Any thoughts on a GoPro?

[LordAnubis]

So I've been recently thinking of getting an actual camera. And for me the best thing for my needs seems to be a GoPro I imagine. Compact, light weight, waterproof etc. the only thing I am not sure about is taking photos.

So I'll be only taking photos. I might take the odd video here and there but majority of use will be for photos. I'm more a point and shooter. Not into carrying a proper camera with lenses etc. extreme portability is

So my question is does anyone have any recommendations on use of a go pro for picture taking?

I was thinking of getting the Hero 4 Silver as it has a built in screen. Also can someone tell me how to get photos off it? Can transfer photos off it from wifi or Bluetooth? Or easiest way to get photos from the camera to my iPhone?

Cheers!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Jeremy Festa]

Hey bro. Go pro is only good for action. Or the fish eye capability. If you have or can get an iPhone 6 you have way more in terms of quality. If you like photography get an entry level dslr. Or a compact 4/3 camera.

Other than that, it's hard to beat current high end smart phones for versatility.

Going off your recent Iceland trip and associated shots. Splash out on a mounted interchangeable lens for your smart phone or go the whole hog on a little Leica!

Sent from my iPhone

[Fuzz AI]

Check out the Nikon 1 AW1 if you want a mirrorless compact camera that is waterproof, shockproof etc. Other compact cameras to consider: Olympus TG-860, Olympus TG-4 or Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT5.

[Fugu]

Sorry, can’t say too much about Gopro, Mus. A colleague uses one in connection with his RC-copter, nice gimmick for taking pictures and video at the same time. However, I am always not too impressed with picture/optical quality. Always appears to me as primarily being a fun and action camera. And not a real EDC. Perhaps the newer models are doing better.

It really depends on what you want and how ambitioned you are about photography. I am very happy with a Canon S90 compact camera. A small and highly versatile EDC camera with the ability to do “real” photography (still an advantage to smart phones, which become better and better, incl. their versatile postprocessing abilities). You have all the main functions that a full SLR provides (e.g. selecting stops, different programmes from manual to full auto, makro, video, and even the option to save in raw-format if needed), and it has got a comparatively large CCD sensor. But the most important to me was that it comes with a true high-quality fast lens.

It is not waterproof but sports a sturdy metal body (never had a problem shooting in rain). You can either make use of the full functionality and tweak your pictures or just use it as a point and shoot camera, quite like a smart phone if you wish.

You can find extensive reviews incl. examples of image quality etc. e.g. on Ken Rockwell’s website. The latest model seems to be the S100 (*), which is in the market already since 2012, so prices should be reasonable. Guess the next one will wait in the wings, but absolutely no need here to get the latest version I think.

I for one am happy with my S90. The compact and flat form factor makes it easy not bothering but just slipping it in your pocket and always carry it with you (belt cases available for it).

* Edit: Current one being the S120 (even better, and lens being one stop faster, 1.8)

[Fosgate]

I'll defend the GoPro. The GoPro 5 was supposed to have been released in October but they pushed it back now until 2016. Who knows, maybe to get rid of some of the 3 & 4 inventory for the Holidays before they discount them when they release the 5. I have a 4 Black and had a Nikon D7000 DSLR, Nikon Coolpix 900. I rarely used my DSLR and sold it. When I go places with people, I grab the GoPro and the Coolpix point and shoot. Don't get me wrong, Loved my DSLR (I better for the $$ tied up into it), but it serves a different purpose. In my humble opinion there are a lot of people out there that buy a DSLR that think they can and are taking professional grade photos and using the full potential of the camera and they are not. It takes a lot of time and practice to understand the lighting conditions, focus, exposure, filters, lenses etc to really use an DSLR camera. I used mine more as a hobby when I go out on my own and take all the time in the world to setup a shot. Time of which I don't have very often anymore. Maybe it was the equine photographer I dated when she would point out how clients would often have their own DSLR with and take pictures but would call after a couple weeks and ask her for her photos because theirs just did not turn out or they liked hers better. If I chose to travel with it I have an additional large case to carry my lenses, tripod, filters, etc. Just felt like someone was always looking to swipe it with the money tied up in there. With the gopro and point and shoot I have a small case for the GoPro and my coolpix that fit nice into a single carry on that no one has to see.

Alternatively, when I want to point, shoot and move on I have my Coolpix. Love it. Not much to say but it will take better pictures than if I put someone on my D7000 that doesn't know how to use it to take the same photo.

No this is what initially sold me on the GoPro. I was not that impressed with it until I saw differences when people actually use filters, shoot in high rez and the difference in some of the newer software. etc. I found this video not long ago that really inspired me for some great ideas for travel videos. Keep in mind this was shot 720p on:

Shot on:
GoPro HERO3+ Black
GoPro HERO3 Silver Edition
Sony RX100 with Nauticam housing
plus GoPole Reach

Now to talk about the 3 vs 4 is night and day but when you look at the 4 silver vs black also a slight difference.

Accessories are important to me on the go pro. One of them being for underwater the Backscatter 3-1 flip dive filters.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NLNZ0DU?colid=34GJEDSS9B6CB&coliid=I2DR51EWNH3A0K&ref_=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl

Then there are other filters and people online to give you tips on useage of the gopro. Mic Bergsma has a lot of great tips I have used.

Other items help enhance the use like a GoPro pole, gimbal, lcd backscreen and waterproof case to add, antifog inserts, external battery and extra batteries with multiple battery charger,

Here is some of the stuff I have for mine.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Q7CJFXI?colid=34GJEDSS9B6CB&coliid=IFAVPODOSQ2TR&ref_=wl_it_dp_o_pd_S_ttl

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[LLC]

Check out the RICOH WG-M1. RICOH owns PENTAX now and PENTAX has made 18 generations of waterproof point and shot cameras and the WG-M1 is in the style of an action camera but also take great stills. It is waterproof, shockproof, cold proof without adding any housings. Also has a LCD with normal menus so is easy to use and has stereo sound not muffled like other action cameras that require housings to be waterproof. Also less expensive.

[Colt45]

So I'll be only taking photos.

Interesting question in that I'd have never considered a video camera for still shots (i've seen Go Pro video shot by friends and am impressed ). Were I to by a still camera today, I've narrowed it down to the Panasonic Lumix LX100 and the Sony RX100. Perhaps neither are super compact, but I still think both are cameras I could carry around all the time. I'm another fan of the Canon Sxx, and the Gs as well. I imagine waterproof housings would be available for just about any camera if really needed.

Good luck - let us know how you go.

[Guest rob]

Were I to by a still camera today, I've narrowed it down to the Panasonic Lumix LX100 and the Sony RX100.

I am a huge fan of the Sony RX100 - an awesome and conveniently sized camera. Build quality is insanely good considering the price point.

[Kurt]

I have to agree with the others.. if you want a point and shoot you won't be happy using a gopro. Some others to consider.. Sony Z3 or Z4 are both water proof and perfectly capable for videos and photos that I use for snorkeling quite regularly. If you don't want a hand phone then try a micro 4/3 point and shoot, they are small enough to easily carry.

I currently own:

Gopro Hero 4 Black Edition - Used for touring on my Harely Street Glide Special and attaches to my DJI drone.

Sony compact Z3 - Snorkeling and by the pool

Sony Z3 - Snorkeling and by the pool

Panasonic Lumix GF7 - Taking shots while on holidays and for deep dives with a dive case.

Kurt

[Fosgate]

Oh, for taking photos with the gopro

[Fosgate]

[Colt45]

I am a huge fan of the Sony RX100 - an awesome and conveniently sized camera. Build quality is insanely good considering the price point.

For sure Robbo - pretty much the same with the Lumix and most Canons. I guess it's a matter of what Khalil is really looking for. If it's simple photos for internet posting, etc, these might be overkill and on the expensive side. My personal perspective is overall image quality - dynamic range, lens speed, sensor, etc - in a size I'd always carry around with me.

[shlomo]

I know nothing about photography, but have always been happy with my digital Canons with Carl Zeiss lens. Under 200 $ super easy to use and take high quality pics.

[Rye]

I love my Olympus tough. Waterproof, shock resistant, and easy to use and takes decent pics

[OZCUBAN]

Cool thread should answer a lot questions for a lot of people

All I have at the minute is the iPhone 6s which takes stunning photos and fantastic 4K video but can be temperamental in low light,but suits my needs for the moment

Cheers

[westg]

I love my Olympus tough. Waterproof, shock resistant, and easy to use and takes decent pics

yep me too ...very durable camera ...and decent pics ..totally agree ...had mine for over a year now and that is saying something

[Rye]

yep me too ...very durable camera ...and decent pics ..totally agree ...had mine for over a year now and that is saying something

I love the fact that the manual says if the lens gets dirty, run it under water.

Pocket(ish) sized, mines been through some good times.