Advice from GoPro owners

[anonymousegirl]

Hi all,
I am intrigued by the GoPro video camera and wondered if it would be a good option for me. I am a point-and-shoot kind of girl although my husband has a high end Nikon digital SLR. We vacation 2-3 times a year, sometimes in the Caribbean where the waterproof GoPro would be great. The rest of the time is Europe, Disney, and cruises.
In my job, we are starting to see a need for high quality videos to showcase destinations so I am thinking I should maybe invest in a GoPro even though I don't do any kind of extreme sports. Or perhaps there is another camera I should consider?

thanks!

 

[boBQuincy]

From my viewpoint the GoPro is a 2nd rate camera in a world-class housing. Almost any decent camera that takes video would be better *except* when it has to survive harsh conditions, which is what GoPro was designed for. I use mine for bicycling, boating, etc but use my micro 4:3 for when I want good video.

Ymmv...

 

[CaptainCook]

I have a gopro that I love. I think the image quality is excellent (it has a certain 'look' that you either like or you don't) and it's really versatile. It's also easy to use because it's basically just on/off. But, it has limitations. There is no zoom on it, etc.

If I were you, I would search 'GoPro' on YouTube to get a sense of what is possible. Plenty of people shoot vacation videos with them. If you don't like what you see then perhaps look into something else.

 

[xlxo]

For regular videos... I reach for my camcorder with optical zoom and image stabilization.

For a small clandestine camera that I have a capturing secondary video, I have my GoPro. If you do get a GoPro, I think it would be a great backup camera to a DSLR. Things to consider....

• no stereo audio
• no optical zoom
• no image stabilization
• battery life may be an issue. I recently got this extended battery for my 3+.
  http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...allday_bk_f_allday_extended_battery_back.html
• controls may be awkward for a point 'n shoot.
• no viewfinder.... need to wifi sync with phone. The wifi drains camera battery life.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFTujs1CAkQ

 

[dad24]

While the quality of video might not be as good as a DSLR.. it's not far off IMO. I have both, and they each serve a purpose.

Of course any DSLR is going to have a better sensor, lens, zoom etc

But for the beach, underwater, on rides, etc - the GoPro is def the way to go and is much more versatile. Also, the GoPro can record video at much higher frame rates, allowing you to have some fun with slow mo in the editing process - if that interests you at all.

 

[MOmousefan]

I took my Hero 3+ Silver on our August 2014 trip along with my Sony RX 100. The GoPro was used in the pools and on my XShot pole. I was very pleased with the results, shooting in the 1080 mode. It was easy to carry around in my pocket even with the XShot connected.
Here is an example of a still shot in the Eporium at night:


This clip was shot in a partly sunny day with no editing other then clipping the video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDFctngW0is&feature=youtu.be

 

[Groucho]

Don't forget the other action cameras. I picked up a Sony AS30V when Amazon had them on a daily deal ($140 - which sold out very quickly!) and it's terrific. As good or better image quality as the GoPro, a better shape IMHO, stereo sound, image stabilization (but not at the full fisheye view, but you can choose between the fisheye and a not-quite-as-wide view), and very good battery life - I accidentally turned mine on when putting it in the luggage on the way to Florida and ended up with a few hours of recordings of us going through the airport, the plane flight, etc, etc. It ended up taking quite a bit better underwater footage (especially sound) than my dedicated underwater point-n-shoot.

As for the original question - you'd have to be pretty undiscriminating to be happy with any of these action cameras as a primary camera. They can do OK but you are pretty limited and the lack of a viewfinder could really slow you down.

 

[dad24]

.. the lack of a viewfinder could really slow you down.

actually the newest GoPro 4 does have a rear display... but similar to the wifi - really eats into your battery life.