GoPro

Gangster · 25 May 2014 at 20:58

Hi all

So looking to get a GoPro soon, and will be doing a lot of point of view type shooting.

Heard reports that the chest/head cam isn't smooth, and have researched 'cam rigs' to help record smooth footage when walking/running.

I've looked at some examples, and it is indeed smooth but is there a particular reason why they are so expensive?

I've been looking at a few DIY options, but to be honest I'd much rather buy it off the shelf.

Wondering if anyone had any recommendations here?

Phal · 25 May 2014 at 21:07

I'd imagine head cam could be smooth depending on what you're doing... Obviously if you're sprinting around or jumping around like an idiot then it won't be but otherwise I'd imagine it would be ok.

What exactly will you be filming?

You could just get yourself a chicken...

http://i.imgur.com/kE7xE2P.gif

Nexus · 25 May 2014 at 21:33

What do you actually want to do with it?

The whole point of a GoPro is its a small action camera to record what you are doing. If you start adding devices to create smooth motion, it kind of defeats the point in using a GoPro.

Gangster · 26 May 2014 at 10:29

Phal said:
I'd imagine head cam could be smooth depending on what you're doing... Obviously if you're sprinting around or jumping around like an idiot then it won't be but otherwise I'd imagine it would be ok.

What exactly will you be filming?

You could just get yourself a chicken...

http://i.imgur.com/kE7xE2P.gif

Basically a point of view set of videos of my vacation. Ovbiously I'd like it to be as smooth as possible, and after looking at some head footage it looks a bit juddery when you walk.

Nexus said:
What do you actually want to do with it?

The whole point of a GoPro is its a small action camera to record what you are doing. If you start adding devices to create smooth motion, it kind of defeats the point in using a GoPro.

As above, point of view of my trip.

I don't think it does, by buying a GoPro to do more than action means its better value for money. If I can get smooth motion of point of view footage, and be able to use it as an action cam then that is a bonus for me.

The problem here is the stabilisation, not the type of camera - its not as if a DSLR avoids that issue they're too bulky, and need these rigs to stabilize for smooth footage.

Nexus · 26 May 2014 at 13:02

You can get smooth footage from a DSLR with optical stabilisation without a rig, however you have to keep your movement and grip of the camera steady.

Similarly, with a GoPro, if you want it as smooth as possible you need to use your hands. Stick it on a small hand grip; GoPro don't make one themselves, but there are tons of 3rd party options. I've got a GoPole Grenade grip I use when it calls for it. Also if you shoot with a higher frame rate, it will be much smoother too.

I would add also that if you were just using it to take holiday footage, that walking around with the camera mounted on your head or chest would frankly make you look a bit of a plonker. Its obviously acceptable doing any kind of sport of activity, but looks pretty silly otherwise. Arguably, if you are just walking around, you will also get better footage by using the GoPro like a camera and pointing it at things, rather than when used in sports where you need your hands to do other things.

Gangster · 26 May 2014 at 15:33

Nexus said:
You can get smooth footage from a DSLR with optical stabilisation without a rig, however you have to keep your movement and grip of the camera steady.

Similarly, with a GoPro, if you want it as smooth as possible you need to use your hands. Stick it on a small hand grip; GoPro don't make one themselves, but there are tons of 3rd party options. I've got a GoPole Grenade grip I use when it calls for it. Also if you shoot with a higher frame rate, it will be much smoother too.

I would add also that if you were just using it to take holiday footage, that walking around with the camera mounted on your head or chest would frankly make you look a bit of a plonker. Its obviously acceptable doing any kind of sport of activity, but looks pretty silly otherwise. Arguably, if you are just walking around, you will also get better footage by using the GoPro like a camera and pointing it at things, rather than when used in sports where you need your hands to do other things.

Will take a look at that GoPole Grenade grip, decent price too - lot of these Steadicam are like £70?!

Yeh, thats why I didn't really want it head mounted!

My second need is decent audio, I'm sure the gopro is mono audio only right? So thinking of trying to get a compact external microphone too! Any experience with that?

Gangster · 29 May 2014 at 16:00

Anyone have ideas on best way of storing data?

The max card it can take is 64gb which doesn't equate to that much footage.... to stay as portable as possible anyone got any ideas?

For that reason I may be swaying to a camcorder to be honest, even 2-3 64gb chips isn't that much when recording @ 1920x1080 30/60fps...

Still researching about a GoPro microphone too...

Nexus · 30 May 2014 at 00:05

You will run out of batteries before you run out of space on a 64gb card in my experience with the Hero, Hero2 and Hero3 Black.

If I'm travelling, I typically offload to my iPad using the camera connection kit.

Gangster · 30 May 2014 at 13:26

Nexus said:
You will run out of batteries before you run out of space on a 64gb card in my experience with the Hero, Hero2 and Hero3 Black.

If I'm travelling, I typically offload to my iPad using the camera connection kit.

Yes, good point.

iPad kit sounds good, just a shame that the footage isn't that great despite being HD too.

Hmmm I am starting to think whether a camcorder maybe more suitable?

Anyone recommend an, as small as possible but good HD camcorder? Around £150-£250 if possible.

Russinating · 30 May 2014 at 18:19

I think you've come to the realisation that you don't need a GoPro. Makes no sense for what you want to use it for, nor the practicalities of using it (batteries, card space, audio, stabilisation etc).

For <£250 pretty much any 1080p camcorder will be much of muchness so just look out for deals/sales.

julianhj · 31 May 2014 at 20:02

Just in case you do sway back towards GoPro for some reason, there is likely to be a new model out before the end of summer, which is predicted to have electronic image stabilisation: http://petapixel.com/2014/04/20/rumor-possible-gopro-hero4-specs-price-release-date/

Nexus · 1 Jun 2014 at 18:56

julianhj said:
Just in case you do sway back towards GoPro for some reason, there is likely to be a new model out before the end of summer, which is predicted to have electronic image stabilisation: http://petapixel.com/2014/04/20/rumor-possible-gopro-hero4-specs-price-release-date/

Their last major release saw it announced at the end of summer, pretty much Autumn and then it was a long time before it was actually available, even then, it was pretty difficult to get hold of them until the following year. So even if they do release a new one, it might not be available off the bat.

Super-Spy · 2 Jun 2014 at 10:24

If you just want to use the camera for capturing images/video of yu walking around I would suggest you look at something like this Autographer.

It basically takes lots of photos all day long and then using the software, it strings them together into an accelerated video of your day out and about

Gangster · 13 Jun 2014 at 12:50

Rather than create a new thread thought I'd post it here...

Got a GoPro in the end, happy with it.

Im wondering if anyone knows where to get a silicone case for just the GoPro itself? (Not a silicone case for the waterproof housing). I've had a look and can't find any surely they must exist?