Video camera - a little advice please

Hey all, just after a little help in choosing a video camera.
Over the last couple of years I've had some neat encounters, mainly during the roar and I'd like to see if I can get some future ones on film.
I'm looking for a camera that you could use out to about 600yds, relatively compact, weather proof and good picture/sound quality.
I'm not a very tech savvy guy so a simple point it, push this button and zoom in and out with this one is what I'm after.:)
When it comes to mega pixels and zoom range, what should I be looking for?
I've got $500 as a budget, can anyone recommend something that would suit my needs in this price range?
Cheers

Canon SX 60. I've got the earlier version SX 50 and it is awesome at long range. Not really weather proof, sound is good. 1080P video but not so great in low light levels. For 600yds you need heaps of optical zoom and a good tripod.

Cheers Stug. What would you suggest for bush work where quite often it's has poor lighting?

In the bush is probably OK, it is just the last 20?min before dark it doesn't work so well.
This was filmed with the SX 50
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdXE69ukTsE

@wsm junkie

I use a Panasonic hcv210m same as this one
Panasonic HC-V210M | Trade Me

It takes excellent video and still pictures.

72x optical zoom will easily get you up close and personal at 600m and the 10mega pixel still camera gives great photos too.

Beware video cameras are almost obsolete due to the built in ones on mobile phones.

I still prefer to take my camera hunting with me though.

Cheers
Pete

+1 for the super zoom cannon sx60. I have the sx50 and mate has the newer sx60. Great zoom, great video and stills. We love ours. We take small tripods and set camera up on that for filming long shots etc.

Very happy with the Sx's.

Cheers guys, thanks for the info. Will have a look at the ones you've suggested:)

Got them sx50 and love it,for stills, haven't used it for much video. My leupold spotting scope tripod seems to work well

I have a Panasonic HC-V550M, which has a 90X zoom. It is not waterproof. I use it in the bush, and for duck shooting and am very happy with it. You do need an HD video player ( or Bluray ) to play the edited DVD though, but it is super clear.

Thanks for that, gives me another one to look at.
Cheers

Thanks for that, gives me another one to look at.
Cheers

Took this at 1600 yards with the SX60, like the guys said above a good tripod is worth the expense. Attachment 56305

@DanS is that using only optical zoom or using the digital zoom as well?

The upgraded sx60 called the sx70 is about to be released soon. Has a bigger zoom.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Tahr

The upgraded sx60 called the sx70 is about to be released soon. Has a bigger zoom.

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How much zoom do ya need?! You wanna see what colour his eyes are before you put a bullet in him.... Just get a bit closer

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 223nut

How much zoom do ya need?! You wanna see what colour his eyes are before you put a bullet in him.... Just get a bit closer

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We are talking cameras here, not 'scopes :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Tahr

We are talking cameras here, not 'scopes :)

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I just use my camera as a spotting scope!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 223nut

How much zoom do ya need?! You wanna see what colour his eyes are before you put a bullet in him.... Just get a bit closer

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A big zoom can save a lot of walking to get a good photo or video. Unlike shooting an animal where you actually have to go and get it anyway.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DanS

Took this at 1600 yards with the SX60, like the guys said above a good tripod is worth the expense. Attachment 56305

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Mate, that's impressive

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Timmay

@DanS is that using only optical zoom or using the digital zoom as well?

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Not too sure mate but by judging the photo it looks a little grainy so I think there is a bit of digital in there as well.