GoPro reviews
 

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.

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.

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? :p

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

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.n...d86bedb54e5f52
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.n...415504cf668781
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.n...7e5a03ef1a4b4e
https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/...97&oe=5562231B

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

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

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

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.

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 :plane: 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

Ok so there is a very large difference in a GoPro and a normal camera, (i.e. Sea Life DC1400, and the TG-2) I have had all 3 and still have all 3. When i first got my GoPro I used it for diving mainly, but also used it for snowmobiling, and quading.

I loved it and still do but it wasn't what i wanted. I like still shots for diving and the GoPro does not do still shots for diving very well as the shutter speed is not very good and you can't attach a good flash system to it. As for video the GoPro is probably the best video camera you can get. Just attach a red filter and away you go.

Then I had the TG-2 and let me tell you it is the sweetest camera I've ever used it did everything perfectly was easy to use and took absolutely amazing photos. The main reason i liked it was because i could download other programs onto it. So what i did was find a program specifically for the SeaLife DC1400 then found on the same forum a DC1400 program made for the Olympus Pen (TG-2) which made the camera automatically add filters to change at certain depths. This camera has been the best I've used but it is quite expensive and its very large to try and take on vacation. But then again all good cameras are quite large. Lol

Now for the SeaLife DC1400 which i just purchase a couple months back that way when we went on shorter trips I didn't have to haul a massive Gun Case full of camera gear. Now before all you camera guys start saying the Dc1400s are garbage the one i have is new, and what has happened in the last year is they have paired up with Dragon Strobes (top of the line flashes specifically for underwater use) 3 years ago i would never even think about buying one and now they are actually probably one of the best bang for buck or beginner cameras. I have used it on multiple trips and still really really enjoy it. Its shutter speed isn't as good as the TG-2 so I don't find is quite as good. Its ease of use under the water is fantastic with the Piano style buttons.


It all depends on what you want to do with it.

If you want mainly stills for definitely spend the extra money and get a TG-2 or 3 and get a strobe for it. Take a camera course to learn how your camera works in order to set the white balance under the water. The Camera place may even do it for you if you tell them thats what you want to use it for.

If your just looking for video the GoPro is definitely the way to go. But make sure you get a red filter.

And if space, and price is an issue go for a DC1400.

If i were to rebuy all my cameras i would've definitely bought the TG-2 or 3 and bought a extended tray so i could have a flash arm on one side a go pro mount on the other side, that i could switch out for a underwater flash light during night dives.


I know that there are other cameras out there, but this is just my experience and i don't have any specific complaint about any of the cameras.

Hope this Helps :D

Forgot to mention i have the Hero 3 Black edition

I recently purchased a GoPro Hero 4 Silver, SRP red & macro filters and SRP tray. I will dive with it for the first time in March in Bonaire and post some movies when we return. My budget ran dry so no lights this trip but next trip for sure.

In my opinion if you intend on shooting stills, you need a good dedicated point & shoot or DSLR if you have the cash.
The cost of the housing will likely cost more than the camera but the image quality will be better than those "underwate ready" cameras".
If you are shooting video you need a dedicated video camera and nothing beats a GoPro for the money. I have around $750 invested in my GoPro system and by the time I get some lights it will be at least $1,200.

In either case still or video, it is essential to use external lighting moved away from the camera lens with a tray and arms. If not, backscatter will be a problem.

If you have any doubts on the kind of video you can shoot with a GoPro, check out this divers work: Critters Of Sulawesi

Check out the GoPro forum at Scubaboard for lots of good advice.

Wow, a bunch of camera's I've never looked at yet. While video's are cool, and I'd definitely want something that can do them, if I'm totally honest with myself, my love really is macro photography. It drives my dive partner nuts when he's looking around at the big blue and I've got my face cramped in some hole looking to see what's in there. But, even to his reluctant admission, I see way more life than he does, lol.

I guess with all the suggestions so far and a bit more reading I've done here's the camera's I'm still got in the running (in time I may end up with more than one) in no particular order:

GoPro hero 4 Silver
Intova Sport HD II
Intova Edge X
Sealife DC1400 Sea Dragon Maxx Duo

Money isn't as much of an issue as my satisfaction in the end. If I can't afford what I want now, I'll wait till I can. Nothing worse than settling for something you can buy now but don't use it because it sucks.

I have a bit of experience using some under water camera gear. My dive buddy has an older Sony DSLR (can't remember what model) with an underwater housing and I'm not that impressed. Buttons are hard to deal with, impossible when I wear my dry gloves for winter diving around here. He doesn't have any strobes for it so backscatter is always present if you try and use the flash. My UK1200 light does ok as a light source, but it's very pinpoint-ish so you always see the circular light ring.

Craigdillman: Can you remember at what depths you were diving at in the video you posted? What accessories do you have for your GoPro? Any filters, lights, etc? The colours were better than I thought you'd get out of that camera.

Thanks for all the suggestions so far! Keep em coming. If you think of other factors or camera's to think of, let us know.

This is why I don't like GoPros...too expensive for what you get. My Intova, two videos lights, macro lens, and rig (the latter two DiY) cost me....$400. Yup, the same cost as a base GoPro.

For the same price as your fully outfitted go pro you could get this:

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/wes...r-housing.html

With faaaaaaar better picture quality, housing, light, strobe, camera, and true macro capability. It can also take higher quality video as well. People may say "But look! This guy is taking macro with a GoPro." Sure, its possible, but extremely difficult and stretching the limits of what the GoPro can do. Why go through all that trouble when you could just use a DLSR+housing?

If you do plan to really go into Macro photography I highly suggest a DLSR+macro lens+housing+strobes and practice practice practice. Yes, its a big investment and difficult in cold water but you'll just run into frustration trying to take macro with these video cameras.

I mean compare mine...
https://scontent-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hp...5e&oe=554F6650

to my friend with a DLSR...
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.n...1acca7cb801f7a

No contest. Also, you'll definitely need a flood light for video and strobe for pictures. Spot lights don't work at all...

I love macro life and photography as well and plan to upgrade to a DLSR when I have the spare cash :mrgreen: Just my $0.02

OP, realize you're asking on a reef forum but are you considering this camera just for diving? If just diving can see a dedicated DSLR but if you looking for something to strap onto the dog, hang off your helmet, bumper of the truck, installing a wx stn and occasionally diving nothing wrong with a GoPro.

Weather Station

The OP stated he was considering a GoPro, so I assume he intends on shooting video and the occasional still. So why the recommendations for a a DSLR? A DSLR is going to shoot better HD video than a GoPro 4? Really??

lol, yes.

http://www.oceanshutter.com/short-films

http://www.oceanshutter.com/underwateranimals

This was supposed to be an edit but CanReef does not let me edit my posts...

I guess I shouldn't be so rude and explain my reasoning.

Do you think a $400 camera made to be cheap (relatively), durable, and easy to use is going to compete with a $2000 camera made solely for high quality photos and video? Additionally, Go Pros and other cameras of its type have the same problem as camera phones. Capable of taking quality HD videos and photos but...they have no zoom and true macro capability which makes them limited in what they can do. I just think you are putting Go-Pro onto a pedestal on which it does not deserve to be on. They are definitely solid cameras, but like Apple products, too expensive for what you are paying for because they are a big brand :lol:

Additionally, the OP has mentioned that he is actually a SHE and that she wants to pursue macro photography. DLSR is the only way (at least easily) to get quality macro images and get super-macro shots.

Also, check out that guys videos. He does some AMAZING videography.

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.
Go any comparable video to share from your Intova?

Of course its not going to compete with a $2,000 camera. But for the average user that wants to capture nice video and the occasional still a GoPro is an affordable solution.

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/...psajutstc1.jpg

http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/...pspfb7ajeh.jpg

http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/...ps66jgu5lt.jpg

http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/...psgrvbglr9.jpg

http://youtu.be/Exk8C4nSCQo

Wow! Is that a giant rock crab?

Nice shots, thank's for sharing.

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. :)

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

Craigdillman: Can you remember at what depths you were diving at in the video you posted? What accessories do you have for your GoPro? Any filters, lights, etc? The colours were better than I thought you'd get out of that camera.

Thanks for all the suggestions so far! Keep em coming. If you think of other factors or camera's to think of, let us know.[/quote]

Sorry I missed this from a while ago the only addon we had is the red filter for it we dived from 40 up too 100 feet there I found anything too shallow the red filter would wash out but soon as you dropped down like 20 feet your golden love the camera love the editing

Nice shots!


Here is what I picked up for my GoPro:
SRP Tray
I also plan on getting these arms.
These are the filters I bought.
I am fairly certain you need the green filter for cold water diving off the BC coast. The red filters are meant for blue water.

I have one of these lights ordered. Hopefully it will arrive before we leave for Bonaire.
If the light works out OK I will likely pick up another one.
I also bought this pole.

Your tray is quite similar to what I got, here's the one I've ordered:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SharkFin-Tra.../111603831476?

I got these filters with the added green water filter and the +10 macro:

http://www.backscatter.com/sku/bs-fl...ftn=youbetcha&

And I got an absolutely smoking deal (IMHO) on 2 of these :) :
http://tovatec.com/gvlgalaxy-video-light/

Here's a portion of a video I took on our dive yesterday. We're only about 35' deep at this point. My aim was to see the difference in my old light (a UK1200 Halogen) to my new Tovatek Galaxy 2500 video light.
A few years ago a dropped my UK1200 and broke the ceramic retainer for the Halogen bulb. I was able to fix it - sort of - but it turns out the bulb is now maybe a few millimetres farther out in the reflector than it used to be and now it creates a bit of a donut/halo effect. That's the first light I try out on the interior of the hull of the sunken tug. IF you look really close, you can see where I turn the Tovatek light from low, med and high.

http://youtu.be/a6A-CJx8sx8

I received my new Sony FDR-X1000V earlier this week, and yesterday got to try it on my plane for the first time. I wanted to see if the new improved Steady Shot (Image Stabilization) is better than on the previous models. I tried it with the same external mount location and setting that I previously had jello/shake with the other action cams. To my pleasant surprise, there was no jello/shake.

So the new FDR-X1000V does indeed handle vibration better (as was advertised for the drone crowd). Will be doing a lot more testing over the coming months. It has a lot of settings to try out, incl 4K, and esp looking forward to see how that works.

Don't get conned on one of those arms, they are just loc-line tubing you can get from J&L for a fraction of the price. With some playing around with connecters and adapters you can save a pretty penny.

You need a red filter because the red spectrum of light is the first to disappear when light goes through water (anywhere). However, if you have a video light, a red filter is redundant because you are providing a full spectrum light source.

Great video and pictures daplatapus :mrgreen: Water looks really clear on the island! Over here we are just getting over some 1' viz, keeping track of students is a nightmare when you can barely see your own hands :sad: Getting a tray definitely helps with stabilizing footage. I really like my Archon D11v video lights, they are cheap too, only $40~50 a pop.

I'll show off my video of a stubby squid eating a shrimp I caught recently during a night dive :biggrin:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Iez...ature=youtu.be

edit: That sony cam looks sweet! I think it'd be great to rig onto the side of your head for a constant running head cam without having a block sitting on top of your head. I wonder if the stabilization software works for divers with unsteady hands?

Yup, those arms are all just loc-line. I'm glad I went with the 3/4" though, I'm pretty sure the 1/2" wouldn't have held up my lights.

The vis isn't too bad right now, Treebeard, been out a few times lately. Unfortunately my DUI packed 'er in and I've sent it off to get a new zipper and get some of the seams re-done. When I left Alberta, for some reason I sold my Viking Pro (regretted it ever since) but I found a guy in Ottawa that was selling his for $250 :) so I bought it and just got it in the mail. Now I won't have to wait 3 months before getting wet again.

I saw those Archon lights but read a few reviews on them and they weren't very flattering. SO I went with the Tovatek's.
Great video of the stubby squid! It's been ages since I've dove over there. I did part of my wreck diving course in Porteau Cove.

I bought a couple LED head lamps for having in the car and stuff so I thought I'd remove the lamp and try and mount the GoPro to it. Lol, it didn't work. The headband was far to elasticky and the camera just bobbed around back and forth. No amount of stabilization software was going to make up for it.
I've gotten my tray but haven't been out yet with it. Hopefully soon....

Thanks for the feedback Walter, I check some reviews on the net before I pull the trigger. :wink: