New user to and 1st time bringing a GoPro to WDW...

[MolonLabe]

I wanted a GoPro for awhile and for some of my outdoor actives, I thought it would be a very cool idea.

With a WDW trip looming on the horizon (as in time for Amazon prime-ish shipping windows) I took the plunge last night and bought a Hero 3+ black from costco.

I only have what came with it (plus the bonus double charger and 2nd battery in the costco pack).

What exactly and I likely to need/use at WDW in the way of accessories? I already have two 64gig micro SDXC class 10 cards, so I have the memory card thing handled.

I also have a OEM headband coming on Tuesday (mostly for my outdoor activities) but that's it.

Up until yesterday I would have never imagined buying a "selfie stick" but the idea of capturing some footage of my family on some rides and without getting someone else to take the picture seems too good to pass up at this point.

Direct QUESTION #1 - What is your favorite (and preferably small/compact) GoPro selfie / monopod type of stick?

Next is if I want to wear it and record while walking around... I don't know if the chest harness would be needed since I'll have a small backpack/camera bag anyway. I'm thinking a Clip would work fine.

QUESTION- what method for walking around do you use?

I'm honestly hoping to leave my DSLR in the room or pack for a good part of the trip since the gopro has such a high picture in good lighting and I'm not really interested in a lot of other shots other than the kids this trip.

Anyway, I'd like to be as unobtrusive as possible to fellow park goers so what are thoughts / tips / tricks?

 

[CaptainCook]

Practice filming with it before you go. You'll find that the wide angle of view allows you to capture a lot of footage just holding it out at arms' length, i.e. an extension stick is usually not necessary.

I have The Bobber mount and use that a lot for general walk-around footage (though I didn't use it at Disney). It's about 8" long and as a bonus, it floats. You will want the camera mounted to 'something' since hand-holding it results in very shaky footage. But you don't need a long selfie stick for that.

What I did find a selfie stick useful for is ride footage, because you can rest it on your ride vehicle in front of you, pointing back at you, to enhance the stability of the shot. With GoPros I think it is all about enhancing the stability as much as possible. Watching herky-jerky footage is really irksome to me. Of course on a ride you're going to get some movement but I think doing what you can to minimize it always pays off.

The stick I used at Disney is made by Platinum and extends from 9"-27". The telescoping aspect was nice because I could extend it out a bit for rides and then compact it down again to make walking around the park less obtrusive. You'll want to make sure there is a safety tether on your stick for the rides.

I prefer hand-holding the camera to using the Chesty mount when my hands are free, but that's really a matter of taste when it comes to viewing the footage. I find I get a more stable, clearer picture hand-holding it.

 

[elmoandzoey]

Just to bring this up again - WDW has now banned selfie sticks from being used on rides. I hope DL will follow soon! A lot of places have banned selfie sticks now!

Out of respect for those around you, please use a selfie stick responsible if you really must use it. There is nothing more intrusive than standing somewhere to enjoy a view and suddenly there are selfie sticks poking through the masses left and right and right up your nose. If I am at a museum e.g. I want to enjoy them museum and not have to wrestle with selfie sticks being poked in my face by complete strangers.

Using them on rides is an even bigger no go for me. My 6 year old son got whacked in the face by a selfie stick on a roller coaster because the guy thought it was fun poking it left and right and then lost control of it at a bump. My son now has a scat under his eye because the cut required stitches. An inch up and he'd have lost an eye.

I don't mind if you strap your gopro to your head, wrist, chest whatever because then it is in your own personal space. Where it stops being fun is when you put it on a selfie stick and invade everyone else's personal space as well.

 

[grecorj]

There is also something called a "grenade grip" (apologies if I have name wrong!) that I have -- it's only about 6". Works great for waking around either front facing or towards me.

EDIT I see previously mentioned Bobber is basically same thing w/float. Also Grenade Grip attaches via regular mount not tripod mount I corrected that in post.

 

[klo1335]

I have a grip like the one listed above and plan on using it at Disney. It also floats which is an added bonus.

 

[BillyBuff]

Depends on what you plan on using the GoPro for...

If I were to bring my GoPro, I'd use the Curve for smoother panning, etc.

http://www.tiffen.com/steadicamcurve/

 

[BillyBuff]

Steadicam Curve is easy to setup

 

[BillyBuff]

Can't wait to bring my GoPro to WDW. No more shaky videos!

 

[kbnovak]

I tried the Steadicam Curve and absolutely could not get it to balance, regardless of what weights, housing, etc. I used. I sent it back.
FYI, I know how to "fly" a camera. I'm very experienced using a Glidecam HD-4000.

 

[CaptainCook]

I admit that I am intrigued by the Curve and similar devices, but though I may purchase one for regular use at some point, I doubt that I would take it to Disney or on any other trip for that matter. For me and the way I travel, it would be too cumbersome. I prefer to shoot quickly on the fly and be done with it. YMMV.

 

[BillyBuff]

Yeah the Curve does NOT "fly" like other gimbals out there. The Curve requires a lot of user input to make it work.

I was trying to fly it like my other gimbals and the result came out like a "drunken sailor"