GoPro camera
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 31
From: Western Illinois, land of bad roads, and corrupt politicians
I was going to get a GoPro, but decided on an Olympus - TG610 instead. It's waterproof and drop proof, and has a much better battery life. 720P HD widescreen video. And has zoom, and image stabilization. And since it's just a digital camera, it doesn't look out of place when I'm walking around with it.
I have a Contour HD (sitting on a shelf) that I don't use. I didn't like the poor battery life. And the fact that it's hard to tell if it's turned on or not. The on light is in the front.
I have a Contour HD (sitting on a shelf) that I don't use. I didn't like the poor battery life. And the fact that it's hard to tell if it's turned on or not. The on light is in the front.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,514
Likes: 1,992
From: Vancouver BC
Just remember the GoPro camera series are just toys. If you look at the lens it is just a simple bubble lens. Their is no corrective or relay lenses to correct for the gross curvature of the videos. This is especially noticeable on the edges of the viewing screen, watch how straight vertical lines such as tress and walls become rounded as they go towards the edge of the frame.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,182
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix
We bought one and really like the video's. Mounted to the engine guard and took great video. Durability was also tested when the plastic mount fatigued and the camera fell off on I-84 @ 75 mph. Saw it bouncing down the highway. Pulled over went back and found it to be undamaged. Camera still works perfect - plastic case has some scuffs but still works.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,182
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix
I just got Go-Pro Hero and bought their Handlebar mounting hardware and seems to just clear my 8" LRS Stealth, has anyone used these mounts? I see the above post which makes me skeptical. I see the suction mount recommended so I guess I'll order one (I didn't get one since I didn't buy the Motorsport version) unless someone has good experience with this setup. I hope I can learn this thing. How do you get stuff on Youtube? I know I need to read more but just looking for any tips, shortcuts, etc. I'm off to Best Buy to get the Kingston 16gb memory card, soo anxious to try it out.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,182
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix
I went Contour.
So far so good, but still playing with it.
Best feature you can turn on and off with gloves on.
http://contour.com/products/contour-plus
So far so good, but still playing with it.
Best feature you can turn on and off with gloves on.
http://contour.com/products/contour-plus
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,182
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix
I just ordered one (HD Version with some extras) last week. Waiting for it to arrive, need to learn it before our trip next week to the Dragon. From what has been said here, and from other threads in this forum AND other forums, the GoPro seems to be a solid investment. I have read also that the mounts tend to fatigue, I am hoping they address that soon.
One of the guys commented that he tethered it to his bike (shoelace?) as a backup in case mounting hardware fails - smart, very smart! :-) One of the things I will be doing as well.
As far as editing - iMovie on the Mac will work, and there are oodles of movie editing software for the Win/PC as well.
One of the guys commented that he tethered it to his bike (shoelace?) as a backup in case mounting hardware fails - smart, very smart! :-) One of the things I will be doing as well.
As far as editing - iMovie on the Mac will work, and there are oodles of movie editing software for the Win/PC as well.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,717
Likes: 35
Just remember the GoPro camera series are just toys. If you look at the lens it is just a simple bubble lens. Their is no corrective or relay lenses to correct for the gross curvature of the videos. This is especially noticeable on the edges of the viewing screen, watch how straight vertical lines such as tress and walls become rounded as they go towards the edge of the frame.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,182
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix
Just remember the GoPro camera series are just toys. If you look at the lens it is just a simple bubble lens. Their is no corrective or relay lenses to correct for the gross curvature of the videos. This is especially noticeable on the edges of the viewing screen, watch how straight vertical lines such as tress and walls become rounded as they go towards the edge of the frame.
Many of the "in place" reality shows, such as Deadliest Catch (which was mentioned), Ice Road Truckers, Ice Pilots, and others use GoPro cameras to do alot of work. They attach them to windows (inside and outside), vehicle bodies, vehicle undercarriages, etc. Places where it is impractical or cost prohibitive to place larger cameras.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,717
Likes: 35
Love my GoPro, one of the best things I have bought for the bike. I have a helmet mount, and several other mounts but I find the helmet mount gives me the most stable video and really gives the viewer a riders perspective.