GoPro camera's

Roadwarrior

Titan Swapped / SAS'd
Founding Member
Dude, we are whole different pages.. I'm thinking about the USB port on the actual GoPro, the "door and weatherstripping" on the camera housing and trying to get a cable through that is where I lost you.

If I ran my hero 3 naked this would be an awesome idea.

Sent from space and stuff
 

Eric P

Bought an X
Location
Colorado
I have the battery backpack and don't use the water proof back. The sides have openings to allow cooling and the USB to be plugged into the backpack.

I also got the frame that has a hole for the USB.
 

drbandkgb

Titan Swapped / SAS'd
Founding Member
Can you take a pic of how you are using the case with the cable? I would think running the cable in between the gp case seal would cause the case to not seal right any more for later uses
 

drbandkgb

Titan Swapped / SAS'd
Founding Member
I almost bought one.. But thought better of it.. These cams with built in batteries are ok till you need to charge them.. With my gopro you pop in a new battery and keep going.. Still this is a deal
 

El Robot

Bought an X
Location
Frankfort Ky
We have a few GoPros in the flight company that get used, and some have bought an audio connector on Ebay that allows us to record the internal comms system with the video. It's pretty snazzy.
 

dhyde79

Titan Swapped / SAS'd
Founding Member
Location
Amarillo, TX
so... what are some hints, tips etc for the gopro. guys just anything really. mounting, recording while offroading etc.

if you're planning on having people ooh and ahh at the badassery of the terrain you're wheeling, do *NOT* use the wide settings, move to narrow, at whatever resolution you can support on narrow mode. the reason being is that the hero3/3+ have a fish-eye lens, made to capture 170-180 degrees of viewing angle, when you compress that onto a flat image like a tv or monitor, you have a LOT of image manipulation, for examples, go back and find the thread in which I posted the videos from the last meet & greet we did up here in amarillo, there's a spot where I sat back to watch Mac pop up a set of rocks, and, if memory serves correct, it took him a couple tries, nothing major, but, it's a little ledge that's about as tall as the center-line of the wheel, except, in the image, since it's 170deg of vertical viewing angle compressed into a flat plain, it looks like he's having trouble getting over something that's shorter than a parking space "curb" or "bumper" or whatever you choose to call them.

Audio: either get an external mic and a case that'll seal around it (make sure that mic is waterproof too) or, accept that with the water-tight case, your audio SUCKS. it's ok, really, you just have to know it in advance.

Mounting: the suction cup mount is nearly impossible to pop loose unless you hit it pretty hard, or, didn't get a good suction...I have no problem slapping it to the outside of my windshield in front of my rear view and wheeling it pretty hard, which, I must say, is fun. having it mounted on my hood was cool too, but, now that I've bedlined my hood, no more suction mount option there....
 

dhyde79

Titan Swapped / SAS'd
Founding Member
Location
Amarillo, TX
Buy the hero 3+ with wifi so you can have a live* stream running to your device of choice, you can see your shot before you record and you can remotely start and stop recording.

Sent from space and stuff

you can do that on the regular 3 as well...(I have a 3 silver and it works fine)
 

dhyde79

Titan Swapped / SAS'd
Founding Member
Location
Amarillo, TX
Lmao! I hope your joking, I would trust duct tape to protect my $400 camera.


Sent from my iPhone4 using Tapatalk

I'd bet it works fine, we've used duct tape (ok 100mph tape) and 550paracord to make an improvised belt to get home on for a HMMWV before, I don't think I'd be afraid of it not doing it's job if you did it correctly ;)
 

robcarync

Sliders
Location
Raleigh, NC

I have that exact camera from Amazon.

All in all it is a decent camera...for the price. I paid $60 for it. You have to charge it, but it comes with a car charger, and the battery lasts pretty long. I find myself filming certain obstacles, and charging it while we are doing less technical cruising. It comes with a lot of different attachments so you can mount it several places. Also has a water proof case, which is nice.

The downsides are that it is 720P...so not crisp and super clear like a 1080P camera is. Also, picture is MUCH better when you have plenty of natural light. In darker low light areas, the picture looks kind of washed out and grainy. This is pretty common among a lot of cameras though.

All in all, it serve my purpose...I can suction cup a camera to my X, make a few Youtube videos with it, and if it drowns in the mud or falls off, I won't shed a tear or cry.

Samples:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHZxDewqWHw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUAaYBW5sVI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzJM-z0JGS4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAyXnDijgDI
 

Big_THanks

Wheeling
Founding Member
Location
Chattanooga
if you're planning on having people ooh and ahh at the badassery of the terrain you're wheeling, do *NOT* use the wide settings, move to narrow, at whatever resolution you can support on narrow mode. the reason being is that the hero3/3+ have a fish-eye lens, made to capture 170-180 degrees of viewing angle, when you compress that onto a flat image like a tv or monitor, you have a LOT of image manipulation, for examples, go back and find the thread in which I posted the videos from the last meet & greet we did up here in amarillo, there's a spot where I sat back to watch Mac pop up a set of rocks, and, if memory serves correct, it took him a couple tries, nothing major, but, it's a little ledge that's about as tall as the center-line of the wheel, except, in the image, since it's 170deg of vertical viewing angle compressed into a flat plain, it looks like he's having trouble getting over something that's shorter than a parking space "curb" or "bumper" or whatever you choose to call them.

Audio: either get an external mic and a case that'll seal around it (make sure that mic is waterproof too) or, accept that with the water-tight case, your audio SUCKS. it's ok, really, you just have to know it in advance.

Mounting: the suction cup mount is nearly impossible to pop loose unless you hit it pretty hard, or, didn't get a good suction...I have no problem slapping it to the outside of my windshield in front of my rear view and wheeling it pretty hard, which, I must say, is fun. having it mounted on my hood was cool too, but, now that I've bedlined my hood, no more suction mount option there....

That compression issue won't happen in wide angle if you render the footage out in wide angle as well before trying view it on whatever. It'll keep the tv from squishing it.

Sent from my Note 2 using Tapatalk HD
 

dhyde79

Titan Swapped / SAS'd
Founding Member
Location
Amarillo, TX
Allow me to rephrase, unless you do a lengthy post process job with their software, it's crushed. (I've yet to see a video that the compression wasn't present in though)
 

Big_THanks

Wheeling
Founding Member
Location
Chattanooga
Allow me to rephrase, unless you do a lengthy post process job with their software, it's crushed. (I've yet to see a video that the compression wasn't present in though)

Yeah it does take a long rendering process on an editing software. What you are seeing though if rendered correctly isn't compression it is just that you are viewing through a curved lens or fish eye.

I do agree with using narrow mode if you want it to look standard. I just prefer wide angle because sometimes you catch things in the clip that narrow would have missed.

Sent from my Note 2 using Tapatalk HD
 

dhyde79

Titan Swapped / SAS'd
Founding Member
Location
Amarillo, TX
The image being "squished" or "compressed" from a 170-180deg angle to the flat screen is exactly what I was talking about. The fish-eye effect.
 

obi_krash

Suspension Lift
Location
Richmond, VA
I have that exact camera from Amazon.

All in all it is a decent camera...for the price. I paid $60 for it. You have to charge it, but it comes with a car charger, and the battery lasts pretty long. I find myself filming certain obstacles, and charging it while we are doing less technical cruising. It comes with a lot of different attachments so you can mount it several places. Also has a water proof case, which is nice.

The downsides are that it is 720P...so not crisp and super clear like a 1080P camera is. Also, picture is MUCH better when you have plenty of natural light. In darker low light areas, the picture looks kind of washed out and grainy. This is pretty common among a lot of cameras though.

All in all, it serve my purpose...I can suction cup a camera to my X, make a few Youtube videos with it, and if it drowns in the mud or falls off, I won't shed a tear or cry.

Samples:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHZxDewqWHw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUAaYBW5sVI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzJM-z0JGS4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAyXnDijgDI

1. Okay, I am kinda sold on that camera

2. Is that snoborderphx in the first video?
 

robcarync

Sliders
Location
Raleigh, NC
1. Okay, I am kinda sold on that camera

2. Is that snoborderphx in the first video?

That is snoborderphx...he is on here sometimes and clubx too.

Also, keep in mind all of those videos on youtube were edited/compressed prior to uploading, so the original quality is better. As with any digital camera, use a CLASS 10 MICRO SD CARD ... The classes of card represent how fast it can write data to the card...if you get a lower end card, you may have audio sync issues due to the card not being fast enough...not the camera.

You can tell, the quality is better when there is not a huge scenic background. It is better in natural light when you can't see 100 yards off in the distance. So as I said...the cost/benefit ratio is pretty darn high when compared to a Go Pro...just because it is so much cheaper. I don't do professional quality videos...I just want something cheap I can play with on YouTube.
 

obi_krash

Suspension Lift
Location
Richmond, VA
That is snoborderphx...he is on here sometimes and clubx too.

Also, keep in mind all of those videos on youtube were edited/compressed prior to uploading, so the original quality is better. As with any digital camera, use a CLASS 10 MICRO SD CARD ... The classes of card represent how fast it can write data to the card...if you get a lower end card, you may have audio sync issues due to the card not being fast enough...not the camera.

You can tell, the quality is better when there is not a huge scenic background. It is better in natural light when you can't see 100 yards off in the distance. So as I said...the cost/benefit ratio is pretty darn high when compared to a Go Pro...just because it is so much cheaper. I don't do professional quality videos...I just want something cheap I can play with on YouTube.

See I am with you on that last part, I just want something to be able to record me doing some water crossings, mud stuff, and some obstacles. I am not a professional by any means when it comes to this stuff. Everyone keeps complaining about the battery life though. Is it really that bad?
 

robcarync

Sliders
Location
Raleigh, NC
See I am with you on that last part, I just want something to be able to record me doing some water crossings, mud stuff, and some obstacles. I am not a professional by any means when it comes to this stuff. Everyone keeps complaining about the battery life though. Is it really that bad?

The battery life on mine is great. I left it on by accident on my windshield...filming myself do a tie rod adjuster repair on the trail lol...but I ran out of SD card space before battery...about 90 minutes of video if I recall correctly. (It didn't take me that long to repair the tie rod...but the before...after....relocating the vehicle..etc...about 90 minutes of video, filled the card, and never had battery problems)

I am also proactive with charging. I make sure it is fully charged before I go out to the trails, and film for a bit, charge some, etc. I don't like having to sift through 2 hours of recorded footage later...so I try to film specific sections or obstacles instead of a set and forget type video style.

When it is turned off, it drains almost no battery (duh)...I have used it, turned it off for a while...IE a couple weeks...and turned it back on and still had good battery without charging it. So I have never had a problem with battery life...just turn it off every so often.

I just wish it was 1080P.
 

AaronsX

Suspension Lift
Founding Member
Not exactly a GoPro but basically the same thing just fireproof. Its a "Fire Cam" that mounts onto my lid an can withstand some heat and water. Shoots 1080p, 720p, an HD photos. Right now I have it on 1080p video it holds a 16gb memory card an a individual battery with full charge will film 1080p for roughly 90 minutes. I love it so far! Only had it for about two weeks an haven't got to shoot any interior firefighting video yet but heres a few screenshots of some videos I have taken so far along with a photo of the camera and mount itself.
http://i1096.photobucket.com/albums/g323/sajames05/photo_zpsad8a726f.jpg
http://i1096.photobucket.com/albums/g323/sajames05/ScreenShot2014-05-20at11133AM_zpsa800fb4f.png
http://i1096.photobucket.com/albums/g323/sajames05/ScreenShot2014-05-20at11332AM_zpsd839b380.png
http://i1096.photobucket.com/albums/g323/sajames05/ScreenShot2014-05-20at11233AM_zpsed72ec95.png
 

Prime

Shut up Baby, I know it!
Admin
Location
Denver Adjacent
I picked up one of those cheap cameras that was on Woot. Lemme tell you. This thing is cheap. Cheap cheap. But ya know. It's was inexpensive. And I already had a 32gb card laying around. Haven't actually used it yet, but seems like a good choice for the dollar.
 

obi_krash

Suspension Lift
Location
Richmond, VA
I picked up one of those cheap cameras that was on Woot. Lemme tell you. This thing is cheap. Cheap cheap. But ya know. It's was inexpensive. And I already had a 32gb card laying around. Haven't actually used it yet, but seems like a good choice for the dollar.

are we talking about that like, $40-50 thing?

I am really thinking about jumping at that kodak one.
 

Nd4SpdSe

First Fill-Up (of many)
Location
Quebec, QC
01XterraPhilly said:
that looks like a crap wiring. I was thinking of doing like the video i posted and trying to run a long ass cable to cabin

It depends. I have a bunch of mini USB cables floating around from devices before micro USB came out. I'm just glad I'm a pack rat and held on to them cause I finally have a use for them again, lol! I found that exact page for the mod and did it myself. I decided to use the waterproof case. Even if it's not waterproof, it would be very water-resistant for rain, splashed and anything besides for being submerged. Worse comes to worse I put a small dab of silicone on that part if I expect it to get it submerged. But if that's the case, I just put it in an unmodified case (maybe a second case and mount, mounted in a second location on the truck, cause not everyone has 2+ GoPros) and run off battery just for that crossing. Perfect for the car, cause it'll never get submerged, I hope ;)

And the video link you posted is apparently a Duracell/NFL commercial.

Anyway, here's pics of the mod. I'll maybe enlarge the hole a bit, we'll see, cause the case bows out still. I just picked up the camera this spring, so I've just been playing with it. I haven't had the chance to really put it to good use yet.

xwQSKeE.jpg


tREMwsx.jpg


2OFhbzl.jpg


Oody9jA.jpg
 
Last edited:

dhyde79

Titan Swapped / SAS'd
Founding Member
Location
Amarillo, TX
It depends. I have a bunch of mini USB cables floating around from devices before micro USB came out. I'm just glad I'm a pack rat and held on to them cause I finally have a use for them again, lol! I found that exact page for the mod and did it myself. I decided to use the waterproof case. Even if it's not waterproof, it would be very water-resistant for rain, splashed and anything besides for being submerged. Worse comes to worse I put a small dab of silicone on that part if I expect it to get it submerged. But if that's the case, I just put it in an unmodified case (maybe a second case and mount, mounted in a second location on the truck, cause not everyone has 2+ GoPros) and run off battery just for that crossing. Perfect for the car, cause it'll never get submerged, I hope ;) And the video link you posted is apparently a Duracell/NFL commercial. Anyway, here's pics of the mod. I'll maybe enlarge the hole a bit, we'll see, cause the case bows out still. I just picked up the camera this spring, so I've just been playing with it. I haven't had the chance to really put it to good use yet.

Protip: test waterproofness without camera installed. Multi-hundred-dollar oopses SUCK.
 

obi_krash

Suspension Lift
Location
Richmond, VA
So I was given my Father's day gift early because even she wanted to play with it. I got the Contour Roam2, nice lil action cam with decent accessories. Not sure if anyone else has mentioned them, apparently they come pretty highly regarded. I will post up my mini review once I get sometime with it.
 

obi_krash

Suspension Lift
Location
Richmond, VA
I have a roam.. I like how easy they work.. The size and shape is awesome too

on the real! I got to play around this weekend with it - chasing the dog around, recording the car, used it at our baby shower. This thing, why are more people not grabbing these? Super easy to use, waterproof, lightweight, durable, and the mounts are cheap!

Going to head up to a brewery that is on a dirt road later, will be recording to check for how it take road bumps and such.
 
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