GoPro?

A

asgcpa

En-Route
Joined
Jul 19, 2012
Messages
2,559
Location
Illinois
Display Name
Display name:
CPA
My son is bugging me to get one to record flights, lessons, etc.

What do you think? :confused:

If a yay, which one to get? What accessories? It seems this weekend would be a good time...
 
asgcpa said:
My son is bugging me to get one to record flights, lessons, etc.

What do you think? :confused:

If a yay, which one to get? What accessories? It seems this weekend would be a good time...
Click to expand...


I've got the Hero 3. It's been a lot of fun, but you might want to wait a teensy bit longer, cuz Garmin now has an entry in this field that has two things my GoPro does not.

1. A view-finder! Amazingly, the GoPro has no view finder, so you just sort of aim it in the general direction, and hope for the best.

2. A longer battery life.

Garmin is supposedly coming out with an aviation-specific model that will get rid of the prop-effect that pretty much ruins every video that's shot looking forward through the prop arc. THAT would be worth some money to me.

Still, you can get great video with a GoPro. Here's a link to a bunch of my flying videos. Enjoy! http://ameliaslanding.com/port_aransas_videos.htm

(BTW: I can't think of a worse time to shop for one of these gadgets than this weekend. You might find a Black Friday deal, but I'll pay an extra $20 to not have to beat my way through those crowds!)
 
Jay Honeck said:
I've got the Hero 3. It's been a lot of fun, but you might want to wait a teensy bit longer, cuz Garmin now has an entry in this field that has two things my GoPro does not.

1. A view-finder! Amazingly, the GoPro has no view finder, so you just sort of aim it in the general direction, and hope for the best.

2. A longer battery life.

Garmin is supposedly coming out with an aviation-specific model that will get rid of the prop-effect that pretty much ruins every video that's shot looking forward through the prop arc. THAT would be worth some money to me.

Still, you can get great video with a GoPro. Here's a link to a bunch of my flying videos. Enjoy! http://ameliaslanding.com/port_aransas_videos.htm

(BTW: I can't think of a worse time to shop for one of these gadgets than this weekend. You might find a Black Friday deal, but I'll pay an extra $20 to not have to beat my way through those crowds!)
Click to expand...


Jay,

You can attach the LCD BacPac to the GoPro - it's working fine as a viewfinder.

You can also use your iPhone or iPad as a viewfinder with the GoPro application and the WiFi module ( built-in on some models and available as an accessory for other models ).

The app is also great for setting all the camera parameters.

You can't beat the GoPro versatility...
 
As to which model...

...if cost is no object, no reason not to go for the black.

But for me, the silver was the sweet spot of cost/benefit.

Compare stats and features and decide. Bear in mind increased frame rates mainly aid in slo-mo and the highest resolutions don't do much for typical use cases.

I use my iPhone as a finder using the GoPro app as a remote.

Oh, and plan on spending about $100 or so on an extra battery, BatteryPak, mounts, etc.

Since I was already invested in the RAM ecosystem, the RAM ball adapter with mounts is what I use most of the time. The tripod adapter is handy if you have a tripod or other camera accessories already.

Look for fastereddieb on YouTube for some futzing around I've done with my Sky Arrow and KTM and the like. All the videos in the last year or so were with my silver GoPro, a Christmas/Hannukah gift last year.

Here's one comparing the three possible fields of view on essentially the same approach:

http://youtu.be/HhycU4UV90k

No fancy mount here, GoPro just tywrapped to the bill of a baseball cap!

Note that the "narrow" view most closely mimics reality - the wider angles make approaches appear much flatter/lower than they really are.
 
Last edited:
Armageddon Aviator said:
Jay,

You can attach the LCD BacPac to the GoPro - it's working fine as a viewfinder.

You can also use your iPhone or iPad as a viewfinder with the GoPro application and the WiFi module ( built-in on some models and available as an accessory for other models ).

The app is also great for setting all the camera parameters.

You can't beat the GoPro versatility...
Click to expand...

Agreed, there are still just way too many advantages to the GoPro.


Shane
The Squawk Shoppe
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
I just did a quick spot check of amazon and bestbuy, looks like they're still all regular price. not sure if there are any discounts at the store or elsewhere. regardless, they are fun and easy to use, I don't even have a viewfinder and never had an issue. I reviewed most of my flight lessons afterwards and picked something up each time that I may not have during the flight.
as for accessories, for non-inflight use I typically rig something up starting with the basic accessories that comes with the camera, but for inflight I broke down and got the suction mount. it makes camera setup a 6 second ordeal, set it and forget it.
have fun!
 
I'll throw in a vote for contour. With the +2 you get built in Bluetooth for controlling it and viewing the picture from your phone along with GPS so you can do gauge and map overlays. You don't get 1080 @ 60 fps, but otherwise the quality is as good. Mounting options are more flexible. The company closed its doors earlier this year, but was bought our and will be resuming operations. In the meantime, you can find some great deals. I'd you want the latest and greatest, I would look at the Garmin or Sony.
 
Unless you have a 4k resolution tv or plan on shooting a lot of slow mo video I'd just get the silver edition of the hero 3. You can't wrong either way but like others have said the silver is the sweet spot. I've got the silver and I take it biking, flying, to my bee hives and anywhere else I can go. It's fun.
 
Lindberg said:
I'll throw in a vote for contour. With the +2 you get built in Bluetooth for controlling it and viewing the picture from your phone along with GPS so you can do gauge and map overlays. You don't get 1080 @ 60 fps, but otherwise the quality is as good. Mounting options are more flexible. The company closed its doors earlier this year, but was bought our and will be resuming operations. In the meantime, you can find some great deals. I'd you want the latest and greatest, I would look at the Garmin or Sony.
Click to expand...

I picked up a +2 for DIRT CHEAP from bestbuy but I don't have the latest firmware because the company closed, and I also don't think you can publish vids with the map overlays since their website is closed down.

do you happen to have the latest firmware for the +2 or know when the new company will be opening? thanks!
 
I got a Hero 3+ Black to grow with (I'll use it for more than aviation), but a silver model should be just fine. I also bit the bullet and purchased a cockpit mounting/audio recording kit from Sporty's that includes filters for eliminating "prop warp." There are two versions offered at different prices. I did this just to save time and effort for myself at piecing it all together, especially since lining audio into to a Gopro requires a microUSB cable end.

http://www.sportys.com/PilotShop/product/19235

https://www.sportys.com/Pilotshop/product/19236

I've not used it yet, but I'll be happy to file a report with you once I do. It seemed like a decent investment for me to make in regards to recording my training.
 
Wifey got me a GoPro Hero3 Silver and it is excellent. Prior to that I borrowed a Hero2 and recorded all of my acro training flights - great help being able to go back and see what you did right/wrong.

Ideally I'd like to have 3 cameras, one forward facing, one rear facing, and one side facing on the left wing looking across to the right wing.

'Gimp
 
Gopro is still the winner in this market. I still use a HD 1 remember your video will likely be consumed on phones streaming off yt so quality isn't thcat important.
 
I think I'll use my handy cam, it was state of art ten minutes ago with a 120 gig hard drive,
 
I have the Hero3 silver, works great.

After a couple of flights I was going to get the filter to eliminate prop wash, until I realized that I could see my throttle inputs via the prop, really helpful as a student especially on final.

I use the I-phone to aim the camera, I have the suction cup on the passenger window, and once you have aimed it once it pretty much is the same every flight. Remember to turn off the Bluetooth on the camera before you start as it kills battery life.

Speaking of battery's now I am flying further afield I am getting the longer life battery pack.

the BIGGEST plus in terms of enjoyment and as a resource for learning is get the cable that connects the camera to the aircrafts intercom so you can hear your ATC transmissions as well as your instructors. A huge benefit for me being able to "relive" my lessons, both visually and especially the having the audio was invaluable to me. Its surprising how much you "miss" during the lesson once you hear I again. I got this one from "mypilotstore.com" but i'm sure there are others.
http://www.mypilotstore.com/MyPilotStore/sep/1978.

The biggest pain in the butt is the editing of the videos, my family tease me that I spend more time doing the cutting of the clips than I do flying. Also loading a large file up on to youtube takes forever:mad2::mad2:....Im sure there are easier ways to do it...I just haven't looked into it enough yet:confused:.

Here are a few of my attempts at flying and filming...LOL I have all my lessons recorded since I got the camera but my school does not allow me to post them.:nono:

http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNylxLc5iZI7uGxRx22BRfQ
 
ferrari-tech said:
I have the Hero3 silver, works great.

After a couple of flights I was going to get the filter to eliminate prop wash, until I realized that I could see my throttle inputs via the prop, really helpful as a student especially on final.

I use the I-phone to aim the camera, I have the suction cup on the passenger window, and once you have aimed it once it pretty much is the same every flight. Remember to turn off the Bluetooth on the camera before you start as it kills battery life.

Speaking of battery's now I am flying further afield I am getting the longer life battery pack.

the BIGGEST plus in terms of enjoyment and as a resource for learning is get the cable that connects the camera to the aircrafts intercom so you can hear your ATC transmissions as well as your instructors. A huge benefit for me being able to "relive" my lessons, both visually and especially the having the audio was invaluable to me. Its surprising how much you "miss" during the lesson once you hear I again. I got this one from "mypilotstore.com" but i'm sure there are others.
http://www.mypilotstore.com/MyPilotStore/sep/1978.

The biggest pain in the butt is the editing of the videos, my family tease me that I spend more time doing the cutting of the clips than I do flying. Also loading a large file up on to youtube takes forever:mad2::mad2:....Im sure there are easier ways to do it...I just haven't looked into it enough yet:confused:.

Here are a few of my attempts at flying and filming...LOL I have all my lessons recorded since I got the camera but my school does not allow me to post them.:nono:

http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNylxLc5iZI7uGxRx22BRfQ
Click to expand...

I hadn't thought about the prop effect being useful for seeing throttle inputs. I may keep that in mind when I start doing that. I'll have to experiment.

Also, with regard to the audio cable to plug into the GoPro, the one from mypilotstore.com could pose a problem with a short, coiled cable, IIRC from some of the reviews. The cable you can purchase from Shorty's is a straight cable with more length, I believe. Food for thought.
 
Armageddon Aviator said:
Jay,

You can attach the LCD BacPac to the GoPro - it's working fine as a viewfinder.

You can also use your iPhone or iPad as a viewfinder with the GoPro application and the WiFi module ( built-in on some models and available as an accessory for other models ).

The app is also great for setting all the camera parameters.

You can't beat the GoPro versatility...
Click to expand...

True about the phone/tablet as a viewfinder -- but I found the wifi connection to unacceptably shorten battery life on my Hero 3 Black Edition. It's a great concept that needs a bit more battery oomph, IMHO.

Really, the lack of a viewfinder isn't as bad as it sounds. The wide angle of the lens makes it pretty simple to aim it "over there" and pick up acceptable video. I'd like to see a simple "window" hole in the camera. That's all you really need to aim it.

But the new Garmin entry could be really nice. Personally, I'd wait a few weeks to see what it's like before dropping $300 on a GoPro.
 
PJS313 said:
I just posted asking about the difference between the 3 and the 3+ in the technical section, but Best Buy is having a black friday sale on the 3 Black Edition. It's online too which is great so you don't have to fight the crowds.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/hd-hero...uId=6571689&st=gopro-cameras-112161&cp=1&lp=3
Click to expand...

Couple things...there have been rumors since September about GoPro 4.

Next, there are a number of reviews that compare the Black 3 and Black 3+, go take a look.

http://gopro.com/cameras

http://nofilmschool.com/2013/10/comparison-of-gopro-hero3-gopro-hero3/

A number of youtube side-by-side comparisons of the features with video of each so you can see the differences/similarities. I can't find the one I really like but this one gives you the general idea.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6HOUMfmZkY
 
eman1200 said:
I picked up a +2 for DIRT CHEAP from bestbuy but I don't have the latest firmware because the company closed, and I also don't think you can publish vids with the map overlays since their website is closed down.

do you happen to have the latest firmware for the +2 or know when the new company will be opening? thanks!
Click to expand...
I have no personal knowledge of these files, but someone on another forum posted this link:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ego9azttgsvidpr/wxexJ7uklK

These are supposed to be the firmwares for each of the cameras. My +2 has v.2.1.29. I don't know if that's the latest.

There are ways to use the recorded GPS track to create overlays outside of StoryTeller. The easiest that I've found is a program called DashWare. It's $50, but it will automatically import the GPS track and has a library of gauges. There are ways to do it for free and with more flexibility, but I haven't found any as simple at DashWare. If you already do a bunch of postprocessing and editing, that might not be a big deal. This site has a how-to: http://inlinepaceline.wordpress.com/2012/04/22/how-to-video-overlays-with-gps-data/

You can export the GPS track within Storyteller. When you're on the thumbnail screen, highlight a video and select file-->export.

ETA: This dropbox link was posted on the official Contour facebook page: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/z2xc88w7a3hm3l1/V_fg3zDQdw
 
Last edited:
Lindberg said:
I have no personal knowledge of these files, but someone on another forum posted this link:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ego9azttgsvidpr/wxexJ7uklK

These are supposed to be the firmwares for each of the cameras. My +2 has v.2.1.29. I don't know if that's the latest.

There are ways to use the recorded GPS track to create overlays outside of StoryTeller. The easiest that I've found is a program called DashWare. It's $50, but it will automatically import the GPS track and has a library of gauges. There are ways to do it for free and with more flexibility, but I haven't found any as simple at DashWare. If you already do a bunch of postprocessing and editing, that might not be a big deal. This site has a how-to: http://inlinepaceline.wordpress.com/2012/04/22/how-to-video-overlays-with-gps-data/

You can export the GPS track within Storyteller. When you're on the thumbnail screen, highlight a video and select file-->export.

ETA: This dropbox link was posted on the official Contour facebook page: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/z2xc88w7a3hm3l1/V_fg3zDQdw
Click to expand...

thanks! I'll give the second link a try, much appreciated.
 
We ended up getting the black 3+. I'll be using it to record my IR lessons as well. Now to figure out the best mount for recording lessons. I did order the package from Sportys that had been suggested.

Thanks for all your suggestions/comments.
 
We carry all the GoPro audio adapter cables, AND we're the only ones that make a GoPro Hero3 cable that will plug into a usb charger while it records (no more dead batteries!) AND we're having a Cyber Monday sale too. Use PILOTSOFAMERICA at checkout for 15% off.
Here are all of our adapters: http://www.thesquawkshoppe.com/collections/accessories/adapter

Plus, if you want to get rid of the "prop effect" or "scimitar prop" or the half dozen other names, you don't need any kits, or filters or anything else. Those kits will only wash out your video and require more mounting and other non-essential hardware. Simply change the FPS or frames per second up from 24 to something like 60 or 90 depending on the performance of your aircraft. This will allow you to get full color high resolution video without sacrificing anything but storage on your memory card.
 
Last edited:
I have the JVC Adixxion (http://adixxion.jvc.com/) and I think it's an extremely nice device. I'll likely get a couple more.

I have never had a gopro so it's hard for me to compare, but the fact that the adixxion has a little screen on the side of it so you can easily setup for recording is very nice. Plus it uses standard camera mounts and can be attached to just about anything.

I would say the only thing the Adixxion doesn't have is an audio-in jack. It just records ambient through the built in mic where as with the go pro I believe you can plug directly into the camera.

But most likely if you're doing hardcore recording you'd use an audio recorder anyway so this may be a non issue.
 
I picked up a GoPro Silver bundle at Costco last week for $229. Pretty nice bundle with multiple frames but no suction cup mount.
 
WakeNCAgent said:
Pretty nice bundle with multiple frames but no suction cup mount.
Click to expand...

I've found the most versatile system is to get a RAM suction cup and a RAM adapter for the GoPro.

Especially handy if one is already invested in RAM mounts and arms.

With that and a tripod adapter, you can be faced with almost TOO MANY mounting options.

As an aside, failure of the provided GoPro mounts is not uncommon. I've twice broken the little clip arms:

11171662984_66119330e7.jpg


GoPro sent me new ones each time for no charge. Good on them, but I don't really trust the GoPro mounts in critical situations, and rarely use them.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top