Seeking advice for a GoPro newbie...

[Carrie Gruber]

I’m planning to purchase a GoPro Hero3+ for our trip coming up in October. We don’t own a GoPro currently and are curious as to what accessories are recommended for bringing the camera into the parks. I plan to purchase The Handler but not sure if this has been banned in the parks along with selfie sticks. From the videos I’ve seen on YouTube, it seems like they’re being allowed in but I figured I’d double check on the boards. Does anyone know an accessory like the Handler that has a pop-out tripod? I’ve seen it in videos but they don’t give the name of the product…

We’re also going to get the chest strap for on rides. As far as batteries go, there are so many choices on Amazon but I don’t know which ones are best. Any recommendations?

Please let me know if you have any tips or tricks you use that will help us newbies get the most out of using a GoPro. I don’t usually play around with settings on my digital or video cameras other than switching from color to B&W or sepia, so I’m worried that I’ll need to know more about that sort of thing with a GoPro to get the best quality video.

 

[coastalhh]

Gopro settings are super easy. Basically all you need to know is if you want to shoot 1080 60 fops or 30 fps or in 720. The free Gopro software is really easy to edit with.

I shoot in super wide in the parks just to make sure I don't miss anything

In the past I have brought in a extendable Gopro poll but that is now banned. I am bringing my handler this weekend so I will let you know if I have any trouble on Monday. From what I have researched any of the grips not extendable and brand named will be allowed. If you get one with a tripod it might be considered extendable. If you have a stroller the Gopro jaws flex clamp fits them good and you could use the stroller as a kind of tripod.

I would consider the Gopro 4 silver because of the built in LCD screen. It makes it easier to see what your shooting and you don't need to buy the accessory lcd screen

I have 2 wasabi batteries from Amazon and 2 name brand Gopro batteries. They work the same and the wasabi came with a double external charger. The battery life is really poor on Gopros and I have 2 charging In the room and take 2 to the parks. If you are recording a lot and keeping the camera on the battery will be empty in an hour or two.

 

[SuperDave531]

Yes, I totally concur. Pack more power. If you shoot remotely with the wi-fi on, the battery life is even worse.

 

[xlxo]

I got myself one of these Brunton packs... big/ugly.... get's the job done.

 

[dad24]

Batteries = I second the Wasabi batteries. Without using the wi-fi remote, I was able to get through an entire day at the parks, with only have to swap batteries once. FYI - wi-fi is a battery hog.

Accessories = I love the GoPole, and was the only mount I used last October... unfortunately it sounds as if that is no longer an option. Check out the Bobber, same as the handler but also floats for use in the water.

Settings = I use my Hero 3+ on 1080p/60fps 90% of the time. 720/120fps is nice if you want to get some good slow motion in post processing, but I've had decent results w slow motion using 1080/60.

video in my signature for our trip in Oct for an example.

GoPros are a ton of fun, have a blast shooting.

 

[SuperDave531]

Even though the use of monopods / selfie sticks have been banned, you can always get around with a chest harness, or a hat mount, etc.

 

[Khokhonutt]

I am bringing my handler this weekend so I will let you know if I have any trouble on Monday. From what I have researched any of the grips not extendable and brand named will be allowed.

I'll be interested to see what they say about your handler.

Does anyone know an accessory like the Handler that has a pop-out tripod?

I ended up going with the GoPro 3-Way. It's like the handler, in that it has a tri-pod that hides in the base of the handle, but it can also work as a selfie stick. I like the fact that you can remove the extension arm part on the 3-Way, so it just works as a handle, like the Handler, so I'm thinking it should work for the parks. It also has the tri-pod in the base of the handle that you can use to stand the whole thing up or just use as a mini tri-pod only. It's not the cheapest option, but considering I'm getting several functions out of it, I thought it was worth it.

 

[coastalhh]

Small update. I had no problem at all with the handler all day today at Hollywood studios and Epcot. But I did see a lot less gopros about. I think people are scared of the new rule even though grips are supposed to be allowed.

 

[jec6613]

Small update. I had no problem at all with the handler all day today at Hollywood studios and Epcot. But I did see a lot less gopros about. I think people are scared of the new rule even though grips are supposed to be allowed.

Or they were only using the GoPro for selfies anyway, and its wide-angled lens to make up for lack of compositional skills, and figured it was pointless without the stick attached.

 

[coastalhh]

Or they were only using the GoPro for selfies anyway, and its wide-angled lens to make up for lack of compositional skills, and figured it was pointless without the stick attached.

Yea but it's awkward to hold without a handle. Especially if on a fast or bumpy ride.

Today I went to magic kingdom and the guy at the bag check did ask to look at the gopro habdler to confirm it didn't extend.

So no problems all weekend. Handles should be fine.

 

[marinahendrix]

So just to confirm, they won't allow you into the park with the 3-way if its in its extendable form? I was planning on bringing it for a tripod and not using it as a selfie stick but I wasn't sure if they turn you away at bag check or if they just scold people for using the sticks. haha.

 

[coastalhh]

So just to confirm, they won't allow you into the park with the 3-way if its in its extendable form? I was planning on bringing it for a tripod and not using it as a selfie stick but I wasn't sure if they turn you away at bag check or if they just scold people for using the sticks. haha.

You would be turned away if the extendable portion is part of it. No extendable sticks allowed. I wouldn't even mention the tripod comes out..though that shouldn't be a problem.

 

[DisneyisMARVELous]

Hey Everyone! What settings on your GoPro do you use at night and in dark rides?

 

[Khokhonutt]

Hey Everyone! What settings on your GoPro do you use at night and in dark rides?

For the most part, I wouldn't expect much on dark rides. The GoPro just isn't optimized for low light video. For pictures, you can get some nice night pictures, but you'll likely only do so by using a slow shutter speed, using photo mode and the night mode. To get those pictures you will need the camera on a tripod or otherwise solid, stable surface.

 

[DisneyisMARVELous]

Yeah I always bring a camera. Just seeing a lot of videos with GoPro's at night at Disney and was wondering what settings they use.