- My Forums
- Tiger Rant
- LSU Recruiting
- SEC Rant
- Saints Talk
- Pelicans Talk
- More Sports Board
- Fantasy Sports
- Golf Board
- Soccer Board
- O-T Lounge
- Tech Board
- Home/Garden Board
- Outdoor Board
- Health/Fitness Board
- Movie/TV Board
- Book Board
- Music Board
- Political Talk
- Money Talk
- Fark Board
- Gaming Board
- Travel Board
- Food/Drink Board
- Ticket Exchange
- TD Help Board
Customize My Forums- View All Forums
- Show Left Links
- Topic Sort Options
- Trending Topics
- Recent Topics
- Active Topics
Started By
Message
I need recommendations for a good camcorder for soccer games.
Posted on 6/7/25 at 7:36 pm
Posted on 6/7/25 at 7:36 pm
No my iPhone doesn’t cut it. I’ve tried. I need one that can zoom in and get decent quality. I don’t know what kind of money you need to spend to get a good one. I don’t mind spending like 1 grand if it’s worth it. I thank you in advance
This post was edited on 6/7/25 at 7:37 pm
3
Posted on 6/7/25 at 8:37 pm to SabiDojo
Are you trying to record the whole game or a single player?
Posted on 6/7/25 at 8:43 pm to mchias1
A single player
Posted on 6/7/25 at 11:02 pm to SabiDojo
Probably the most, "well-balanced" camera you can buy for <$1000 is:
Sony ZV-E10 II
Not cheap, but sony has the best bang for the buck and a wide range of lenses to get you going.
Be warned. When you start looking at lenses you can quickly get up into the big bucks. I'd start with a 16-50mm lens and see if that does enough for you. Can get one with a camera for just over $1000 together.
Was looking around on Amazon, and there's a sony 55-210mm lens.
55-210mm lens
It's only $300 for the lens, and would undoubtedly give a lot of zoom for most sporting events. Probably worth a look if you're getting more serious about it.
The price can quickly go up from there though. You can easily spend several thousand dollars on a good lens.
Sony ZV-E10 II
Not cheap, but sony has the best bang for the buck and a wide range of lenses to get you going.
Be warned. When you start looking at lenses you can quickly get up into the big bucks. I'd start with a 16-50mm lens and see if that does enough for you. Can get one with a camera for just over $1000 together.
Was looking around on Amazon, and there's a sony 55-210mm lens.
55-210mm lens
It's only $300 for the lens, and would undoubtedly give a lot of zoom for most sporting events. Probably worth a look if you're getting more serious about it.
The price can quickly go up from there though. You can easily spend several thousand dollars on a good lens.
This post was edited on 6/7/25 at 11:24 pm
Posted on 6/8/25 at 1:35 am to Ricardo
Thank you so much. That was very helpful.
Posted on 6/9/25 at 9:38 am to Ricardo
I'll preface my comments by saying I've been the photographer/videographer for my kids MTB team for the past 3 years and I'm responsible for the team photos and the end of the year video/slide show. So I have a little experience on the subject. ETA: I've not only studies the options online, I've actually USED them in these sorts of situations. I've also been in the Sony A mount and E-mount ecosystems since 2009.
So you're really going to recommend a camera with no viewfinder for shooting outdoors in bright sunlight? I'm not sure that's a good combo.
You almost got it right though. The real answer is the A6700 or the little older, but still capable A6400. Both come with a digital viewfinder. The A6700 can do 4k at 120 fps which means you can really slow the action down.
What?!? Wrong answer. You'll never get the reach you need with only a 55mm on the long end (83mm equivalent). In fact, it would likely be a worse solution than the iPhone. I know because I have the same lens. The only time I ever use it is when I set up my NEX-7 on a stationary (unattended) tripod and let it roll video. The real answer here is the Sony 18–135mm f/3.5–5.6 OSS. That gives you a functional equivalent of 27mm-203mm. That should be more than enough range on both ends to do what you need it to do. What you don't want to do in an action filled games is change lenses and miss the action. However, the A6700 with the 18-135 would be more than your $1000 budget. Given that limitation, get the A6400 and don't look back. Should be able to find one in that configuration online for $1000-$1100.
quote:
Probably the most, "well-balanced" camera you can buy for <$1000 is:
Sony ZV-E10 II
So you're really going to recommend a camera with no viewfinder for shooting outdoors in bright sunlight? I'm not sure that's a good combo.
You almost got it right though. The real answer is the A6700 or the little older, but still capable A6400. Both come with a digital viewfinder. The A6700 can do 4k at 120 fps which means you can really slow the action down.
quote:
I'd start with a 16-50mm lens and see if that does enough for you.
What?!? Wrong answer. You'll never get the reach you need with only a 55mm on the long end (83mm equivalent). In fact, it would likely be a worse solution than the iPhone. I know because I have the same lens. The only time I ever use it is when I set up my NEX-7 on a stationary (unattended) tripod and let it roll video. The real answer here is the Sony 18–135mm f/3.5–5.6 OSS. That gives you a functional equivalent of 27mm-203mm. That should be more than enough range on both ends to do what you need it to do. What you don't want to do in an action filled games is change lenses and miss the action. However, the A6700 with the 18-135 would be more than your $1000 budget. Given that limitation, get the A6400 and don't look back. Should be able to find one in that configuration online for $1000-$1100.
This post was edited on 6/9/25 at 12:20 pm
Posted on 6/9/25 at 12:47 pm to Lonnie Utah
quote:
However, the A6700 with the 18-135
That’s a great recommendation btw. I can’t argue with your reasoning.
That being said, I agree with your follow up advice on the 6400.
I debated even going with a more traditional Sony camcorder, because of the ergonomics and the built in lens is pretty good.
Posted on 6/10/25 at 8:54 am to Lonnie Utah
quote:
The real answer here is the Sony 18–135mm f/3.5–5.6 OSS
I would recommend one of the Sony A series cameras with a zoom at least this size. I would search Facebook marketplace for a used one for sale with the lens included. You will also want to invest in a good battery pack that you can either charge batteries with OR run straight with the camera. I ran a A7S2 for my kid's football and basketball games for 8 years and my only gripe with it is the battery doesn't last long enough when using it for video. I always ran it with an external battery/dummy battery setup after much trial and error. And of course you'll want a tripod.
FWIW, Don't hesitate to get them on video all you can. I uploaded all my kid's games to youtube and made them accessible only with a link. My collage age (still football playing) kid watches those old games all the time.
Posted on 6/10/25 at 8:59 am to OU812ME2
quote:
I would recommend one of the Sony A series cameras with a zoom at least this size.
With Sony cameras, you need to specify A-mount or E-mount. There is a difference. Technically, all Sony interchangeable lens cameras are "A (Alpha) series).
I know you're talking e-mount but a beginner might not know the difference. A-mount cameras are no longer supported despite there being a lot of glass out there for them.
Posted on 6/10/25 at 9:28 am to Lonnie Utah
quote:
A-mount cameras are no longer supported despite there being a lot of glass out there for them.
You're right... it is a bit confusing. I was recommending the A-Series CAMERAS like the A-6000 series and the A-7. Wouldn't ever recommend having to use an adapter. Usually if you're buying a used setup, it will be the correct E mount lens with it.
Page 1 of 1
Back to top
Follow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News