Action Cameras GoPro or something else ?

[J.Vincent]

I'm in the market for an action camera ; and want the convenience of having a dedicated Waterproof device to make photos or videos of my travels, fishing trips, nature hikes and bike rides . The smartphone is simple enough but I want something more advanced and weatherproof. I'm leaning towards a GoPro Hero 4 Refurbished or a GoPro Hero 5. Unless there is something better at the $250 price point or less. So what do others have here and what do others like ? 

[Koz]

Before you go spending that kind of money on a GoPro I suggest you check out some of the cheap knockoffs on Amazon. Don't get me wrong, GoPro's are great and in most cases they will be better quality and have an extra feature or two. For example, do you really need 4K video?

 

But you can buy 3, 4, or 5 of these cheaper models for the same price. Sure, they're not 4K video, but if you're just posting videos on the web 720p or 1080p is more than adequate. If you buy three of them you can set up two as stationary cameras on tripods or mounts with the other as a body cam or head cam. Plus, if it accidentally gets dumped in the water (and it will) it's not a crushing blow to your wallet.

 

As a reminder, if you have the waterproof housing on the camera the audio will be almost nil when recording out of the water. Underwater the audio will be muffled.

 

My 12 year old wanted a GoPro but I bought him a $60 knockoff instead and it worked just fine for fishing, biking, and skateboarding. Unfortunately, he barely uses it - so I'm glad I didn't splurge on the GoPro. But whichever one you purchase, make sure you buy a lot of extra batteries. They don't hold a charge for long.

[Scott F]

4 hours ago, Active_Outdoors said:

I'm in the market for an action camera ; and want the convenience of having a dedicated Waterproof device to make photos or videos of my travels, fishing trips, nature hikes and bike rides . The smartphone is simple enough but I want something more advanced and weatherproof. I'm leaning towards a GoPro Hero 4 Refurbished or a GoPro Hero 5. Unless there is something better at the $250 price point or less. So what do others have here and what do others like ? 

Go Pro cameras work best when shooting close ups. If you want to shoot anything more than 5 feet from the camera, chose a different camera. The extreme wide angle lens is not suitable for nature and travel photography. Chest mount fishing videos are the worst things on YouTube, unless you like videos of hands cranking a fishing reel. 

A regular camcorder with a zoom lens is much more versatile for shooting a variety of videos that include more interesting long shots of wildlife and scenic views. They also have replaceable batteries, and view finders so you can see what you are shooting. Overall you will make better videos with a more traditional style camcorder and comparable prices to a GoPro. 

[A-Jay]

Admittedly I am a novice in the video / editing deal.  

I've used the Garmin Virb and most recently GoPro's (Hero 5 Black & Sessions).

These newer GoPro units are water proof (do not require a housing) unless you're filming 30 feet down. 

Definitely prefer the GoPro's over the Garmin as they are beyond easy to use, dependable & capture high quality recordings. 

Fishing solo quite a bit, really like being able to pull pics from the video. 

Best of luck with your decision and future endeavors.

A-Jay

 

 

[DropShotHotShot]

I picked up 2 GP hero black 5's last winter. Still learning them, but am pleased with my purchase.  I will say they are what you make of them.  You need to invest time into editing. I don't use them often, but the videos i get with my kid is worth the cost already.

[Bluebasser86]

I use a Garmin Virb Elite and like it. Very easy to use and shoots quality shots. I like having the wrist remote so I can start/stop filming or take a picture without going to the camera. Does not capture sound well without an external mic, but that works out well for me because a lot of my videos I couldn't post if it did. 

[webertime]

A lot of the swimbaiters that do the youtube, social media stuff, use this camera:

 

SJCAM Action Camera SJ4000 WiFi Wireless Chipset Novatek 96655 4x Digital Zoom Full HD 1080P Sport Waterproof 30m Extra 2 BatterieS https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VFVUAMQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_vsl2AbJDEC8CZ

 

[J.Vincent]

Thank you for everyone's input, and I was really trying to get away from using my Canon Vixia HD camcorder and Smartphone....but keeping the Canon and supplementing my footage with a 1080P Action Camera sounds like the best solution. As to what action camera, I'm still on the fence with this decision.

11 hours ago, Bluebasser86 said:

I use a Garmin Virb Elite and like it. Very easy to use and shoots quality shots. I like having the wrist remote so I can start/stop filming or take a picture without going to the camera. Does not capture sound well without an external mic, but that works out well for me because a lot of my videos I couldn't post if it did. 

Hi bluebasser86...what kind of battery life do you get from the Garmin Virb elite ? And can it directly connect an external microphone without using an added module? 

[ratherbfishin1]

The gopro is the way to go IMO.  The complaints on the wide angle are from people who either have an old one or don't know how to use it.  The newer ones have settings on how wide of an angle you want which is awesome and it also has linear which means you don't get the fisheye effect.  Next IMO none of the cheap knock offs take as great of videos.  Gopros are proven to be clear and last long.  I haven't tried the garman so that might be great but I do know you will be guaranteed good quality with a gopro.  I have 2 gopros and absolutely no regrets with them.  Good Luck!

[Riazuli]

I agree with what everyone is saying about starting off with a knock off from Amazon... You can get a 4k setup with all accessories for under or around $100.  If you end up getting really into and wanting more features, durability, quality, etc., then dish out the extra couple hundred dollars or so for something better.  I make crystal clear 4k videos with my camera, and I don't plan on becoming a professional YouTuber anytime soon, so I'm all set for now.  Same mentality goes for fishing gear in general.  Start out with the cheaper stuff that's still good quality and then if you're really into it, invest in what makes you happy.  Just my 2 cents.  

[LadiMopar]

Check out the Contour Roam, wide angle, 1080P, waterproof to 3 meters, and has a very secure mounting system with a multitude of mounts. Had mine since 2012 and have never had an issue of any kind.

 

It's also got one finger slide on/off, laser lineup, GPS, multi directional lense and uses a mini SD card. 

Good luck in your search!

 

[J.Vincent]

I finally decided and bought the new GoPro Hero 2018 edition; I wanted 1080HD 60fps, Waterproof, Simple and under $200. This one checked all the marks and even has voice control. I also like how the audio quality is improved from previous generations and I'm very satisfied with my purchase. Anyway hopefully this helps someone else who might be in the action camera market !

[kenmitch]

2 hours ago, J.Vincent said:

I finally decided and bought the new GoPro Hero 2018 edition; I wanted 1080HD 60fps, Waterproof, Simple and under $200. This one checked all the marks and even has voice control. I also like how the audio quality is improved from previous generations and I'm very satisfied with my purchase. Anyway hopefully this helps someone else who might be in the action camera market !

Nice! Looks like you also thought about it for a while before making your purchase....Willpower also comes in handy when the fish aren't biting so it's a nice trait to have....lol

[NYWayfarer]

I use one of those knockoff go-pro's. It is a Craig digital camcorder and camera. I found it at Ollie's for $9.99 (regular price on amazon $30) Didn't come with a memory card, so I bought a 32GB for $12

 

All of the go-pro accessories are compatible. I got a package of them off of Ebay for $19 included chest and hat mount, floating and extendable stick and some extra mounts.

 

I barely use it as it is one more thing to carry when fishing.

[BigTerp]

On 4/19/2018 at 11:26 AM, webertime said:

A lot of the swimbaiters that do the youtube, social media stuff, use this camera:

 

SJCAM Action Camera SJ4000 WiFi Wireless Chipset Novatek 96655 4x Digital Zoom Full HD 1080P Sport Waterproof 30m Extra 2 BatterieS https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VFVUAMQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_vsl2AbJDEC8CZ

 

This is the camera I purchased a few years ago. Zero complaints with it. The nice thing is it's compatible with all GoPro accessories, mounts, etc., which are easy to come by. For what I use it for, hunting and fishing, it works great. I notice very little, if any, difference between the quality of the videos I get and my brothers GoPro. I also use it in more precarious situations then I would a several hundred dollar camera, like in the pool with my 18 month old son over the weekend.

[Glenn]

On 4/19/2018 at 9:32 AM, J.Vincent said:

Thank you for everyone's input, and I was really trying to get away from using my Canon Vixia HD camcorder and Smartphone....but keeping the Canon and supplementing my footage with a 1080P Action Camera sounds like the best solution. As to what action camera, I'm still on the fence with this decision.

Hi bluebasser86...what kind of battery life do you get from the Garmin Virb elite ? And can it directly connect an external microphone without using an added module? 

I have a Garmin Virb Elite with SD card and extra battery.  It's yours for $100 if you want it.

[J.Vincent]

On 7/18/2018 at 2:14 PM, NYWayfarer said:

I use one of those knockoff go-pro's. It is a Craig digital camcorder and camera. I found it at Ollie's for $9.99 (regular price on amazon $30) Didn't come with a memory card, so I bought a 32GB for $12

 

All of the go-pro accessories are compatible. I got a package of them off of Ebay for $19 included chest and hat mount, floating and extendable stick and some extra mounts.

 

I barely use it as it is one more thing to carry when fishing.

I sort of agree; and noticed it can be a hassle to carry extra equipment and batteries when sometimes I want to be completely focused on fishing. But it definitely beats using my non-waterproof smartphone : ) 

12 hours ago, Glenn said:

I have a Garmin Virb Elite with SD card and extra battery.  It's yours for $100 if you want it.

Hi Glenn, thank you for the offer; but I'm sort of all in now with the GoPro system; I bought accessories and mounts and other devices that work with the GoPro only. But $100 for a Garmin Virb sounds like a great deal. I'm sure someone else will probably be interested; as those cameras have great reviews !

[NYWayfarer]

9 hours ago, J.Vincent said:

I sort of agree; and noticed it can be a hassle to carry extra equipment and batteries when sometimes I want to be completely focused on fishing. But it definitely beats using my non-waterproof smartphone : ) 

I guess that's another reason I don't carry it much. I have a waterproof phone in a waterproof case!

 

The action camera in the chest mount is easier though. I touch one button and I am recording. The voice activated Go-pro's must be awesome. I will have to eventually upgrade.

[Glenn]

11 hours ago, J.Vincent said:

I sort of agree; and noticed it can be a hassle to carry extra equipment and batteries when sometimes I want to be completely focused on fishing. But it definitely beats using my non-waterproof smartphone : ) 

Hi Glenn, thank you for the offer; but I'm sort of all in now with the GoPro system; I bought accessories and mounts and other devices that work with the GoPro only. But $100 for a Garmin Virb sounds like a great deal. I'm sure someone else will probably be interested; as those cameras have great reviews !

Actually, there's a single adapter you can add to the camera, and then all your GoPro mounts work with it.  That's what I did, because there's a lot more 3rd party accessories available for the GoPro.