Hi everyone

I'm looking for my first pro type camcorder to be used mainly for falconry footage and have had my eye on the Xf100 for a while. Obviously some fast paced stuff to keep up with especially Falcons in a full tuck stoop. What's anyones thought's on this camera for this type of use or can you think of something better. The XF100 at present best price I can find of £2,100 is about my budget limit as I'd have to buy at least one fast CF card as well. I have shot 35mm SLR and DSLR for a long time and already own a Canon DSLR but no video mode and need something with a veiwfinder as I would have no chance of keeping any bird of prey in frame on an LCD.

Thanks in advance if anyone can give some advice

Mick Fox

For that specific purpose you may be limited by the restricted zoom capabilities.

Thank you Harm for your reply but to be honest I dont think I could keep my falcon in the frame in a stoop if I was zoomed in to far when hunting. and what about using the 1.5x zoom as well as the 10x optical or later adding the zoom lens add on.

Mick Fox

Mick,

First of all I'm not experienced with falconry, but the few demonstrations I saw is they are really FAST birds, so for the inexperienced falconry videographer the zoom range will probably not be a handicap and indeed you can always add the zoom adapter to extend the range. I would not use the digital zoom, because the image quality is clearly less than without it.

The other thing is that I am not aware of a camera with that quality in the budget range you indicated, that has a better zoom range. The only alternative is the XF300/305 but that is in a completely different price category.

Harm

Thanks for that it looks like the XF100 is the one for me then as the 300 and 305 are out of my price range not to mention a bit to big for carrying about with all my hawking gear as well. All shots will have to be handheld Tripods are not an option. Now to just pick a supplier as there are a few with the same price and a price match promise from some as well.

Mick