Go Pro: Really???

[Ron S]

I bought two of the Hero cameras on sale for $200 each for my boys as Christmas Presents. Just got around to pulling them out and trying to figure out how to use them.
Is this right? No viewing screen, no viewfinder? Little plastic cameras that look like toys? Is this really what everyone's so excited about? Once I waded through all the different instruction books to find one in English, it was pretty sparse as far as how to actually use these things.
At this point I'm thinking I just blew $400 that could have been spent toward real cameras! I just gotta be missing something, as everyone seems to actually like these things. What am I missing here???
Ron.

[phil herranen]

the point is it is a very small ,wearable ,hd video cam . its designed to be mounted ,and not get in the way,it is not used as a point and shoot
phil

[Chris Lupin]

If you want to use it as a point and shoot: http://gopro.com/hd-hero-accessories/lcd-bacpac/

But for what we use these cams for, theres really not many situations where I wish I had the LCD screen.

[ApneaAddict]

Ron,
The idea is to have a bullet-proof, water proof, cheap camera that can go where you go. Its not intended to be used as a camcorder or point-and-shoot, but instead as a Point of View camera for mountain biking, snowboarding, skiing, diving, spearfishing, surfing, driving, etc etc. If your kids like outdoor sports, I'm sure they can find a way to use the gopros to get some pretty cool footage. If you had more of a camcorder use in mind, then yeah, you should return them.

[Ron S]

My kids are skiers and divers. They wanted cameras for pretty much what you guys are describing. I just tossed the SD card from my old 5 mp point and shoot into the Go Pro and took a few photos and videos. It works OK, but the quality doesn't compare to my old, cheap Canon. Won't come close to my 7mp Canon point and shoot that I use in a Canon housing for my diving, but hey, they're kids. I guess it'll do for now. It appears that you can get away without a viewfinder because the lens is so very wide angled.
I recon I'll get some kind of mount for their ski helmets, and then later get the flat lenses for diving.
Now I need to get them a couple SD cards. I guess 4mp will work?
Thanks guys!
Ron.

[jfjf]

My kids are skiers and divers. They wanted cameras for pretty much what you guys are describing. I just tossed the SD card from my old 5 mp point and shoot into the Go Pro and took a few photos and videos. It works OK, but the quality doesn't compare to my old, cheap Canon. Won't come close to my 7mp Canon point and shoot that I use in a Canon housing for my diving, but hey, they're kids. I guess it'll do for now. It appears that you can get away without a viewfinder because the lens is so very wide angled.
I recon I'll get some kind of mount for their ski helmets, and then later get the flat lenses for diving.
Now I need to get them a couple SD cards. I guess 4mp will work?
Thanks guys!
Ron.


Get a flat lens or the thing is almost worthless underwater. I use mine Hero HD 1 almost exclusively for video. I had it set up for the R-5 setting and never mess with it.

It has a focus from about 6 inches to infinity, it has decent light sensitivity (I have used mine to 185 feet in clear water) and the R-5 setting is wide enough that you don't need a viewfinder.

Rather than looking at the camera itself, take a look at some of the videos people have shot with them... Pretty decent for the price.

I think my card is 16 and the battery goes before the card is filled.

This is a recent video I shot of a very recently discovered WW2 Airplane wreck.

Helldiver SB2C Plane Wreck Off Jupiter Florida - YouTube

[kmoose]

It think a 4g is too small for it's intended use. I would go with 16-32g. You will probably also be dissapointed if you don't have a pretty powerful editing software as well.

As others have stated, we are excited about the Gopro due to it's size and track record for being water tight. Mine is mounted to my mask and I now wear it every time I dive. You never know when something cool is going to happen. Here is a video shot on a dive in 250...... Spearfishing Double Tap - Monster Black and Gag Grouper - YouTube
They really are great compact video cameras but if you bought it for taking stills you'll be disapointed.

[jdaltonscheurn]

I just got back from CES this past weekend. I own a Gopro and love it but I will say that there are a few companies that are coming out with similar type cameras. One in particular is made in Germany and they said in about 6 months it will be released. It is a bit smaller then a GoPro and has a built in viewing screen. The point is I think Gopro is going to have to step up their game just a bit to keep up with everyone. The cameras shoot fantastic video but the features of the camera are going to get behind.

[Hungry1]

My kids are skiers and divers. They wanted cameras for pretty much what you guys are describing. I just tossed the SD card from my old 5 mp point and shoot into the Go Pro and took a few photos and videos. It works OK, but the quality doesn't compare to my old, cheap Canon. Won't come close to my 7mp Canon point and shoot that I use in a Canon housing for my diving, but hey, they're kids. I guess it'll do for now. It appears that you can get away without a viewfinder because the lens is so very wide angled.
I recon I'll get some kind of mount for their ski helmets, and then later get the flat lenses for diving.
Now I need to get them a couple SD cards. I guess 4mp will work?
Thanks guys!
Ron.

Did you buy the HD camera? If your shots aren't very clean there is a chance you bought the older non HD version.

[Ron S]

I had to check the instructions, but fortunately yes, I did buy the HD cameras. These were the HD cameras that everyone had on sale because the newer version had just come out.
Hey I was watching some of the awsome videos you guys have made and I noticed that, (assuming ya'll are using the flat lenses), the video quality wasn't bad on the surface either. If I switch to the Mako flat lenses, will they still work for things like snow skiing? Thanks for your patience guys!
Ron.

[SpearsouthFL]

I had to check the instructions, but fortunately yes, I did buy the HD cameras. These were the HD cameras that everyone had on sale because the newer version had just come out.
Hey I was watching some of the awsome videos you guys have made and I noticed that, (assuming ya'll are using the flat lenses), the video quality wasn't bad on the surface either. If I switch to the Mako flat lenses, will they still work for things like snow skiing? Thanks for your patience guys!
Ron.

yes, the flat lense should work fine under any situation. sorry you didnt know what you were buying into, but this is a spectacular camera for what we're doing. the ease of operation only becomes easier with more experience. its actually quite simple once you figure it out. good luck

[gogators27]

It think a 4g is too small for it's intended use. I would go with 16-32g. You will probably also be dissapointed if you don't have a pretty powerful editing software as well.

As others have stated, we are excited about the Gopro due to it's size and track record for being water tight. Mine is mounted to my mask and I now wear it every time I dive. You never know when something cool is going to happen. Here is a video shot on a dive in 250...... Spearfishing Double Tap - Monster Black and Gag Grouper - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5vAd0UpKDc)
They really are great compact video cameras but if you bought it for taking stills you'll be disapointed.

All I got to say is nice bounce Moose!

[Ron S]

yes, the flat lense should work fine under any situation. sorry you didnt know what you were buying into, but this is a spectacular camera for what we're doing. the ease of operation only becomes easier with more experience. its actually quite simple once you figure it out. good luck

Well it's my own fault for not looking into these things before buying. However now that I understand them a bit better, I think I "accidentally" made the right purchase.:D They're actually a lot simpler to use than my Canon, and for what my kids want out of their camaras, (constantly making "action" videos, etc.), I think these will work much better than what I use. And obviously, from what you guys are doing, they're also capable of some very high quality footage!
Ron.

[Megabeast]

Well it's my own fault for not looking into these things before buying. However now that I understand them a bit better, I think I "accidentally" made the right purchase.:D They're actually a lot simpler to use than my Canon, and for what my kids want out of their camaras, (constantly making "action" videos, etc.), I think these will work much better than what I use. And obviously, from what you guys are doing, they're also capable of some very high quality footage!
Ron.

I like that it's small with only a few buttons, makes it easier to deal with when wearing dive gloves. Just gotta make sure it's recording before you roll over... or press record after you get to the bottom (by then you've probably missed the best fish opportunities though).

It does look pretty chincy outside the housing... but simple is usually better.

[Mr Paul]

Which one would you prefer to carry around all day with you when youre trying to spearfish?
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/EyetypeNaked/UnderwaterCameras.jpg

[Turyturbo]

I would go with 16-32g. You will probably also be dissapointed if you don't have a pretty powerful editing software as well.

Here is a video shot on a dive in 250...... Spearfishing Double Tap - Monster Black and Gag Grouper - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5vAd0UpKDc)

KMoose,
Nice video! I like your fast-forward video. Perfect timing. Nice! What kind of 'powerful' software did you use to edit the video?

['o Cino]

Your boys must be really stoked to get the GoPro's.

I must be too abusive, and have turned to buying 2 flat lens inserts at a time, as they get scratched up easily. I haven't tried the glass flat lens, so can't comment. A Class 10 SD card runs much more efficiently, but a Class 6 will do fine. I have 32g cards, and have never come close to filling them.

*try strapping the GoPro to the top of your ski boot, it's a cool perspective..builds up with fluff, but super cool to see the tips at work.

[phil herranen]

Your boys must be really stoked to get the GoPro's.

I must be too abusive, and have turned to buying 2 flat lens inserts at a time, as they get scratched up easily. I haven't tried the glass flat lens, so can't comment. A Class 10 SD card runs much more efficiently, but a Class 6 will do fine. I have 32g cards, and have never come close to filling them.

*try strapping the GoPro to the top of your ski boot, it's a cool perspective..builds up with fluff, but super cool to see the tips at work.

what is a "ski"?
phil

['o Cino]

what is a "ski"?
phil

It's those long wood scraps that didn't pass muster to be gun laminates ;)

[phil herranen]

It's those long wood scraps that didn't pass muster to be gun laminates ;)

for a second i thought you meant those long things people used to strap to their feet in the snow, way back in the "before time"
phil

[Ron S]

for a second i thought you meant those long things people used to strap to their feet in the snow, way back in the "before time"
phil

Before time? Before what, exactly??? Oh God, don't tell me you're one of those nasty SNOWBOARDERS!!!!:p

Yep, my boys are on a local ski team every season. I want them to learn to ski, since they live in snow country.

['o Cino]

Before time? Before what, exactly??? Oh God, don't tell me you're one of those nasty SNOWBOARDERS!!!!:p

Yep, my boys are on a local ski team every season. I want them to learn to ski, since they live in snow country.

If your boys have a chance to try Telemark or AT, it'll really expand where and how much gear they can bring. We use AT on sled dragging expeditions, Tele and backpacks for fun!

That's great you're getting them involved with winter sports :thumps:

[Ron S]

If your boys have a chance to try Telemark or AT, it'll really expand where and how much gear they can bring. We use AT on sled dragging expeditions, Tele and backpacks for fun!

That's great you're getting them involved with winter sports :thumps:

I tele exclusively, but if I had it to do over, I'd have learned to ski with my heals locked down first. The probem was, I really only care about skiing the backcountry. I started as a cross country skier, and when I went to work at a ski resort and could ski the slopes free, the only AT bindings available were Ramers and Silverettas, both of which were referred to as "leg breakers", for their lack of reliable release.

All the folks I knew that skied the backcountry used tele gear. At the time, that meant leather boots, three pin bindings, skinny skis, etc.

The best tele skiers were the ones that had a downhill background. That's why I want my kids to develope a strong foundation. They love getting out in the backcountry on xc skis with mom and dad though!
Yeah since I use my skis for search and rescue, and have to keep up with younger, stronger, and better skilled skiers, I take advantage of modern technology to make up for my lack of skill. :thumps:
Ron.

[phil herranen]

Before time? Before what, exactly??? Oh God, don't tell me you're one of those nasty SNOWBOARDERS!!!!:p

Yep, my boys are on a local ski team every season. I want them to learn to ski, since they live in snow country.

i grew up skateboarding and surfing so of course i snowboard , i have done a little xc to get to into the back country but the ski thing just dosent do it for me its just not fluid enuff . kind of like how i feel about riding my friends harley after owning a ducati
phil

[Ron S]

i grew up skateboarding and surfing so of course i snowboard , i have done a little xc to get to into the back country but the ski thing just dosent do it for me its just not fluid enuff . kind of like how i feel about riding my friends harley after owning a ducati
phil

Makes sense.
I had a couple ski patrollers on our SAR team that used the split snowboards in the backcountry. It took them an extra minute or two to put the boards back together, but if we were at the top of a hill with any lenght to it, they were always first to reach the bottom.

My niece grew up in Hawaii and was a competitive surfer. She's an awsome snowboarder as well, but she said the motion on a snowboard is different than a surf board. I've never done either, so I have no idea.

[phil herranen]

Makes sense.
I had a couple ski patrollers on our SAR team that used the split snowboards in the backcountry. It took them an extra minute or two to put the boards back together, but if we were at the top of a hill with any lenght to it, they were always first to reach the bottom.

My niece grew up in Hawaii and was a competitive surfer. She's an awsome snowboarder as well, but she said the motion on a snowboard is different than a surf board. I've never done either, so I have no idea.

all three are different ,but related . i always wanted to try one of those split boards ,i got kind of burnt out on the snow for the last couple years ,but i will probably start going again as my girls get older .i will most likely start them on boards.
phil

[kmoose]

KMoose,
Nice video! I like your fast-forward video. Perfect timing. Nice! What kind of 'powerful' software did you use to edit the video? Yeah I had to fast foward through the redundant boring parts for it to match the music. I don't like cutting out stuff so the fast forward at a selectable rate is and awesome time cruncher for effect. The software I use is AVS. Buy the entire suite as it does loads more than just edit video. Check out this webside for details. Well worth the money! : http://www.avs4you.com/

[kmoose]

All I got to say is nice bounce Moose!
Thanks brother, you get a good one every now and then..;)

Fare warning for all of you who want to post spearing videos. Unless you are using a snorkle in the video you will be unrelentlessly bashed and "disliked" by freedivers. You would think rare video of 80+ lb carbo spearing in 250 foot of water would be challenging enough...... Instead I daily recieve hate messages calling me a Pu$$y Fa&&ot bubble blower who has no skill and should be in jail. Not only that, they will even spam you if you comment or "like" the video and it shows up on your channel. If you do post, make sure you turn off accepting comments and voting.

[DANM]

very nice Moose!!:toast:

[Otis Driftwood]

i grew up skateboarding and surfing so of course i snowboard , i have done a little xc to get to into the back country but the ski thing just dosent do it for me its just not fluid enuff . kind of like how i feel about riding my friends harley after owning a ducati
phil

Baahhhh!!!! not fluid enough?
Me: 8 years skiing, 12 snowboarding, and now 6 years skiing.

The fluidity is in rider not the stick/sticks and snowboards are too slow....

Snowboarding should be banned (like scuba spearing)

[Ron S]

Snowboarding should be banned (like scuba spearing)

Oh no you didn't just go there!!!:lol:

[phil herranen]

Baahhhh!!!! not fluid enough?
Me: 8 years skiing, 12 snowboarding, and now 6 years skiing.

The fluidity is in rider not the stick/sticks and snowboards are too slow....

Snowboarding should be banned (like scuba spearing)

i thought skiing was banned, if you were under 40
phil

[Ron S]

i thought skiing was banned, if you were under 40
phil

I'm pushing to have anyone under 40 banned from skiing or snowboarding at the resorts that us adults like to frequent...:D

[phil herranen]

thats a great idea ,they can call it alpine meadows.
phil

[Bill McIntyre]

Is this thread about cameras or things that slide over snow? :)

[phil herranen]

just a bunch of friends kidding around
phil

[Bill McIntyre]

just a bunch of friends kidding around
phil

I know.

And I think snowboards should be outlawed.

[Ron S]

I know.

And I think snowboards should be outlawed.

I've been saying that since they were first invented. They're just evil!:p

Oh, and Phil, Sugarbowl is the new Alpine Meadows. Didn't you get the memo? Especially now that Alpine and Squaw have combined.

Personally, it doesn't matter a bit to me because on my income I can't afford a lift ticket to any of them...:eek:
Ron.

['o Cino]

Personally, it doesn't matter a bit to me because on my income I can't afford a lift ticket to any of them...:eek:
Ron.

Hence the need to use skiis and skins! Earn your turns.

Think ahead and be a Fore-Skinner, not one of those alpine/snowboarders we refer to as "Downers" ;)

My buddy finished a hilarious video called "Heli-Skinners", where we made perfect skin tracks up some of AKs coolest peaks, and then the idea was to ride the heli back down so the tracks stay fresh. Anyone who rode back down was a "Downer" and vilified! If you rode over skin tracks it was all out war. The token smowboarders were sitting in a pow-wow blocking the middle of a gorgeous slope, knit caps, iPods, smokin dope, and blocking a "Skinners" track going up. :)

Great to see a True Winter thread.

[Ron S]

[QUOTE='o Cino;1597919]Hence the need to use skiis and skins! Earn your turns.

Thank You!!!
I had this argument with one of my co-workers yesterday. She's a great tele skier, but doesn't even have skins for her skis anymore. She only skis Northstar. I tried to tell her that if you didn't climb the hill, then what was the point of skiing down? She just didn't understand...
I go into the backcountry to get away from people and get into the quiet. Sure, I love making tele turns down a steep slope in deep, dry pow, but I think I like climbing the same mountain just as much.
Sure, zipping down a slope on a snowboard looks like a major rush, but being on tele or rando skis with a light pack and skins, knowing you can go anywhere, anytime, is pure freedome!
Oh, and would I take a Go Pro and make videos of my exploits? No! I don't wanna share!!!:p
Ron.

['o Cino]

[QUOTE='o Cino;1597919]Oh, and would I take a Go Pro and make videos of my exploits? No! I don't wanna share!!!:p
Ron.

Right On Ron, spoken like a true "Tele-vangelist"!

Did you know there's several SoCal spearos who are also backcountry fiends? They ride split decisions, but are still OK, since they skin their way.

I've done lot's of slide shows, and never show summit pics...my response to queries, is "The top means different things to different climbers. Go find out what it means to you. Climb safe and Good Luck."

Awesome thread, and thank goodness nobody is a snowskate or snowblade rider!

[Ron S]

We got a pretty good dump last night. Heavy wet stuff that'll make a good base. In fact, it snowed so hard they cancelled school today. My boys are meeting up with friends and downhill skiing at Northstare, as students with local ID ski for $10.
My job today is to go to the used sporting goods store and find one more pair of cross country skis. That combined with two pairs of my old boots, the binding off two of my old pairs of skis, and one pair of my wife's old xc skis, will have both boys outfitted for light backcountry touring with the family. (They outgrew all their old stuff...)
Then once the chores are done, I'm grabbing my fishscale boards and taking to dog out for a quick tour.
Oh, and I don't know if I'd qualify as a "televangelist", or just really anti-social...
Ron.

[dr.ed]

Before time? Before what, exactly??? Oh God, don't tell me you're one of those nasty SNOWBOARDERS!!!!:p

...
Not only a Righous Snowboarder; BUT Treker Too!!!:thumps: ("before times")

Just because you cannot board, it's Not evil!!!

We can earn our turns with split boards or with snowshoes!!!:cowboy:

Of course if you're gonna be a planker; free heels is the only way! Free your heels & free your mind!!!:thumps:

PS Bill M. Loose the planks and move into the 21'th century; learn to RIDE; take a lesson or ten(steep learning curve); your grand kids will help you. An ole Dog can learn New tricks!!:rolleyes:

[Ron S]

Not only a Righous Snowboarder; BUT Treker Too!!!:thumps: ("before times")

Just because you cannot board, it's Not evil!!!

We can earn our turns with split boards or with snowshoes!!!:cowboy:

Of course if you're gonna be a planker; free heels is the only way! Free your heels & free your mind!!!:thumps:

PS Bill M. Loose the planks and move into the 21'th century; learn to RIDE; take a lesson or ten(steep learning curve); your grand kids will help you. An ole Dog can learn New tricks!!:rolleyes:

Oh, I'm just kidding, (well sorta), about snowboards being evil. Some of my best friends are snowboarders. I would just never seen in public with them...:D
As to snowboards vs skis, especially for us older folks, here's what I've been told by various instructors, including backcountry instructors. The learning curve for snowboarding is actually shorter than for skis, and if you keep at it, you can be competent enough to board some pertty challenging terrain in as early as one season. Also, if you have bad knees, like I do, snowboarding is less risky for further knee injuries because your legs stay together. However, due to the way you typically fall, upper body injuries, like shoulder, collar bone, and wrist fractures, are much more common than with skiing. (You outta see our ER on any winter Saturday...)
Us local old timers just whine about snowboarders because of the culture. There's a high percentage of young boarders that here seasonally and "just live to ride and party". They're a lot like surfers. In fact, that's what many of them are in the summer. I recall though, that before snowboards were invented, (the good old days...:p), the same culture existed. They were just on skis.
Hmm, wait a minute... I just realized that's how I wound up here!:thumps:
Ron.

[dr.ed]

Ron S
I agree, it's easier to be a" good" snowboarder than skier; but at the start, the curve is steeper for some almost vertical re:injuries, don't forget ankles.