For Those That Have a GoPro...

[TeamSy]

We are heading to Bora Bora in two months and I want a good underwater camera. I've never owned an underwater camera before. Someone suggested the Go Pro. So I looked them up and there are so many different ones I'm a bit overwhelmed and not sure what's best for me.

The only thing I'd be using it for is underwater, to take on the beach/in the ocean, on excursions, just because I don't want to worry about my regular camera getting wet (and obviously my regular camera isn't waterproof and can't go underwater). I plan on using the camera in the future for other beach vacations, and probably even bringing it to the water park/pools at disney. I don't plan on mounting the GoPro to my head or anything, so for my use I know I need to buy the waterproof casing. But which camera is best if all I care about is the underwater aspect?

 

[dad24]

Here is a chart that compares the different models

http://blog.cernosice.cz/storage/2014/11/gopro-fall-2014.jpg

I have the Hero 3+ Black (not listed on that chart for some reason), and I love it. I don't have any underwater ocean footage, only in the pool. I'm very happy with it.

How much do you want to spend? Narrow down your choices based on budget, then spend some time on Youtube comparing footage from the different models.

When considering which model, keep in mind the cost of accessories - sd card, extra batteries, mount/grip - easily another $100.

FYI - waterproof case is included.

 

[TeamSy]

Thanks!

I don't really have a budget, just want to spend for what I'll use it for, and they all do the waterproof thing. I know MP has to do with ho much you can blow up a picture, what does fps mean… I think it's frames per second, but what does that mean in terms of me using it? Sorry… I don't know anything about photography.

The original Hero has auto low light, and then auto low light isn't again until the Hero 4, so I'm assuming I'd want that for under water??

 

[TeamSy]

Also, would you say that the Go Pro is the best for underwater, since that's primarily what I'll be using it for?

 

[WilsonFlyer]

I have a GoPro Hero III and I love it, for what it is.

If I were looking a TRUE underwater camera for an underwater camera's sake, I would have one of these (and I do).

GoPro is a novelty camera for a very specific market and purpose. Lens distortion alone would make it useless for such a once-in-a-lifetime trip as far as I'm concerned. No zoom. Aggravating to change modes (video and still) and hard to see underwater when changing modes. The list goes on and on.

Buy one of these. You'll be glad you did.

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/digital_cameras/powershot_d30

 

[TeamSy]

I have a GoPro Hero III and I love it, for what it is.

If I were looking a TRUE underwater camera for an underwater camera's sake, I would have one of these (and I do).

GoPro is a novelty camera for a very specific market and purpose. Lens distortion alone would make it useless for such a once-in-a-lifetime trip as far as I'm concerned. No zoom. Aggravating to change modes (video and still) and hard to see underwater when changing modes. The list goes on and on.

Buy one of these. You'll be glad you did.

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/digital_cameras/powershot_d30

Thank you! I was thinking about one of these, I was also looking at a Olympus version (maybe the TG-3)??? Everyone always just has such great things to say about GoPro, which is why I initially thought that. However, I don't even plan to really do videos, it's mostly underwater photos I'm looking for. It's such a hard choice!!

 

[CaptainCook]

I have the GoPro Hero 3+ and love it. I consider it extremely multi-purpose and not a novelty camera. The image quality is excellent.

Having said that though, I think if you are on,y looking for still shot capability, there are better cameras out there. The GoPro shines the most when it comes to video and needing to be hands free (or nearly so). If neither of those criteria apply to you then I would look elsewhere.

Ps - frames per second - not likely to matter to you whether you can shoot 5 fps or 7 fps unless you're shooting sports - for a vacation camera, you can focus on other criteria.

 

[WilsonFlyer]

I'm sure the Olympus is a great camera. I've read great things about it and have almost bought one just to have on several occasions (I'm a camera freak and buy cameras just for fun.). I'm a Canon guy. Heavily vested in the brand, though. The D30 is a great machine, and a fantastic underwater camera, still or motion.

As to the novelty reference above, maybe I used too harsh of a term, as noted by CaptainCook. What I probably should have said is that it is much more of a "specialty" camera, in that its primary purpose is to be able to attach to about anything and then enjoy the ride. It's primarily for shooting video. It's not a great still camera at all. As I said, it's great for what it is and what it's designed to be, but the lens distortion alone would would take it out of my bag for any one-camera/once in a lifetime trip. (FWIW, the distortion can be corrected to a great extent in post.) The lack of zoom kills it too.

Get a real underwater camera. You'll be glad you did.

 

[FINFAN]

The Hero 4 black in addition to a still , lol. DS works at a camera store a customer taking a similar trip came in looking for higher end equipment. DS was helping him and suggested the HB4 just since that's a heck of a trip and if DS was going he sure as heck would use his. The customer ultimately decided to get one, loved it, and used it most of the trip as he found he liked the ability to get video more than he thought. It's so small, and addicting. I would recommend a back up battery tho, and charger for sure if you do get one.