GoPro, what's the go?

[ungeheuer]

I wanna buy a GoPro device.

What's good and what's not?  Please wise me up.

Thanks in advance.

[UNC Monster]

I've got a GoPro Hero3 Black. I really like it. You just need to make sure you update the firmware to reduce known issues. They just released the GoPro Hero3+ a couple weeks ago that is smaller in size and has improved battery life. I would check out the new release or try to find a deal on the older Hero3 Black. I wouldn't recommend the white (if its even still made) or the silver because they don't support 1080p in 60fps or 720p in 120fps.

[Triple J]

I have a Countour camera. Smaller than a Go Pro, and stupid easy to use...which is good for me.   I like it when I remember to use it.

[ungeheuer]

Thanks fellas  

Most of the "deals" on the outgoing GoPro Hero3 Black... are not that special locally  

Which is making me look further at the GoPro Hero3+ Black.....   better battery life seems like a bonus worth the additional $$...

Oh... and welcome to the DMF UNC  

[ChrisK]

Remember to factor in the cost of all the mounts you'll want with it, in addition to a proper memory card. Google 32 GB Class 10 mini SD cards to see your options there. Wouldn't really want to go below that if you plan on shooting in 1080p often.

The other variable can be whether or not your computer you'll be doing your storing/editing on can handle the file sizes of 1080p 60fps files. Mine can't, luckily my work computer can.

[UNC Monster]

Thanks for the welcome ungeheuer.

Definitely invest in a good class 10 card (SanDisk Ultra). There are horror stories out there about cheap or knock off memory cards causing recording issues. If you're doing long rides, you may want to invest in a 64gb card to increase recording time. Also, get mutiple batteries because they typically don't last much over an hour of recording (I've got 4 total). Wasabi makes a 2 pack with wall charger that is a really good deal.

Chris brings up a good point with processing/editing the footage. Don't try to edit the files that come off the GoPro. They are so compressed it takes a TON of computing power to handle the files. Use Cineform (free GoPro editing software) to decompress the footage you want to edit. You will have a HUGE file but it's much easier to for your computer to handle. You can recompress the file when you export it.

Hope this makes sense and help.

[He Man]

Go pro3 is over rated unless u get the black edition. the silver edition isnt worth the price tag when u get the gopro hero2 for really cheap used.

[ChrisK]

Go pro3 is over rated unless u get the black edition. the silver edition isnt worth the price tag when u get the gopro hero2 for really cheap used.

Unless you place an extreme value on slightly lighter and slightly smaller. The change would be too small to justify it for me, I agree with He Man.

Should say that I have the 3 Black, so I guess I'm a little unbiased there?

[chipripper]

Also consider that you will need to purchase some large (32gb) memory cards of high quality (Class 10). I have a hero 2 and can fill 32gb's with @ <4hrs of 1080p video. I also bought extra cases for diving, mounts, etc. I love mine.

"Be a Hero!"

[Skybarney]

I just got a Hero 3 Black.  I have not yet had a chance to figure out all the mounts and crap it does.  Anyone here have some recommendations for which mount to buy for placing it on the bike?  It might be neat to place it near the lower triple clamp in the center.

This should be a fun learning curve.

[UNC Monster]

Sky, they make several different mounts that could work for you. The handlebar mount, suction cup mount, chest mount, and adhesive mount. The handlebar mount works ok if you mount it at an angle next to the triple clamp. Even then it has a slight clearance issue at full lock. The suction cup mount works pretty well but the area you mount it to need so be completely clean and free of any dirt or debris. The chest mount works great as it simply attaches to a harness you wear and is not affected by turning the handlebars. You can also get an adhesive mount that you can put on your helmet. It's more of a permanent mount but will allow a birds eye view of your ride. GoPro also just came out with a clamp mount that you may be able to mount to the triple clamp itself. I haven't tried it so I can't speak from experience.

Experiment with several different mounts to get an idea of what works best for you.

[bob795]

I just got a Hero 3 Black.  I have not yet had a chance to figure out all the mounts and crap it does.  Anyone here have some recommendations for which mount to buy for placing it on the bike?  It might be neat to place it near the lower triple clamp in the center.

This should be a fun learning curve.

Skybarney, the camera comes with a curved and flat adhesive mount. I use the curved one on my helmet, while the flat one is used on my a RAM ball mount (I don' have the RAM gopro camera mount adapter)

I bought a gopro handlebar mount, but I find it's useless ... cause it vibrates too much and as the result the video is dizzying when watched  . I tried different location on the handlebar, but it still vibrates. I do not recommend this handlebar mount.
I mounted the camera on a tank using the curved mount and the pivot arms, but it also vibrates.

I recommend chest mount though. Its position makes it not sensitive to vibration, the body absorb the vibration. I say it's vibration free when mounted on the chest mount. When mounted on the helmet, it's also vibration free.

The other mount I recommend, I highly recommend it, is RAM mount. I have the one with u-bolt base, that I place on the right hand side frame, under the tank. It gives a nice low angle view of the bike. This mount can also be used as a handlebar mount and even though it vibrates, the vibration is less than the handlebar mount.

[Barney]

i've used the suction cup mount on the tank with descent still and video results - have the gopro 2 motorsports package as well as the 3 black - if you are trying to decide between the 3 and the 3+ for your first camera, i'd say go for the plus as i'm all about more battery life - but I dont plan on upgrading...

i have the handlebar mount as well, but i've only used it on the dirtbike and the mountain bike, as well as on poles - based on all the vibrations ive gotten in every mirror ive ever owned, i certainly believe that could be a problem. 

the chest mount is probably my favorite for pov shots.  you get a really stable shot and it's doesn't change every time you move the bars or your head.

[ab]

I had the original gopro which was horrible.

Bought Hero2 when it came out and love it.  Need to use the skeleton case and find a cheap external mic to get better sound.

I thought the defogger thingy was expensive. Anyone try it?  Camera does fog up and affect the pic.

[Skybarney]

I think I am gonna try the chest mount.  Seems like some solid advice.  Gonna feel a bit like robo man though.  Especially with the Scala G9 on the helmet as well.