one for a long time too. However, I discovered a simple, little gizmo that solved my problems. I think it's called a "Range snap". It's a combo of a little snap that goes on a bino harness, a clip that connects to your rangefinder, and a strap that holds the rangefinder down on the strap. It works great for me.

Not a great picture, but it's the best one I could find.

I usually situate the rangefinder a little higher than you see in the picture- it must have slipped down a bit without me noticing it. The two things I really like about it are that it takes very little movement to use the rangefinder and that it's totally quiet (most corded systems are not very quiet).

[Siwulat]

Scoot, can you buy those range finder straps at the store? Or is it something that you made yourself?

[Scoot]

I've never seen them in a store- do a search online for the "Range snap" and you should come up with it.

[WallyGator12000]

Awesome. Thanks Scoot! I'll have to check that out.

[SmellEsox]

WallyGator, you're not a moron for this at all- I struggled with this one for a long time too. However, I discovered a simple, little gizmo that solved my problems. I think it's called a "Range snap". It's a combo of a little snap that goes on a bino harness, a clip that connects to your rangefinder, and a strap that holds the rangefinder down on the strap. It works great for me.

Not a great picture, but it's the best one I could find.

I usually situate the rangefinder a little higher than you see in the picture- it must have slipped down a bit without me noticing it. The two things I really like about it are that it takes very little movement to use the rangefinder and that it's totally quiet (most corded systems are not very quiet).

Dang is that Scoot Jr.? He looks just like you!

[Scoot]

Dang is that Scoot Jr.? He looks just like you!

LOL, yes that's the cross he'll have to bare in life. Poor kid...

[lawdog]

Those range snap things are awesome! So awesome that they are completely sold out...