Go Pro Beginner Question

[Chuck Engels]

Hi all of you GoPro fans.

Been thinking of getting into the GoPro arena and wondering if the older GoPro Hero is a good place to start. It does do time lapse which is one of my primary reasons for wanting to try this out. Are there any down sides to this camera versus a newer model when it comes to basic HD video and functions?

Thinking about this for starters, the price is right;
http://www.amazon.com/GoPro-CHDHA-301-H ... pro+hero+4

Thanks for any help

[Gerlinde]

The only downside I see of the bat is the 5mp picture size. That might limit you what you can do in the way of cropping off or pan and zoom in your time lapse. And more importantly, it has no build in wifi. You won't have any control over framing your shot. I would spend a little more and get the newer plus version or go for any of the older models like the Hero 3 silver which you can get now for around $240.

[Bob]

The time lapse on that is a fixed 0.5 second photo interval. You have a maximum 30fps at 1080p. Ultra-wide angle field of view only -- which makes sense given that you can't see or frame what you are shooting. If you can go up another $70, you get additional useful functionality with either the Hero+ or the Hero4 Session. For example: 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 30 and 60 seconds time lapse intervals; 60, 50, 30, 25 fps vs only 30 and 25 fps on the Hero; WiFi Bluetooth so you can use the GoPro App. And, 8mp vs 5mp photo size.

See this comparison chart.

[_Paz_]

If you happen to not know, when using the WiFi app you can see what the camera sees and control some functions directly on the screen of your smart phone or tablet. I know it works with Android. Not sure about other versions.

One of the Silver GoPro versions has a view screen built into the back of the GoPro. On some other models it is possible to buy a viewscreen (about $80) to attach to the back of the camera. Being able to view via the screen uses a lot of battery power.

I like the WiFi capability since that allows me to set the camera up in one spot and see what it is seeing from a distance. Using WiFi also runs down the battery more quickly than not using it. Either way you could set up using a method of viewing your setup and then turning either viewscreen or WiFi off .

There are several companies that offer other batteries that are much less expensive than the GP brand. Smatrees are good.

Sidd has done some nice time lapse videos with GoPros. If you check out some of his threads here you may find more info on how long batteries last when in the time lapse function.

[Chuck Engels]

This is great help, thank you all very much !! Going to look at one of the newer models

[Chuck Engels]

Bob, the comparison chart was perfect, thank you

[sidd finch]

Chuck if cost is not an issue The GoPro 4 black it the best bet for any GoPro

I think in terms of performance and cost the Hero 3+ Black or Silver are your best bet. The hero 3 and the 3+ are using the same processing chip but the 3 skews a bit warm for color (yellowish). One thing to be aware of is that in a bright sunny environment the 3, 3+, and 4 will all have very outstanding color. When you have less than optimal conditions is where you see the issues.

The 3+ comparison is:

https://gopro.com/support/articles/hero ... comparison

And the comparison from the 3+ to the 4

http://www.gizmag.com/gopro-hero4-vs-go ... lus/34090/

I really like the GoPro camera's a whole lot but be aware that the 800 lbs gorilla is the batteries and accessories.

Happy Hunting
Sidd

[John 'twosheds' McDonald]

Bob, the comparison chart was perfect, thank you

+1 for that. Very helpful. Thank you, Bob.

[_Paz_]

Just received this email from Adorama. I have not checked prices at other places to confirm their "regular" prices.

GP Hero 4 Black reg $499, on sale $399:

http://www.adorama.com/GPCHDSX401.html?emailprice=t&utm_source=rsys&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Email122615GWYW&hotlink=t&svfor=5m

Silver & acc, reg $549, on sale $469:

http://www.adorama.com/GPCHDHY401C.html ... 122615GWYW

[Chuck Engels]

Thank for all of the great input everyone, over or near $400 is out of question so it will have to be an older model. My primary purpose would be for Time Lapse and Bob's comparison chart was very helpful there. The Hero4 Session for under $200 looks like a really great option and starter model for me.

We do our gift exchange and celebration on New Year's day rather than Christmas so all of the kids and grandkids can be at our house at the same time. We've done this for about 8 years now and it has worked out very nicely and the kids don't have to try and be everywhere on Christmas day. So this suggestion has gone to my wife for consideration as a gift for me

[Chuck Engels]

I now am the proud owner of a GoPro Hero 4 Session. I have connected it to my smartphone and the GoPro app which works great to control the camera and as a viewer. Got some footage a few nights ago but haven't had a chance to check it out yet. Looking forward to doing some timelapse stuff

Anyone use any kind of cover or screen protector for the lens? I've already started ordering accessories, like a small monopod and a adapter for a standard tripod. Can't believe how much stuff there is available for these little cameras.

[sidd finch]

Congratulations I am sure you will really enjoy your new camera. Especially since they lowered the price point.

Since the camera is waterproof as is there is no need for a lens cover. With that said I have found that the best carrying case for these small cameras is a padded zippered eyeglass case. The ecosystem for these cameras is simply mind boggling. I have found that SMATREE has some pretty nice quality stuff at very reasonable prices.



Also make sure to get the correct rated SD card and a SD card that GoPro recommends. Users have issues with non standard SD cards. The session can take up to a 32 GB SD card

sd card.PNG

Sidd

[Chuck Engels]

Thanks Sidd. My wife included the Lexare 32GB card so I am all set

[sidd finch]

I hate coming across as a shill for GoPro but I think you will really enjoy the camera. They are so small and easy to use I always feel like recording more video just because it is so small. Yes the Big Boy (Girl) cameras do a lot of things better but for me it is a whole lot of fun.

Sidd

[Chuck Engels]

That's great, thanks Sidd