A little help for a Game Warden, please!

Forest-Rune · Dec 7, 2010

Hello, This is my first post, and I hope the knowledgeable minds here can help me out. I am looking for a specific type of digital video camera. I am a police officer, specifically a Conservation Police Officer. People tend to call us a Fish & Game Wardens. Due to budget constraints, my agency does not provide us with on-board cameras to film interactions with violators, or record vehicle stops. Since I work in remote areas, I think it is important to have a digital record of any incidents, incase things go bad while I try to protect our natural resources.

I am looking for a digital video camera that has a threaded tripod mount, is USB Chargeable (or 12 Volt charged), and is compact. Does anybody have any sugestions? I am a novice with photography, and it doesn't need alot of bells and whistles.

Any information you can provide would be greatly appreciated!

chito beach · Dec 7, 2010

This is where I believe Sony has the edge with their nightshot or night vision and Super steady shot with onboard hard drives and Zeiss lens they give great performance.

Amazon.com: Sony HDR-XR150 120GB High Definition HDD Handycam Camcorder: Electronics

Forest-Rune · Dec 8, 2010

well, thank you chito beach.

i was hoping for more responses

....

thanks for your input, anyway.

chito beach · Dec 8, 2010

Forest-Rune said:
well, thank you chito beach.

i was hoping for more responses....

thanks for your input, anyway.

not many here into video. but Sony is definitely the way to go for inexpensive top shelf video

soylentgreen · Dec 9, 2010

Not sure of the USB charging unless it's one of those FLIPS I see advertised. Most digicams do have accessories to charge the batteries through the vehicle's 12V supply. If not, aftermarket accessories are avaialble. A quick search on Google or B&H website will generate some leads.
Pretty much all cams have a tripod mount and tons of mounting options, including the window suction cups.
What sort of lighting issue are you dealing with and surveillance? I do video surveillance for the parks department and use infra-red, day/night or thermal imaging cameras. You can have it record to just about anything; laptop, DVR, etc.