Anyone here have a GoPro? I'm thinking about getting one but don't know which one would be the best. I'd like to use it to film hunts maybe and definitely try to video my boys. Can you use them like a camcorder or are they better used as an action cam? Any advice or experiences shared will be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance!
Not sure about the newer ones, I have a Hero 2. I tried it bowhunting from a stand, but deer at 10 yards, looked like they were 40 yards out. If the newer ones do not have some kind of zoom feature, not sure how well it will work turkey hunting? Mine has good picture quality, but would probably need turkeys at 10 yards or so, to get any really good footage.
Not sure which model I have (won it through a contest at work). It is better as an action cam. It does give great "alternate view" video if you use it combined with a more traditional video camera. As has been said, it does not have a zoom feature so turkeys/deer appear to be much farther than they are. Also, the model I have does not have a way to silence the "beeps" when you press the buttons. I'm happy with mine since it was free. If I were looking for one camera to film hunts, this would not have been it. My two cents.
Quote from: wislnwings on March 25, 2016, 05:56:30 PM
Also, the model I have does not have a way to silence the "beeps" when you press the buttons.
I'm guessing the Pro 2 and newer do have the feature to silence and turn off idicator lights, since mine is the 2 and has that feature.
I have the 3+ and you can turn off the lights and sound. Gopro are for action or second angle. If you want your kids' reactions it would work great. If you want to video the shot, I'd recommend something else. Canon just came out with an h70 that looks like a great beginner camcorder. 399 on Campbell cameras website.
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Take a look at the Xcel camera it has low light and a 1-4 x zoom it is hd with a remote. I have one and picked it over the go pro. Compared to my friends go pro it is much better and has a hunters pack that gives you a bunch of extras, for the same price as a bare go pro.
I use a Tactacam to film hunts and use it both ways but the lens films what the 'eye' sees,so it does a good job.
I have a GoPro fitted with an aftermarket zoom lens and I'm still not impressed with it for filming turkey hunts. I'm probably going to eventually invest in a small compact camcorder. The low light video is grainy (in the blind) and the lack of zoom is tough. They're a great action camera and I've got some good footage just not exactly what I'd hoped.
Killed a bird with my bow yesterday. He was at 7 yards. Here's the video from the GoPro.
http://youtu.be/E1T0UDHJqbg
Action cam, not good for filming game as they will appear very small on screen with the 160 degree lens. It's good for mounting on your shotgun or body as a cool secondary angle, but I would not use one to replace a camcorder with a zoom.
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When we are filming we only use GoPro's as "B" roll, secondary shots our main footage is taken with a video camera. If you are looking to video hunts you would be way better off with a traditional camcorder. If you need help in picking out something to fit your budget I would give them a call at Campbell Cameras, great resource of information. Things I would mention to look for would be (optical power) digital is just a distortion of image, mine is 20X optical, SD card memory/storage, extra life battery and a tripod. All of this can still been done at a budget and really adds to your hunts!
Here's my Canon setup
MK M GOBL
I have a Hero 4 Silver. It has lots of settings that take a wile to understand. The width of the view makes a huge difference. When set to wide angle, things do look much farther away. I shoot at medium and it works pretty well. I haven't tried narrow yet but I imagine things look pretty close.
I use mine on narrow angle to keep the game from looking so far away. When editing you can zoom in more. If you want a real clean looking hunt like the professionals do x the go pro off you list. I love mine and have recorded some wonderful memories but the camera is very limited in the hunting department. I would recommend borrowing a friends and seeing if you like it before a purchase.
Without a zoom....GoPro type cameras are worthless for good hunting videos. Go get you a decent highdef camera with a tripod and you will be pleased.
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