To answer a few of your questions, I'm using a JVC Everio 64GB hard drive camera. It's about the size of a coke can so it is super easy to carry around. I also have a simple tripod (nothing expensive) that I set up in the blind. I purchased the camera off ebay 3 years ago for around $200. I'm a cheapo! I love the quality and versatility of the camera for such an inexpensive camera.
The decoys were about 28 yards away. It looks further on film. You can click on my youtube channel webpage in my avatar to watch all my deer and turkey hunts.
