I would like to set up a camera that is not too complex for when I shoot or hunt (or hike, fish, etc.). Have been watching videos on the DJI Osmo Pocket and the Hero 7. They look pretty amazing. I would like to hear from folks on how they deploy their cameras, what type of cameras, when they are hunting. With or with a hunting partner.
Thanks in advance
IMHO you need to answer a few questions:
How important is video ?
How important is image quality ?
How important is weight ?
How much are you willing to spend (both in $$$ and time to learn). ?
A Hero 7 is a great video camera that is somewhat rugged. Not too expensive but image quality is also not great because of the sensor size.
If you want better image quality, you need a larger sensor like Micro 4/3, APS-C or a full frame DSLR.
If weight is important you will want a smaller camera (and so, a smaller sensor).
And, as with everything, you get what you pay for.
The reason you would choose a dedicated camera is basically sensor size and the ability to change lenses.
Video: A Hero 7 will run you about $350 at this point but other models can be had for $200 especially if older. Video cameras can range up through $1000 cameras up to the about to be released Sharp 8K for $5K and up from there.
Very good still cameras are much cheaper than similar quality video cameras. A really good mirrorless still camera will run up from $400. Good lenses will cost more.
If size/weight is not important, get a full frame camera. Here you get the largest sensor for a reasonable cost.
I myself went for the micro 4/3 (Micro four-thirds) format which is about 1/4 of the sensor size of a full frame DSLR and also much lighter and smaller. The one I have is out of production but great deals can be had on a Lumix G-850:
https://smile.amazon.com/PANASONIC-...s=lumix+gx850&qid=1554832725&s=gateway&sr=8-7
This setup ^^^ will give you a 1:2 wide angle through a 6:1 zoom but you can enhance the zooming through post-processing in the computer (see below). You can also buy additional lenses up to about 20:1 zoom.
One of the reasons a cell phone camera is easier and more convenient is that the software to process the images is contained right on the cell phone and is simple to use.
If you go to a dedicated camera, you can still (and should) correct/enhance your photos with computer software. With software you can enhance the sharpness, color balance and crop your images among other things. This software can be free:
https://topazlabs.com/studio/
You can also use this with cellphone pics.