Scope recording, what's the option?

Xcaliber

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Sep 7, 2024
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Looks like Eagle Vision side-cam with a Go Pro is the most popular option, but the combination of those two will end up costing about $700~800. Next best option seems to be the Triggercam 2.1 but it's still close to $600.

Is there any other option for recording the scope reliably without breaking the bank? I saw some of those cellphone mount adapter on amazon but they have terrible reviews and ratings, some phone's camera might not even align properly to capture the scope view.
 
Depending on what you want. Do you just want to record video with your scope? Then just get the side shot phone mount. I believe it is $200 plus shipping and tax. So maybe $250 shipped. Then you use your phone. It's good enough. What the above user is recommending is just a digital scope. Which sucks. Digital scope Will never be as good, clear as a normal rifle scope. Do you want to record slowmo? See your pellets in flight? If so gopro sideshot mount is the way to go but it is expensive. Expect to pay $700-800. (Gopro mount $300, 12mm lens $100, gopro $300, tax and shipping all together close to $800). If you want an already put together. Sideshots sell it for $1250 lmao.

Screenshot_20241016_181404_Chrome.jpg
 
I started with Side-Shot, tried a Tactacam, tried a PhoneSkope, used a Eaglevision unit (with the same GoPro and lens from my orig Side-Shot) still use a Triggercam 2.1, just started using the newest Side-Shot.

I wouldn’t recommend Tactacam. If you want to use your phone then Side-shot & PhoneSkope make good options.

IMO the Triggercam is the easiest to use all-in-one complete package. It’s the only system that has an external manual focus dial. The downside is the maximum resolution of 1080p at 120 FPS (Frames Per Second), and the wi-fi connection to your phone is slow.

Eagle Vision offers a bit more light transmission to the camera (at the expense of less light to the user), and has a unique streamlined twist lock connection that fits “most” scopes, set the focus by removing the camera and twisting the lens in/out. Unsure of current camera/lens compatibility.

I just started using the newest Side-Shot and GoPro Black 11. It’s expensive, the unit is a little more bulky due to the secure connection method, set the focus by removing the camera and twisting the lens in/out, but offers superior clarity and recording capabilities. Like 4k 240 FPS with audio.

-Michael
 
Just found another cheaper option, the Orion's 3D printed scope mount with firefly, one of the website sell the entire kit with camera for a bit over $300, can't find much reviews of the setup though, maxed out at 120fps @1080p.

Side-shot with Go Pro 11/12 seems to provide the best video quality with slow motion to capture the projectile in flight, but man....trying hard to justify the price. lol
 
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Just found another cheaper option, the Orion's 3D printed scope mount with firefly, one of the website sell the entire kit with camera for a bit over $300, can't find much reviews of the setup though, maxed out at 120fps @1080p.

Side-shot with Go Pro 11/12 seems to provide the best video quality with slow motion to capture the projectile in flight, but man....trying hard to justify the price. lol
The title says you wanted “The Best”! 😆
 
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I have an Akaso Brave 8 which records @ 480fps but couldn't find anyone that makes a mount for it until I found Orion the Iguana Hunter. He does alot of videos like this.
He makes his own mounts for firefly and gopro and I've been talking to him and he is gonna try custom make one for my Akaso Brave8.
https://orioniguanahunter.com/products/orioncam?variant=39276416827579 the mount is only $140, just need the camera

Here's a review of his system with firefly camera attached.
 
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I have the GoPro system and yes it's super expensive but doesn't deliver the same image quality, so when you say best I will assume you are asking about image quality.

On my latest video I'm sharing one of the best video quality I've got, and this time was with an Arken Scope. It's the system I use, and it's the one I like the most but do not listen to much because I'm definitively biased here, just watch:

 
The Go pro system with side
I have the GoPro system and yes it's super expensive but doesn't deliver the same image quality, so when you say best I will assume you are asking about image quality.

On my latest video I'm sharing one of the best video quality I've got, and this time was with an Arken Scope. It's the system I use, and it's the one I like the most but do not listen to much because I'm definitively biased here, just watch:

Your system is definitely on top of my list as well, the go pro system is a lot of money but it isn't a lot of other option that could provide good slow motion footage.

I have an Akaso Brave 8 which records @ 480fps but couldn't find anyone that makes a mount for it until I found Orion the Iguana Hunter. He does alot of videos like this.
He makes his own mounts for firefly and gopro and I've been talking to him and he is gonna try custom make one for my Akaso Brave8.
https://orioniguanahunter.com/products/orioncam?variant=39276416827579 the mount is only $140, just need the camera

Here's a review of his system with firefly camera attached.

This sound like even better option than using firefly, the Akaso Brave 8 has 16x slow motion and it price isn't too insane, does it require special lens for the cam like the Go Pro?



The image stabilization is a must have for scope recording. the scope view tend to magnify all the movement and can be very shaky without being stabilized either by a tripod, or with image stabilization from the camera.
 
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The Go pro system with side

Your system is definitely on top of my list as well, the go pro system is a lot of money but it isn't a lot of other option that could provide good slow motion footage.



This sound like even better option than using firefly, the Akaso Brave 8 has 16x slow motion and it price isn't too insane, does it require special lens for the cam like the Go Pro?



The image stabilization is a must have for scope recording. the scope view tend to magnify all the movement and can be very shaky without being stabilized either by a tripod, or with image stabilization from the camera.
You didn't tell us what you want. What are you trying to do here? Do you just want to record your shots or do you want to record in slow motion to see your pellets in flight? If you just want to record video, any of the system mentioned here will do just fine. If you are talking about slow motion videos, which seem like it. The go pro is the way to go imo. The akaso will only do 16x in the lowest resolution. So your video quality will go down. Also you will need special lens and mount for it and I don't think anyone makes any lens for mount for it cause not many folks using the akaso camera. Most folks are using the firefly and gopro. Firefly is cheaper, if you want to go cheap. Gopro will be more expensive. So pick your poison lol. Go watch matt dubb and south African guys. They shoot their videos with gopro. So you can see it in action b4 deciding to buy.
 
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Looks like Eagle Vision side-cam with a Go Pro is the most popular option, but the combination of those two will end up costing about $700~800. Next best option seems to be the Triggercam 2.1 but it's still close to $600.

Is there any other option for recording the scope reliably without breaking the bank? I saw some of those cellphone mount adapter on amazon but they have terrible reviews and ratings, some phone's camera might not even align properly to capture the scope view.
I have/had a Trigger cam, the good, excellent video, the bad you can't replace the battery, the really bad, the micro SD slot died and it's a large fortune to send it to South Africa to get it to fixed. I'm back to playing with my Zulus with an option of a DNT. My only complaint about it is, the camera while excellent is digital and doesn't like extreme lighting conditions, but a regular optic can hand it because the human eye can adapt. I'm probably going to go with a DNT, not cheap but for my application except for the aforementioned horrible lighting bright sun and shadow on the target, I'll survive.
 
Just my 2 cents. Unless you want to do a decent amount of night shooting stick with the regular glass scope camera ad on options. You give up a ton of quality clarity with these digital scopes plus in my experience (only 1 one leaf commander nv400) it doesn’t auto adjust well to lighting and contrast changes. Just my opinion but you can get such good clear glass for 5-700. Night hunting only with a digi for me.
 
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