GoPro reviews

[EarthEaterBob]

Oh, so a DLSR can take better HD video than a Go-Pro then

Ill admit that a Go-Pro for UW videography out competes an Intova and other action cams in the market in terms of video quality...but guess what, it also costs 3-4x the amount! So while the video from the GoPro 4s is very impressive, IMO it is not what I consider an affordable option.

Some shots with my Intova...not comparable to a DLSR, perhaps comparable to a Go-Pro when you keep in mind it costs a third of the price.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcVM9qLlHeg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwBt_KrSln4

Anyways, the point is, the OP wants a camera for macro photography. Something that action cams, Intova AND GoPro, are not suited for in the least. And a decent ($2000-3000) DLSR setup will take quality, comparable if not better then a GoPros, video while taking still shots that a GoPro would not ever be able to pull. Whether that is in the OP`s budget is up to them.

Edit: Oops, I might have misinterpreted OP's comment, my sincerest apologies if you're a dude and not a she!

[daplatapus]

Originally Posted by EarthEaterBob

Additionally, the OP has mentioned that he is actually a SHE and that she wants to pursue macro photography.

Originally Posted by EarthEaterBob

Edit: Oops, I might have misinterpreted OP's comment, my sincerest apologies if you're a dude and not a she!

Yup, for the record - totally a dude. but with a name like Dominique, that mistake happens a lot without face to face communication, lol.

So, firstly, I asked the question here and not a camera or scuba forum because I'm not active on any other sites, nor do I really wish to be. I've noticed we do have some guys and gals here that are into both diving and photography so I thought I'd ask here.

I did originally state that the greater majority of the usage will be done while diving and that macro photography is my focus (no pun intended ) but something that can integrate video would be cool. But like everything in life, I'm seeing there is no good 1 thing does everything fix.

Originally Posted by Treebeard

The OP stated he was considering a GoPro, so I assume he intends on shooting video and the occasional still.

Like stated above, probably the other way around. Having not seen or used a GoPro, I assumed it was both a camera and video camera.

Originally Posted by Treebeard

Nice video! But shot with a $3,100 DSLR. Oh, and that's just the body. Tack on another $3,000 or so for the Ikelite housing and lenses and you are ready to dive! I think that may be little over the OP's budget.

Totally correct. I'm not going there. I already own an Olympus E-620 with a plethora of lenses, but the housing has always been hard to find (almost impossible to find now), cost $1000 US plus any extension rings for lenses, plus a tray, plus strobes, etc, etc, etc. Seeing how this or its accessories was no longer made or readily available, I thought of getting something more readily suitable for diving use with the added functionality of using it in other sports/activities I enjoy.

[daplatapus]

Well, ended up with the Gopro Hero4 Silver. Took it out diving and I'm pretty impressed with what it can do. I've realized I definitely need better lighting and some other way of holding onto it. Also for what I like, I've ordered some dive filters and 2 macro filters.
Anyway, uploading a few vids to youtube now, but in the meantime, here's what I came up with on our very first outing out at Nanoose, just north of Nanaimo.









http://youtu.be/Exk8C4nSCQo

[crimper]

Originally Posted by daplatapus

http://youtu.be/Exk8C4nSCQo

Wow! Is that a giant rock crab?

Nice shots, thank's for sharing.

[daplatapus]

Its a Puget Sound King Crab, I had never seen one yet. Did the link work with the video?

[crimper]

Originally Posted by daplatapus

Its a Puget Sound King Crab, I had never seen one yet. Did the link work with the video?

Yup the link works. Nice shots. You need a red filter and a tray (SRP maybe), and you're set.

[daplatapus]

Already on order got my video lights in yesterday. Dove today with it just in my hand, holy cow what a bright light. Loved it