I use a Tasco 5mp w/ night vision, to keep tabs on the deer and elk in my backyard. Think it was around $100. On its third year of use, and have been very happy with it. It does shoot video, but i've yet to try it. Pictures are very good if the animals are moving slowly or still, otherwise they will blur. Would say what ever you get, make sure it has an infrared flash. This wont spook the animals and in fact does seem to make them curious.