preferred-google-button
log in
register

GoPro Camera – do I need one?

  • Creator
    Topic
  • February 1, 2015 at 5:21 pm #23146
    Shades

    I’m just about to head off on a holiday to New Zealand which includes the Alps to Ocean cycle trail. I own an ‘oldish’ Camcorder and used to be quite enthusiastic taking videos of windsurfing, and even whilst skiing (carefully), but with smart phones and cameras taking pretty good video it seems to be gathering dust. I invested in a small ruggedised, waterproof camera recently which has been good for outdoor activities and takes good video, although it ideally needs 2 hands to be used properly so it’s ‘limited’ for action stuff. For cycling I always thought I’d get a headcam I could use for ‘insurance’ against getting knocked off but I sometimes feel you need to be realistic about how much kit you strap on for a ride and, to be honest, I rarely see anyone using one (I don’t live in London mind you). For normal road riding the GoPro ‘telly tubby’ look is slightly ridiculous but I have to admit the video quality is excellent and they’re useful for other activities. My question is, would a spur of the moment GoPro purchase see the resurrection of my video enthusiasm and give me some great holiday footage? Is it one of those things you wonder how you ever managed without? There must be some reason they stick with that design. I do other sports that I could use it for and I’d just ‘park’ the cycling safety cam idea for the time being. In GoPro terms, does anyone have advice on ‘most useful’ mounting accessories?

  • Creator
    Topic
Viewing 6 replies - 16 through 21 (of 21 total)
1 2
  • Author
    Replies
  • February 2, 2015 at 9:11 am #830187
    0
    cycling_on_a_shoestring

    Careful! That amazon link is
    Careful! That amazon link is a fake/clone SJ4000.

    You want a qumox or sjcam sj4000, which I’d expect to see retailing over £50, usually about £65-75.

    The real SJ4000 is a nice camera for the money if a little heavier than a gopro – I have one and definitely recommend it.

    February 2, 2015 at 3:31 am #830185
    0
    macrophotofly

    I’ve gone through phases with
    I’ve gone through phases with the GoPro. Initially used the handlebar mount which is a concistent way to go for timelapse. The video was good that was produced from it – although GoPro doesn’t actually maximise it (why no 1080 size photo??).
    However I started to realise the video you get is 70% road and hence quite dull after a couple of minutes of watching. Phase 1 of my videoing over…
    Phase 2 I bought a helmet mount. Didn’t put it on the top of the helmet, but at the rear. This signifigantly reduced the air resistance problem and meant I got good videos of people cycling behind me. Also meant I could move the camera side to side to film the surroundings (although notably I couldn’t see them at the same time, as I’m looking the other way!!). I had the black 3 which had a remote with it – made it easy to switch on and off. Still didn’t seem the best solution.
    Finally I happenned to see a film from some cyclists visiting Japan (where I am these days). They used a selfie stick and that made a huge difference to their footage. Suddenly you are taking shots with you and the background in Or just pointing the camera in a concistent direction while cycling. Yes, you have to hold it one handed, but again you can get a selfie stick which the remote fits on and its fairly easy to hold on the flat. If you get to a downhill section, just stop and swap it over to the bar mount. You obviously need a free back pocket to stuff the camera/selfie stick back into when coming to sesctions of road that need more care (I wouldn’t cycle through a city with it, but out on the fairly empty South Island roads in NZ, it would be no issue).
    Well worth doing, but they eat batteries! I carry 2-3 spare batteries for a day ride.

    February 1, 2015 at 11:34 pm #830183
    0
    Lavaman

    I bought a gopro 4 silver
    I bought a gopro 4 silver just before Christmas and have used it extensively since and am looking forward to summer so that I can use it in the surf. Initially used a helmet mount which I was not that happy with, it just looks stupid and also a bit ‘wobblyscope’. As I have garmin the following is the perfect mounting solution, a bit pricy, but v good.

    http://www.westbrookcycles.co.uk/k-edge-combo-out-front-mount-for-garmin-and-gopro-p262030?gclid=CJ2XxYrzwcMCFTPKtAodNlYA2w

    February 1, 2015 at 9:52 pm #830181
    0
    stealfwayne

    I have 3+ black. cannot fault
    I have 3+ black. cannot fault in anyway. wonderful footage, easy to operate, time lapse is a doddle. Only thing with it is to plan to upgrade your PC, laptop as it will need to be pretty high spec to manage all that data of ultra high quality. There are other cameras for less money, but if you can do it. it’s worth it.

    February 1, 2015 at 8:49 pm #830179
    0
    mrmo

    http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0
    http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00JA0LQ2C/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_2?pf_rd_p=569136327&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B00HHRFHG6&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_r=115CMHSQZAR5ERQN2REC

    have wondered about this sort of thing, not too much money and if it is ok then maybe get something better later.

    February 1, 2015 at 8:33 pm #830177
    0
    Reg Molehusband

    I only wish I had had a GoPro
    I only wish I had had a GoPro when I visited NZ for a month 3 or 4 years ago. The film quality is amazing. I’ve been using mine mainly on my motorcycle while on rides abroad, but more recently have been experimenting with it on my road bike. If I was about to do what you’re planning, I would certainly recommend taking one.

  • Author
    Replies
Viewing 6 replies - 16 through 21 (of 21 total)
1 2
  • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.