? about Go Pros

[tarheel618]

I am starting my Christmas shopping. My 13 year old daughter mentioned this summer that she would like to have a go pro. I've been pricing them (oh my) but I see the HERO is 129 which is doable. Can anyone give me feedback on this camera?

 

[scanmom]

I've been wondering the same thing. I'm sneaking on to your thread in hopes to find out!

 

[tarheel618]

I've been wondering the same thing. I'm sneaking on to your thread in hopes to find out!

No problem. I don't mind spending 129 for a decent camera/video but Im not going to spend 300 or more for a 13 year old. I just want to make sure the entry level is a decent camera for a young teen. Its so hard to find things for her for Christmas. She's not into clothes etc.

 

[xlxo]

Thoughts... http://shop.gopro.com/cameras/hero/CHDHA-301.html

• they are affordable, especially compared to the Hero4 Black
• there is no optical zoom
• the sound is mono
• there is no back LCD screen like a regular camera, you need to sync to your smartphone. The wifi will shorten battery life.
• think about battery life, depending on what you plan to be using the camera for. Do you need a recharge when away from home?
• to clarify... what would she use a GoPro for?

 

[Lvsdisney]

The gopro has a fish eye lens so as long as you point it in the general vicinity of what you want to record, you'll get it. You can't zoom so if you're recording something more than 15-20 feet away, it's not a great picture. You can use it as a camera (still pictures) too. It's fun for recording extreme activities (DH uses it for roller coasters, water sports, skateboarding) bUT not so good as a family video camera. You can buy cheaper accessories on amazon.

 

[Khokhonutt]

Thoughts... http://shop.gopro.com/cameras/hero/CHDHA-301.html

• there is no back LCD screen like a regular camera, you need to sync to your smartphone. The wifi will shorten battery life.

Might want to double-check that bullet about the wifi. From what I'm seeing (http://shop.gopro.com/compare?category=cameras) the Hero doesn't have the built in wifi, which means no sync with your phone. That might be a deal breaker for a 13 year old. What's cool about the wifi is you get that instant gratification of being able to view and transfer images and video to your smartphone, for sharing on social media. It looks to me like with a $129 Hero, you would have to manually transfer what you capture to a computer, then share.

I think it's a good question to ask what she thinks she's going to use the GoPro for. They are a slick little camera for shooting water sports and other action activities, but they're not necessarily a point and shoot type camera or video camera. You're also going to need/want a few accessories to start off. As others have said, extra batteries are a must, if it's going to be used on long days or lengthy activities. It also doesn't come with a memory card and you really can't cheap out on the memory card for the GoPros. Capturing and storing HD video takes speed and room for larger files.

All of that said, if she's a budding photographer, videographer and has a computer to do post processing on, it's a least a cheaper initial option for her to try out.

 

[tarheel618]

She would use it for gymnastics and other sports.

 

[xlxo]

Might want to double-check that bullet about the wifi.

Good point.... without any viewfinder, that camera will be difficult to point at a subject.

Gymnastics? It will be kinda hard to wear. Must be dangerous with an unplanned fall.

 

[Khokhonutt]

The other thing with gymnastics, with a gopro, is they're not exactly known for their low light, high speed prowess. You can do some cool stuff with long exposures in the dark, but capturing action in darker situations is not their strong point.