GoPro cameras opinions

[Green 1]

I know there is a lot of experience with these cameras on the forum and I need some advice. I am not much of a tech guy when it comes to video and cameras. With that said I am looking at purchasing my first GoPro or other camera to use on offload trips.
Would I be happy with the white edition?
If not which should I buy?
What mounts do you use the most?
What other accessories are most useful?
any other advice or learnings or better options?

 

[3Hummers]

I have one. Left it with JJ. They have the suction cup mounts and hard mounts that will work on the light bar. Mine does not have a remote, which the black face GoPro's do. The suction mount works fine.

 

[alrock]

GoPros, in my opinion, are hands down the best action video camera out there. I recently got a Hero2 - I may be behind a generation, but it still kicks butt.

The wi-fi option is fantastic and you can get it either built in (all Hero3s have this) or as an add-on (Hero2). I can't imagine using this outside of my truck w/o the wi-fi app. I have the remote but so far have only used my phone as the remote through the GoPro App and it works well. One great thing about the phone app is you can get previews which helps you aim as the camera itself does not have a viewfinder or LCD for previewing images.

Considering your needs (keeping it simple) I think the White version would work well for you. For mounting, I highly recommend the RAM suction cup mounts as they've never failed me and with all of the components available, are highly modifiable.

Besides the camera, here's your "essential" shopping list:

• Extra batteries: http://www.amazon.com/Wasabi-Power-...&qid=1363534824&sr=8-1&keywords=gopro+battery. This aftermarket one comes with a wall/car charger as well.
• High capacity, high speed SD card. Hero3 supports up to 64gb: http://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-Extre...8&qid=1363534913&sr=1-1&keywords=64gb+sd+card. While you MUST get class 10, you could go 32gb and save some money if you want
• Wi-fi remote: http://gopro.com/hd-hero-accessories/wi-fi-remote. You can also use the free app for your smartphone, but this is good to have.
• GoPro RAM mount: http://www.amazon.com/RAM-B-166---G...d=1363535010&sr=1-1&keywords=go+pro+ram+mount. I like the slightly longer arm vs. one that comes in the kit: http://www.amazon.com/RAM-B-166---G...d=1363535010&sr=1-1&keywords=go+pro+ram+mount

Note with the mounts, the White model has less options than the Silver one as the Silver one has a 3 way pivot arm (White does not). None of them suggest that they have suction cup mounts, but my Hero2 did and David got one as well. I suspect the White one doesn't, but that would be fine as I think the RAM one is better.

 

[RamRod]

I have had 4 differnt models of the GoPro, obiously the Black was my fav, but if you are considerding the white might want to look into the Hero HD2 might be able to get for a good price

 

[Kyle]

go big or go home! get the hero 3 black edition with a sandisk extreme microsd card along with the all the mounts! i thought i would never use some of the mounts i got, but they came in handy more than i thought! and the video quality is phenomenal!

 

[Expendable]

Personally I would go black edition, even if you're not going to film in 1440p it allows you to film HD at a higher frame rate than the silver and white editions which helps have less of a choppy video. also the Black is far superior at night shots/vids.

AFAIK the suction cup mounts don't come with the Hero3 but you can purchase them separately.

I have a Hero2 that I am perfectly happy with (I want a black edition but got other priorities). Personally unless you get a great deal for a Hero2 I would go with a Hero3. built in wifi is handy so you could add the remote down the road.

 

[cbetts]

I am still running the GoPro 1 and just love it! Since it runs at a lower resolution, using a class 4 card is okay. Like Alex, I recommend the extra batteries w/charger. Unfortunately, I got some cheap Chinese batteries which won't hold a charge after a few uses. I found the WIFI kit to be invaluable. The GoPro 1 does not support the video feed to the remote device but I can still start and stop the recording.

For mounting, I second Alex and recommend a RAM mount. I have never had an issue with mine. My GoPro suction mount has popped off the windshield a few times (thankfully it was inside).

 

[Green 1]

Picked up a Gopro 2 hd with the wireless last night at SAMs club for 199. Can't wait to start using it

 

[3Hummers]

Great price. They are $299.00 everywhere else I see them. Mine doesn't have a remote either.

 

[Green 1]

Great price. They are $299.00 everywhere else I see them. Mine doesn't have a remote either.

That is why I pulled the trigger. Came with everything but the card suction cup and extra battery but those are cheap.

 

[3Hummers]

Quit playing on the Internet and go finish working on your trucks and getting ready for Moab.

 

[Green 1]

Quit playing on the Internet and go finish working on your trucks and getting ready for Moab.

Trucks are done. Washing clothes and. Cleaning house now will load the truck and pack suit case later today.

 

[JGBB04]

Take your time setting it up, getting the wifi set up the first time can be frustrating. With my Hero2 I had trouble getting the firmware update to load online & they had to email it to me. Once it's set though it works great.

 

[alrock]

As JGBB04 said, you've got a bit more work to do on the computer while you're washing clothes. Both the camera and the wi-fi backpack need to have their firmware updated. Did you get the wireless remote or are you going to use a smartphone?

 

[jakesz28]

One thing I noticed is you will need spare batteries and the separate charger. I still need to get them for my hero2.

 

[SickStringC]

Just to offer a different alternative:

Delkin Devices WingmanHD
http://delkin.com/i-7579051-wingmanhd-waterproof-action-camera.html

It's only 2.98oz - the lightest action cam on the market. Works with all GoPro mounts and also comes with a variety of mounts. It's priced at $199, has an LCD you can review images and footage on and includes:

(1) WingmanHD Camera (Specs Below)
(1) Waterproof Casing (100 Feet / 30 Meters)
(1) 8GB MicroSD Card
(1) Rechargeable 1000mAh Li-ion Battery
(1) Stealth Suction Mount
(1) Adhesive Helmet Mount
(1) Vented Helmet Mount
(3) Elastic Straps
(1) Bar Mount
(1) Wall Charger
(1) Car Charger
(1) USB Power Cable
(1) USB Data Cable
(1) Composite Cable
(1) Wrist Strap
(1) Storage Pouch
(1) User Guide

Specifications

• Storage: microSD or SDHC (up to 32GB) 8GB microSD card included
• Video Resolution: 1080p @ 30fps; 720p @ 60fps; WVGA @ 60fps; QVGA @ 30fps
• Video Format: MOV H.264
• Still Resolution: 8 Megapixel; 5 Megapixel; 3 Megapixel CMOS
• Still Format: JPG
• Still Capture Modes: Single Shot; Time Lapse (2, 3, 5, 10, 20, 30 or 60 second intervals; Triple Shot; Self Timer
• Audio: Built in microphone & speaker
• Zoom: 3x digital zoom (not available in 1080p mode)
• Waterproof: 100 feet with Waterproof Housing
• Power: 2.5 Hour Recording Time per Charge (1000mAh rechargeable li-ion battery)
• Mounting Bracket: Standard ¼-20 Tripod Thread
• A/V Out: NTSC/PAL analog video output; HDMI high definition output; Analog audio output
• PC Port: USB 2.0
• Included Cables: Data USB; Charging USB; A/V Cables
• Operating Platform: Windows XP SP2, Vista or Above; Mac OS
• CPU: Minimum Pentium 4 1.5GHZ Required
• RAM: Minimum 1GB Required
• Storage Temperature:-20°C - 50°C
• Operating Temperature: -10°C - 50°C
• Working Humidity: 15 - 85% relative humidity

The company doesn't spend a bunch of cash on advertising like GoPro does ... Not saying this is better than the best GoPro. I do think it is the 'best bang for your buck' for a solid all-around action cam. It's lighter, cheaper and packs more features than any other action cam at it's price point.

Here's a video I posted a while back with a lot of footage shot with my WingmanHD.

Also, to anyone looking for tips on how to get great footage using the action cam of your choice, check out my buddy's youtube channel:

Mitch Bergsma's Youtube Channel

Mitch is an old neighbor of mine here in Austin who is a hearing impaired professional wakeboarder and photographer who has over 140 unique videos with tips for various applications with action cams (mostly gopro). He does amazing work, shares all of his secrets on Youtube and is an awesome person.

 

[Expendable]

Just to offer a different alternative:

Delkin Devices WingmanHD
http://delkin.com/i-7579051-wingmanhd-waterproof-action-camera.html

It's only 2.98oz - the lightest action cam on the market. Works with all GoPro mounts and also comes with a variety of mounts. It's priced at $199

same price as the GoPro Hero3 White Edition. difference that the Wingman comes with memory card, car charger, couple more mounts and the GoPro Hero3 is WiFi capable.