Any GoPro Experts?

[javelinadave]

I'm looking to purchase a GoPro in the very near future. There are so many models available and I could use a little help picking one. I'm looking for something that I can suction cup onto the windscreen in both my truck and on an airplane. I'm not going to be scuba or sky diving or ski jumping. Time lapse would also be a cool feature but not 100% required. Also is a rear LCD screen a must have or just a luxury?
Thanks!

 

[Maine57S1]

Go pro is dying..

You want one of these. especially with the ability to lay over telemetry.

https://www.360fly.com

https://www.vrfocus.com/2016/09/add-telemetry-overlays-to-360fly-videos-thanks-to-racerender/

 

[javelinadave]

I'm not sure the 360 degree thing is what I need or want. It will never be mounted on the outside of anything moving and a video of me driving/flying while drinking a coffee just isn't that exciting.

 

[Maine57S1]

Fair enough... do you still use a flip phone?

 

[javelinadave]

Yes, flip phone, crocs and Jordache jeans. I may or may not have a mullet haircut too.

 

[RBBailey]

The new GoPro seems a good option. But do look into others. Go to a place where you can put your hands on the thing and see what you like. Almost all of them are going to have comparable image quality these days, so it comes down to ease of use and mounting options for how you are going to use it.

 

[The_Vermonster]

Honestly a used GoPro is a really good deal. There is always someone with a lightly used GoPro that expected to use it a lot more than they actually are. You would probably want a Hero 3+ Black Edition or better. That will do 4k. The Hero 4 has the built in LCD. IMHO if you are just setting up the shot, use the phone app.

You can get a used GoPro for under $200. It's the accessories that hurt the wallet.

 

[SARTech]

Im a big GoPro fan. The take quality images and they are amazingly tuff. I have the older generation GoPros, my son has a HERO4 with the LCD screen in the back. Its a much better camera.Here is the first video I made with a GoPro, edited with iMove.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7tjN-DPchU

 

[javelinadave]

Pat,
That is badass! Thanks for posting the link!

 

[Kevin88RRC]

I have a Hero 3+ Black with a variety of mounts including the suction cup. If you want to borrow it to try for a week or two just pay round trip shipping.

Not sure if I have a micro SD card to spare though... need them for the Phantom 4 Pro.

 

[FlyersFan76]

I have a Hero 4 Silver.

I bought it about 2 years ago when the only other "better" one what the Hero 4 Black.

I like it and the kids really get a kick out of it also.

I have purchased the majority of my accessories, both GoPro and others, from B & H Photo. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/ Their prices are good and being able to search and compare with their website is helpful. The 3rd party mounts are really well made also.

The 1 GoPro branded mount that I really like is the one with a swivel ball. So much easier to maneuver. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1186634-REG/gopro_abjqr_001_ball_joint_buckle.html

I think having a screen on the back is a good idea and helps lining up shots. My regular video camera has a screen and my DSLR does not have any active screen which bugs me. So for the GoPro I found it useful to pay for the screen.

I also have a Remote with a screen which is really good. The only thing that doesn't work is the WiFi connection does not work through water but once out of water the connection is made again. The original remote that I had, used the GoPro LCD backpack but is no longer made. I broke it when I left the charging port opened and water got in it. The company actually replaced it with their new remote so I have not had a chance to use it in the water yet. But it works well the limited time I tried it.
https://www.removu.com/

I like photography but I am not a professional. So to me the image quality is amazing given the size and what the camera is used for. The sound even records well even while in the water proof case.

I have toyed with the idea upgrading to the new 5. Whether I sell the other one or not is still undecided. If I were to sell there are some accessories (small amount) that will not work with the 5 that I would need to sell also since they are not compatible. Another thing to consider when planing your purchase(s).

 

[Kevin88RRC]

x2 on B&H.... but some local stores may price match.

Regarding the screen... the few times I've used one, I found it drains the battery fast. The GoPro app works well for framing up shots & as a remote.

 

[NPT90]

Agreed, I have a Hero 3 Black + (maybe) and the app is pretty handy for making sure shots are lined up.

I did a timelapse of my bermuda race with one, was a lot of swapping batteries. Honestly though I don't use it enough.