Hi all, Thanks to everyone who replied to my request. For those of you who asked, we are using the cameras to monitor hawkmoth and other insect visitation to a night-blooming Oenothera. We usually run the cameras in dusk to night conditions.
Previously, we have used the Sony handycams with nightshot. This was also the top response I received. These cameras are cheap and easy to find; however, we are looking to use different cameras for several reasons -- Although the Sony cams have memory stick cards, we were using mini DVs, which are bulky and tend to wear out fast. The picture on the older models we've used is okay, but not great, and can make pollinator ID quite difficult (not for hawkmoths, however). Additionally, the cameras themselves are not very durable and we've had problems with them breaking easily under field conditions. Other recommendations include: -Buckeye cam -- offers video IR and motion activated cameras mostly intended for hunting use. Price range $700-2000. -Bushnell bone collector -- another hunting/trail camera, appear to mainly take pictures and short videos, $150 on up. -Reconyx HC600 - over my price range at >$400 Stuntcams.com appears to be an excellent resource for all types of helment, dash, and mini videocams. The one that looks the most appealing to me is the 1080P HD Infrared Dash Camera. It takes SD cards up to 16GB, which records many hours of video depending on resolution. It has 4 IR lamps, is Mac compatible (important for me), is rechargeable, and works in temperatures up to 60C. Thanks again to everyone for your help! Good luck to fellow night video people. Sadie
