GoPro reviews

[EarthEaterBob]

Originally Posted by Treebeard

I have around $750 invested in my GoPro system and by the time I get some lights it will be at least $1,200.

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...


to my friend with a DLSR...


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 Just my $0.02

[mark]

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

[Treebeard]

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??

[EarthEaterBob]

lol, yes.

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

http://www.oceanshutter.com/underwateranimals

[EarthEaterBob]

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

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.

[Treebeard]

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.

Originally Posted by EarthEaterBob

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

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

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

[EarthEaterBob]

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

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!

[Treebeard]

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?

Originally Posted by EarthEaterBob

lol, yes.

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

http://www.oceanshutter.com/underwateranimals