Re: [dhracer33] GoPro camera
dhracer33 wrote:
This summer I was introduced to a new piece of gear that I've enjoyed using and works great for base jumping. This company called GoPro makes very small, and I mean very small cameras that shoot TV resolution video (30 frames per second) and takes 5mp still photos as well. It records on a 2G SD card and is able to record 56 minutes of video or 1945 photos.
One of the best things about these cameras is their size and light weight. If you have a long hike or hard climb, you don't have to worry about the added weight of your larger camera. Not to mention they are shockproof and waterproof to 100'.
The wide angle (170 degrees) does a awesome job of capturing the amazing views of base jumping and other aerial sports. They make a more standard view camera (54 degrees) as well, but I don't think it's as well suited for the base jumping scene as the wide.
Did I mention they are all under $200?! Yup, and it won't break the bank either. It's rare these days you come across a product that seams like a good deal but I haven't found a reason yet not to support these guys. Their cameras simply rock!!
Check out some of my videos here:
http://www.vimeo.com/user675445/videos
Check out GoPro here:
http://www.goprocamera.com/
Local crew feel free to flame away
I have been using the Go Pro for about a year and they have their place and are pretty good for skydiving but I haven't had alot of luck with my bridge trip to Perrine. Go Pro has always stuck behind their product and I have had 2 warrantied in the past and no questions were asked. Cudos to the Go Pro Crew.
Now I talked to Justin not long ago and as soon as they phaze out the old inventory they have already upgraded the product - which I have yet to lay my hands on.
As far as BASE goes, I have found that the camera has a hard time mostly due to the issue of its slow sampling. Swtiching from light to dark, sudden movements, etc. all appear to be the downfall of the camera. For instance, during a building jump I used it to document some parts and the lighting quality was poor only because it doesnt like any type of darkness and has a poor time with clarity when theres lights and darkness and the images become blury.
On that note, and after flying both a cam and a go pro I would have to say that its my opinion that for the meager $75 additional to get into a decent cam as opposed to the go pro, I would opt for a nice camera setup.
On the other hand, for things like rock climbing, swimming, etc. its great. Buy one and check it out. I'm a dealer and find that sometimes they're great and sometimes not. I would personally rather hit the record button and not worry if it's going to shut down on me before I am done. I have found that if the cameras are jarred hard enough (canopy opening), either the memory card moves and stops recording or something and the camera will shut down.