GoPro Hero3+ ...your opinion taking it instead of DSLR

[bride03]

Ok, so I know that most photographers that want great Disney pictures are going to think I'm crazy for even debating this. I thought I'd be able to find someone who has had this problem and ended up loving the GoPro Hero3+ over taking a DSLR.

First off, I'm going with family. I have two kids. Here is what I'm thinking....I don't want a heavy camera to lug around, the GoPro takes great shots and I do post-editing on all my pictures, water-proof, drop-proof, easier with kids in tow.

I'm just trying to make sure I don't regret my decision. Have any of you taken a GoPro and it worked out better than lugging a DSLR around?

What problems (either way) am I not thinking of?

 

[DSLRuser]

Go pros are great action video cameras.

Usable for general video.

Complete garbage to be used as a dedicated still camera.

Because of the compact size and wide angle needed to be the great action camera it is, some compromises had to be made. image quality is horrid. Take a picture or video of a brick wall and study the lines. the amount of distortion present is fine for fast action video. but any still frame and it stands out like a sore thumb.

now imagine you use this to take a picture of your kids. legs will be to long, faces will be distorted.

no way I would rely on a Go Pro for a dedicated camera. Use it for intention, great video on action rides and be happy. Every job has the correct tool.

 

[BBQMonster]

Without a flash the Go Pro isn't going be of much use to you once the sun goes down.

 

[boBQuincy]

The GoPro is a third-rate camera in a world class case. Admittedly I only have the "White" version, it was purchased to video a four day bicycle ride and it worked well for that. For what the GoPro is made for there is probably nothing better. For anything other than video in a harsh environment I think you could do better with almost anything else, including a good cell phone camera.

 

[handicap18]

I love my GoPro for video. But I would not use it for a still camera, especially at Disney. Its way to wide and is TERRIBLE in any kind of low lighting and no flash. Use it on the outdoor rides to get some great Video. Plus there is no screen to see what you are actually shooting. What will happen when you take a picture with a character and everyone's head is cut off?

I've taken some great video's of the kids sledding and skiing and am looking forward to using it in the pool and ponds this coming summer. I may take some underwater stills, but that is about the only kind of stills I would use my GoPro for.

 

[mikegood2]

Agree with others, it's not a DSLR camera replacement. That said, if you are concerned about lugging around a DSLR you might want to bring both a point and shoot camera and a GoPro.

I would definitely bring the GoPro though. We got video with ours that we would have never gotten with a DSLR,p&s or phone. If your kids are young enough for a stroller, attaching a GoPro to it can give you great results. I've got some nice video of our walks to and from our hotel (Swan Dolphin) to Epcot or just walking around in the parks. I've also got some wonder for video of my niece riding BTM for the first time that I would have never gotten with anything else. That video might be my favorite from our trip and made bringing the GoPro worth bringing.