GoPro?

jconway23

jconway23

Bought an X
Location
Blakely, PA
I'm sure alot you guys have them already. I just acquired a Hero 3+ Black Edition. I'm waiting for a better memory card to get here so I haven't used it yet.

What accessories are a must? I have a few things coming from amazon already but nothing crazy. I'm really excited about using it. Maybe now I can get out and get the Xterra dirty for a change. Plus I'm going to attempt to make some fishing videos. Since we do that alot after the wonderful PA winters here.

Also what video editing software do you all use.m If ya use any. I'm a computer guy so i have a few ideas of what i am going to use but just wanted to see what people are already using.

Jesse
 
Airmapper

Airmapper

First Fill-Up (of many)
Location
Bowling Green, KY
In my opinion GoPro branded mounts are, well, junk. Hands down have to have accessory in my opinion, is a RAM ball adapter.

I have a pretty good assortment of RAM mounts for various GPS units and such, and since the RAM system is all interchangeable, with just the RAM ball mount to the GoPro I was in business. I have a small list of extra RAM pieces I'll eventually get to make it even more versatile, but even just a standard arm, a suction base, and a clamping base will get you a lot farther than GoPro's offerings as far as vehicle mounting goes.

A suction base alone will go from a dash cam position, to sticking to any smooth part of the vehicle. I haven't tested it as much on the painted surfaces, but I think it would stay. (Tether it if unsure.) They are very rigid and vibration dampening, RAM mounts are mostly made of marine grade aluminum with a rubber coating, and stainless hardware. With the solid clamping mount I don't even bother with a tether, it's not coming off. And RAM products don't cost much more (I haven't check, it may be cheaper) than GoPro brand mounts, and it's professional grade, high quality mounting gear. Plus you can start buying cradles for any number of other devices, from cell phones to GPS units and more.

For editing so far I've found GoPro studio to be adequate. But, I wouldn't mind some more complex software, if the learning curve wasn't too bad. Like you I'm curious what else may be out there, but I haven't found anything I like yet.
 
Tay-Lo

Tay-Lo

I'm the king of junk food!
Location
Upstate SC
I actually just ordered a kit of various off brand accessories for mine though I've had the gopro brand suction cup and had no worries with it on the outside of the windshield going 70 down the interstate.
 
NismoFire

NismoFire

Titan Swapped / SAS'd
Founding Member
Location
Smyrna, TN
+1 for the RAM mounts. I have them for my Contour Roam and have had them both on the truck and in the kayak while I fish.
 
Dirthouse

Dirthouse

Bought an X
Location
Murfreesboro, TN
Man, I'm glad I clicked on this thread. I got the Hero3+ Silver and was about to head out to Best Buy to get a few accessories, but after looking at the RAM stuff I'll be holding off on that.
 
TheFauxFox

TheFauxFox

Titan Swapped / SAS'd
Founding Member
Location
Huntsville, AL
Tay-Lo said:
I actually just ordered a kit of various off brand accessories for mine though I've had the gopro brand suction cup and had no worries with it on the outside of the windshield going 70 down the interstate.
Click to expand...

This. I don't know the price of RAM's but the GoPro one is affordable.
 
Intender

Intender

Wheeling
Location
Lewisville NC
I got mine a couple yeara ago and have been very happy with mine other than my last trip out when all my vids were corrupted when I got home. I have had my go pro suction mount come off twice. Once I think I didnt get it stuck to my windshield tightly. The other time I stuck it to the side of my muddy truck from inside the truck and completely forgot about the mud and it fell off on the trail. I use a piece of paracord tied to the mount and either the side mirror or the handle inside now if its on the side of the truck.

As for the sticky mounts, they hold on pretty well. Only time I have had one of those come loose was when i decided i was a better kayaker than i am and went the day after a tropical storm and my normally calm little river was up. I ended up in a fallen tree in the only place that normally has a rapid on the river. Not sure if a branch knocked it off or my paddle. Luckily I tethered it to a handle on my kayak or it would have been gone for good.

I have been wanting to pick up another one but am too cheap to pay for one. Been looking at some chinese knock offs on ebay that use the same accessories.
 
jconway23

jconway23

Bought an X
Location
Blakely, PA
I watched a few reviews on the GoPro brand suction cup and from what I saw its the best out there. I have a RAM mount inside my X for my phone. I have a spare ball mount somewhere here in my house which I intend on using as well for something.

Only things I bought so far(still being shipped) is a decent case, a joby flexpod or whatever its called, which I can use for my DSLR as well and a stick. Figure I will use that to get used to shooting vids and stuff. Also a good Micro SD card. I didn't wanna use the ones I have cause they are for my phone and tablet currently.

I have Adobe Premier at work and I guess its time I mess with it now. Since I am waiting on the card I haven't even messed with the camera and videos yet. This coming week i will.

Glad people have interest in this topic. We can all help each other out I'm sure.
 
Tay-Lo

Tay-Lo

I'm the king of junk food!
Location
Upstate SC
Yeah I was surprised their stuff isn't more expensive. $20 for a really good suction cup mount is a good price compared to others that arent ment to be on the outside of a car going 150 mph.

Sent from my pocket computer
 
jconway23

jconway23

Bought an X
Location
Blakely, PA
Most of my accessories will be here this week. Tomorrow and Tuesday. A few mounts and odds and ends stuff. Just till I get to use it more. I'll be out this week maybe for a ride in the woods if i can sneak out.
 
J Everett

J Everett

Suspension Lift
Founding Member
Location
Houma, LA
Best accessories you can get to start are hi-speed micro SD cards (you can't film high resolution/ high frame rate if the card can not write data quickly enough to keep up) and an extra battery and charger that you can charge while the other is in use. Nothing dampens your video shooting like a dead battery. Also, if you're using your camera in-vehicle and splash protection isn't necessary, the LCD backpack beats using your phone for set up and for triggering record/stop. The wifi connection between the phone and camera quickly kills the battery on both.



EDIT: Yes, there is a door that fits the LCD bacpac, but if you need the door to be waterproof, then you're not using the camera in car and you still need the phone to record/stop. In other situations, like swimming/diving etc. the LCD and door combo is sweet. But, the GoPro sucks for underwater shots unless the water is perfectly clear and theres tons of sunlight. It really doesn't like the lack of reds and yellows.
 
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Shizane2002

Shizane2002

First Fill-Up (of many)
Location
Alexandria, Virginia
I absolutely love my GoPro Hero3+. I record all of my driving because you never know if you'll need the video. I have multiple mounting points in ideal locations on my truck.

IMAG0285_zps8ormwo4r.jpg



I've also got the chest harness, tri-pod, and dog harness.

And my GSD does not mind at all :D

11046626_10153109557135140_4200251435496290293_n_zpsfzawwlka.jpg


And here is a shot from my roof rack mount.

11028360_10153138584325140_5239788976853726992_o_zpsdm6j6e5f.jpg


The battery only lasts about four hours though, if the camera is continuously recording (like during a road trip). Buying all the accessories adds up in money, but I feel its an overall great investment and has utility for a multitude of life situations.
 
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