WILDLIFE VIDEOGRAPHY

Option 1 - Sony RX10 and Rode Videomic Pro+
Weekend from £72 - hire now!

When it comes to wildlife videography, keeping it simple and traveling light can sometimes yield impressive results. The Sony RX10 IV is a fixed lens bridge camera that can shoot at 4K 30 frames per second in-body, as well as offering up to 120 frames per second at 1080p. This camera also benefits from an incredible Zeiss lens: a 24-600mm F2.4-4, offering the equivalent of 25x optical zoom – helping you achieve the sort of results that would normally require a DSLR and an arsenal of lenses. Other standout features include rapid autofocus and Sony’s remarkable in-body image stabilisation, helping you shoot crisp footage whilst hand-holding – even when an animal is far away in the distance. 

Also included in this package, the Rode Videomic Pro+ for crisp on-camera audio recording, a 64GB memory card, 2 batteries and a charger will help you worry less about power problems and focus more on your craft. 

Option 2 - Sony PXW-Z90
Weekend from £90 - hire now!

The Sony PXW-Z90 is a great option if you’re looking for a handheld video camera as opposed to a more DSLR-sized mirrorless option. Highlights include dual media slots, 2 XLR ports, and a raft of other features to help make your shoot as simple as possible. The ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* 12x optical zoom lens provides great versatility and allows you to get close to the action, without disturbing your subject - ideal for wildlife.

The camera shoots in 4k, but also shoots 1080p footage at up to 120 frames per second, which works well for slow motion. It does have a built-in microphone, but to achieve better quality sound it’s advisable to use the RODE NTG-1 shotgun microphone that it is supplied with. One important thing to note is a lack of image stabilisation, so you may want to consider a tripod or gimbal if there’s a chance light will be limited. Alternatively, a camera with better low light capabilities might be a better option for you. 

Included with the camera, 2 batteries and a charger, plus a memory card. Do bear in mind that the included card will only store so much footage, so if you don’t have one of your own, you may want to hire an additional SD card from our accessories section. 

Option 3 - Sony PXW-Z190
Weekend from £100 - hire now!

One of the biggest selling points of the Z190 is its incredible zoom capabilities, with the attached lens providing a focal length of 28.8-720mm (35mm equivalent). This makes it a wonderful choice for wildlife videographers, offering tremendous versatility in the field. Autofocus is extremely nippy and wholly accurate, and you'll benefit from 4K 60p filming, whereas the Z90 can only manage 4k 30p.

The camera can be monitored and controlled remotely via a smartphone, which is very useful when you want to change settings without moving around and distracting guests during proceedings. 

The camera sports two memory card slots, allowing you to either jump from one card to the next the instant the first is full, or record to both simultaneously – providing an instant backup the moment your footage is recorded. 

It is worth noting that the PXW-Z190 doesn’t offer image stabilisation, so a tripod is a must if you plan on using the zoom to its full focal length, especially if light is at a premium. You can also find a whole host of additional memory card options in the accessories section of this package, just in case you need more storage or don't have your own!