GoPro reviews

daplatapus · #1 02-12-2015, 03:28 AM

Hey guys and gals. I'm looking at picking up a GoPro camera. What models have you used, do you wish you got something else, what do you recommend?

I'm fairly rough and active with my gear. Probably 80% of this camera's use is going to be diving or under water for various other reasons. Initially I'm leaning to the Hero4 Silver probably because of the view screen which is not on the Black model. The black model however appears to have better pic, vid and fov qualities.

Any suggestions or thoughts?

xenon · #2 02-12-2015, 04:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daplatapus

Hey guys and gals. I'm looking at picking up a GoPro camera. What models have you used, do you wish you got something else, what do you recommend?

I'm fairly rough and active with my gear. Probably 80% of this camera's use is going to be diving or under water for various other reasons. Initially I'm leaning to the Hero4 Silver probably because of the view screen which is not on the Black model. The black model however appears to have better pic, vid and fov qualities.

Any suggestions or thoughts?

I got the Hero4 Black with LCD BacPac and absolutely love it. Especially after the new firmware update that was released a few days ago. TimeLapse is so much easier now.

I also got the G4 3-axis gimbal by Feiyu-Tech that is compatible with the BacPac. It's a tough combo to beat for the price.

crimper · #3 02-12-2015, 04:26 AM

I'm on the same boat. Planning to go snorkelling at Riviera Maya this summer. I'm also leaning towards the Silver.

I'm still waiting for the Sony FDR-X1000V/W before i pull the trigger and see how it competes with GoPros.

ReefPilot (Walter) had good reviews with Olympus TG-2 and he used it both for snorkelling and taking pictures of his reef. It is cheaper and is able to do Macros. He also has a Sony Mini Action Cam that he mounts on his plane, check his videos on some of his posts here. Really cool shots.

Keep us posted.

EarthEaterBob · #4 02-12-2015, 07:07 AM

Ditch the Go Pros. Go with an Intova Sport HDII or other compact durable camera brand made for underwater use. Sub $200 with only small decrease in video/photo quality. Go Pros were never really designed for underwater use and cost the $$$$$$$ to upgrade them up to it. Realistically, once you spend $600+ (likely far more...) on a Go Pro you could have bought a nicer digital camera+housing at the same price for faaaaar better quality pictures, which you can also later add lenses to, strobes, video lights...

However, I have not followed any Go Pro updates so perhaps the newer ones fair better?

Photos from by Intova (Mind you, I have a diy rig with video lights and a macro lens)

Jordon · #5 02-12-2015, 02:32 PM

Wow I had no idea that camera existed! Looks amazing for the price.

Craigdillman · #6 02-12-2015, 02:35 PM

Go Pro is epic get the blue filter if you are going to be diving here is a video me and my wife shot a month ago with it

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxSN...e&fb_ref=share

Craigdillman · #7 02-12-2015, 02:37 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fel_0EN0-qg

Heres the 3 min version

the best part of the go pro also is the software that comes with it to help edit and stuff makes you look like a pro

Reef Pilot · #8 02-12-2015, 02:40 PM

Gopro and most other action cams not the best for underwater. My Olympus TG-2 (TG-3 is current model) works very well, and has lots of great reviews.

I have used various action cams with my plane, incl the Gopro Black 3+. While Gopro is the most popular, it has some real limitations. It is very poor with dynamic range, and hard to get consistent good footage. Can get some very good short clips, but requires a lot of editing and post production.

Sony is much better with the dynamic range and has better color than the gopros. I use their Action Cam Mini (their latest offering) and have their newest 4K one (FDR-X1000V) on order.

crimper · #9 02-12-2015, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reef Pilot

Sony is much better with the dynamic range and has better color than the gopros. I use their Action Cam Mini (their latest offering) and have their newest 4K one (FDR-X1000V) on order.

Cool!

Please give us a feedback on the FDR-X1000V when you have it. I saw the review of the AS-100 vs the GoPro Hero 3+ underwater and it blows the GoPro away. That's why I'm taking time before I pull the the trigger.

I also want to install it on my RC

instead as I don't have the real one lol

Reef Pilot · #10 02-12-2015, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crimper

Cool!

Please give us a feedback on the FDR-X1000V when you have it. I saw the review of the AS-100 vs the GoPro Hero 3+ underwater and it blows the GoPro away. That's why I'm taking time before I pull the the trigger.

I also want to install it on my RC

instead as I don't have the real one lol

Yeah, the new one is supposed to handle vibrations better. That's still a problem I have with the AZ1 when externally mounted on the plane. The image stabilization doesn't work well enough under full power, and can still get jello and shake. But the image stabilization really works great for running, biking, skiing, walking or anything that doesn't have a motor. It is amazingly smooth, and gets rid of all the shakiness which is very annoying when watching a vid. Can't believe Gopro still doesn't have that.
Here is a preview of the new FDR-X1000V.
http://camcorders.reviewed.com/conte...essions-review

Here is my last vid with the AZ1, just last month. That GPS is great, too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbyOdQJY0Qg

And here is the Gopro Black 3+ that I tried last Sept. The poor dynamic range really shows up when transitioning through different exposure scenes. And the color is not always good either. Some parts are good, but like I said, you have to do lots of post editing with the gopro. Gopro is really bad for jello, too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AweMTHt_BLQ