Go Pro for pictures

Forum guidelines BT super discount
Other Resources My Cup of Joe » Go Pro for pictures Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, the bear, DerekL, alicefoeller Reply
2014-03-01 7:15 AM

User image

Extreme Veteran
799
500100100252525
Subject: Go Pro for pictures
I've gone through 2 Nikon rugged waterproof cameras in the past few years. We mostly use them for pictures at beach, pool, etc with the kids. We're going to Disneyworld in a few weeks, and I don't want to lug around the big camera and I don't want to have to worry about getting our phones wet.

I've always thought the idea of a GoPro was cool, but assumed the novelty would wear off pretty quick. I don't think I do cool stuff often enough to warrant it. But if it can be used as a water proof camera and last longer than my others it could be worth it. I can take videos mountain biking and doing whatever cool stuff, but also have a water proof camera.

Has anyone used a GoPro as a normal camera and think it is any good? Any other comments about the camera would be welcome as well.

2014-03-01 7:30 AM
in reply to: jmcconne

User image

Champion
6046
5000100025
New York, NY
Subject: RE: Go Pro for pictures
planning this - my gopro 3+ black edition arrives today and taking it to Hawaii with plans of using both for video and stills.
the lens according to all the reviews I read does a good job
2014-03-02 9:42 AM
in reply to: jmcconne

User image

Expert
1484
1000100100100100252525
Subject: RE: Go Pro for pictures
I have a Garmin VIRB and use it for pics. Works pretty good. I do want for a different lens on it at times for stills. For that need I tend to use my phone, Nokia 1020, which takes such a detailed pic I can simply zoom in and crop out what I want later.
2014-03-02 6:41 PM
in reply to: jmcconne

User image

Master
2380
2000100100100252525
Beijing
Subject: RE: Go Pro for pictures

Originally posted by jmcconne I've gone through 2 Nikon rugged waterproof cameras in the past few years. We mostly use them for pictures at beach, pool, etc with the kids. We're going to Disneyworld in a few weeks, and I don't want to lug around the big camera and I don't want to have to worry about getting our phones wet. I've always thought the idea of a GoPro was cool, but assumed the novelty would wear off pretty quick. I don't think I do cool stuff often enough to warrant it. But if it can be used as a water proof camera and last longer than my others it could be worth it. I can take videos mountain biking and doing whatever cool stuff, but also have a water proof camera. Has anyone used a GoPro as a normal camera and think it is any good? Any other comments about the camera would be welcome as well.

 

It's OK.   It's small, it's waterproof, it's rugged.   If you don't buy the screen add-on, you're basically shooting blind.     That said, it is possible to get some decent photos with the Gopro.  I'm using a Hero3 Black. 

The first eight photos in this set were shot with the GoPro.  I think when I'm home this summer, I'm going to get the add-on screen. 

Make sure you've got the latest firmware.  I had a ton of issues initially with lockups, etc.   With the latest firmware, it rarely happens. (but it does happen) 

2014-03-03 6:51 AM
in reply to: moondawg14

User image

Extreme Veteran
799
500100100252525
Subject: RE: Go Pro for pictures
Originally posted by moondawg14
  If you don't buy the screen add-on, you're basically shooting blind.    


I didn't even notice there wasn't a screen or viewfinder on the back. That could be an issue.
2014-03-03 7:42 AM
in reply to: jmcconne

Regular
174
1002525
CT
Subject: RE: Go Pro for pictures
However, You can see the preview of the picture one would take on your smartphone via Bluetooth.
Battery life is lower with bluetooth on.
So i find the backpack battery is more practical than the backpack lcd.

Takes some time learning the settings, and different field of view settings.


2014-03-03 7:55 AM
in reply to: #4957573

User image

Master
2380
2000100100100252525
Beijing
Subject: RE: Go Pro for pictures
It's not Bluetooth, it's wifi, but all else is correct.
2014-03-03 8:36 AM
in reply to: 0

User image

Expert
1215
1000100100
Austin, TX
Subject: RE: Go Pro for pictures
Get the viewer accessory and the backpack battery. Also, be sure to carry a spare memory card.

I have the 2nd generation camera. It takes phenomenal pictures and videos.

Although I got the viewer last year, I have yet to use it. Just haven't had a need for taking pictures since I got the viewer.

The camera is small so it is easy to carry around.

I forgot to take it on our cruise last fall and was bummed because we got to swim with stingrays and dolphins. Would have been cool to have then.



Edited by Hugh in TX 2014-03-03 8:55 AM
2014-03-03 8:47 AM
in reply to: moondawg14

Regular
174
1002525
CT
Subject: RE: Go Pro for pictures
Originally posted by moondawg14

It's not Bluetooth, it's wifi, but all else is correct.


Thank you for the correction.
Not certain where my head was.
2014-03-03 5:07 PM
in reply to: GottaSki

User image

Master
2380
2000100100100252525
Beijing
Subject: RE: Go Pro for pictures

Originally posted by GottaSki
Originally posted by moondawg14 It's not Bluetooth, it's wifi, but all else is correct.
Thank you for the correction. Not certain where my head was.

Easy to do... the little "wireless connection" light is blue.  Maybe that threw you! ;^) 

2014-03-04 8:15 AM
in reply to: moondawg14

User image

Pro
6838
5000100050010010010025
Tejas
Subject: RE: Go Pro for pictures
i want one of these. http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/digitalcameras/point-shoot/tg-2-ihs...

I have an older xz-1 that I carry on hikes and it has me sold on the brand. Super sharp pics, fast lens and some pretty neat in camera effects.

I'm not familiar with the GoPro for stills, but it is pretty awesome for video. I edited a bunch of footage for a friend who dove the Atocha last fall. It filmed underwater really well and the optics seemed only limited to ambient light and water visibility. The footage he shot on the support boat in good lighting was super sharp. The camera he was suing was one of the older and cheaper models from the the GP line up. I imagine the newer ones must shoot some pretty nice footage.

2014-03-04 9:19 AM
in reply to: mdg2003

User image

Extreme Veteran
799
500100100252525
Subject: RE: Go Pro for pictures
After Moondawg mentioned the lack of LCD or view finder, I decided to just go with a waterproof Nikon I found for $90 +$10 for a 2 year warranty. I'm encouraging my oldest to ride mountain bikes more often (mainly because it is something I really enjoy and so does he), and he mentioned bringing a camera along. If I can't duct tape this camera to him pretty well, we'll get a lower end GoPro.
New Thread
Other Resources My Cup of Joe » Go Pro for pictures Rss Feed