High End Research Gear And Equipment

[NathanFooter]

I have been thinking about high end gear and wanted to start a thread on what gear is best for field research like what pieces of equipment are worthe the heavy investment.

For instance, this field data collecting watch. > http://www.casio.com/products/Watches/PRO_TREK/PAW1500T-7V/ There are lower end models that have alot of the features this one does that are even around the 35 to 55 dollar range.

Feel free to throw out some ideas on gear you think is a must when out researching.

[Redbone]

I have no gear except a $60 kodak camera, but I am very interested in an audio recorder. I need something that performs well (for several hours) with a moderate price tag.

[Guest]

I think this would be fun... camera sunglasses!

http://www.buy.com/prod/remote-control-hd-1280x720-video-camera-sunglasses-with-8gb-removable/245542011.html?listingId=254088286

I also want a GoPro Camera:

http://gopro.com/cameras/hd-hero3-silver-edition

And if I were to get another audio recorder, I'd get one that can upload to Youtube right away (mine doesn't):

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006ZW4HA6

I also want a better daypack so I can feel more comfortable out there:

http://www.ospreypacks.com/en/product/womens/sirrus_36

I'd also suggest good boots when you are outdoors, and this is what I want:

http://www.keenfootwear.com/us/en/product/shoes/women/trailhead/glarus/brindle!tawny%20olive

[Guest WldHrtRnch]

Nice wish list Madison, I LOVE that GoPro!! Love my Keens too.

[Guest Darrell]

IMO the best piece of 'research" gear is a pair of PVS-7B night vision goggles. No other NVG for the money gives you the night vision capability of the mil grade PVS-7B.

[NathanFooter]

In the HD camera division I have searched for something for getting that perfect pic or vid of a sasquatch and have tested many makes and models for frame rate, HD quality, high magapixal count, high optical zoom and the ability to manuel focus to get past the whole auto focus issue that creates ,, Blobsquatches ,, and after trying many models and brands and going over ever spec, I have come down to this camera that can do it all as my target for field research . http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/846280-REG/Sony_DSCHX200V_B_DSC_HX200V_Digital_Camera.html

This cameras most important specs are 18.2Mp 1/2.3" Exmor R CMOS Sensor , 30x Optical Zoom , 1080/60p HD Video Capture , 10 fps Burst Mode , MS Duo/SD/SDHC/SDXC Compatible and the video quality and frame rate is adjustable, the camera turns on very fast when compared to other point and shoots and can be manuely focused. The only draw back is the 480 $ price tag.

Edited January 18, 2013 by NathanFooter

[Guest Darrell]

^ It perplexes me sometimes when "researchers" will drop $1000 plus on thermal imagers and several grand on AR15's or other firearms but hesitate to spend $500 on a quality camera.

[Guest Thepattywagon]

But a quality camera would imply clear photos.

And we can't have that.

[Guest WldHrtRnch]

I have a high quality camera, a Canon, and lenses, entry level professional. But I'm not a researcher, lol. Yet.

[Guest thermalman]

I would not do any BF research without my thermal cameras. With a good quality thermal camera, you wouldn't need other cameras or video recorders. Having said that, I would also invest in a GoPro attached to a helmut.

[Guest]

I like that sony. Thanks for posting that Nathan. I take my Kodak around but the auto focus feature lets me miss a lot of animal pics. I will save up for a bit and get it or one like it when I can. Being a self funded enthusiast, I will use what I have, what I can get and work towards something better as I can. But for me I enjoy being in the woods and the Great outdoors regardless of equipment or lack thereof lol. That being said, when I do get the sony and encounter a Sasquatch, I will probably have to hand it to him to operate for me, and then he'll probably holler for his juvenile to come work it. Probably get a really clear picture of me posing for them. which is cool. I like that too, I just also want to take a picture too. So maybe if they're around I can get a pic of Ole Cousin Bigfoot or skunk ape or whomever my kinfolk are around and about for the family album.

[Guest]

I also want a GoPro Camera:

http://gopro.com/cam...-silver-edition

I would go with Ion Air Pro or Contour2 over Go Pro. The GoPro form factor is too clunky and awkward to mount. I plan on getting an Ion Air Pro and mounting it to my head with a head band or on a hat I have. I like the vibrate switch feature a lot.

Nathan I would look at the Sony Alpha a37 if I were you. That way you can add on lenses, you might want a nice 70-300mm lens. I have a Minolta 5D which is older, but Sony bought the DSLR technology from Minolta so my lenses work with the Sony Alpha's.

The Canon S95 if the consumer grade camera that pros use for their secondary point and shoot camera. They came out with the S100 but I think the S95 has a faster lens (better for low light photography) Give those a look if you are thinking of getting into the $400 price point.

[NathanFooter]

Here is a more affordable watch that tracks mooon phase and outdoor temp and has a best fishing time indicator. It is about 50 $ http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/casio-fishing-timer-watch.aspx?a=967538

[norseman]

My wish list:

Garmin radio/GPS:

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=146&pID=82799

Kifaru pack:

http://www.kifaru.net/MMR.html

Sure fire weapon light:

http://www.surefire.com/illumination/weaponlights/rifle-carbine-smg/verticalforegripweaponlights.html

[Guest Darrell]

^ Kifaru stuff is good but super pricey. I used Tactical Tailor gear and packs for the last 10 years of my Army career. Made in the US, lifetime warranty, and a little less expensive than Kifaru.