Why are GoPros so popular, do I need one?

[alkel2730]

Hello,
Years ago I used to consider myself quite techy and love gadgets. Whilst I still love gadgets I don't consider myself very techy anymore But I keep seeing loads about GoPros and I feel I want one but I don't really know what makes them so good?

Are they simple to use? Can you take stills with them too? Are they easy to transfer to disc afterwards?
We have a Sony handycam but I do find it bulky so am on the lookout for something smaller.

Thanks!

[DJBenz]

I think the advantages are twofold: one is that they're extremely compact and easy to keep about your person. You can also get head straps/body straps etc. to literally wear them for a first-person perspective.

Second, when in the waterproof housing they're suitable for taking in pools, waterslides etc. so you can capture footage that you wouldn't normally get with regular cameras.

[alkel2730]

Originally Posted by DJBenz

I think the advantages are twofold: one is that they're extremely compact and easy to keep about your person. You can also get head straps/body straps etc. to literally wear them for a first-person perspective.

Second, when in the waterproof housing they're suitable for taking in pools, waterslides etc. so you can capture footage that you wouldn't normally get with regular cameras.

See more...

Ah that does sound good for me! Does the waterproof case come with them? Can you see what you are filming with them being so small as I wouldn't want to just film peoples bodies and cut their heads off lol!

[wanye]

if you want to see if its for you without spending a packet, get an SJ4000

(just make sure you get a genuine one)

they are about £50-60 and do the job nicely - it doesnt have the fancy features the more expensive gopros have (like wifi/phone control/etc) but are a good way to dip your toe in the water of action cams - you get a stack of mounts (including the waterproof housing) and the accessories are gopro compatible as they are the same size

*edit* i got mine off this amazon seller just before xmas for £48, but its gone up a bit since then, and its definitely a genuine one:
amazon/gp/product/B...O6JRC6NFRHDJNF

[alkel2730]

Originally Posted by wanye

if you want to see if its for you without spending a packet, get an SJ4000

(just make sure you get a genuine one)

they are about £50-60 and do the job nicely - it doesnt have the fancy features the more expensive gopros have (like wifi/phone control/etc) but are a good way to dip your toe in the water of action cams - you get a stack of mounts (including the waterproof housing) and the accessories are gopro compatible as they are the same size

*edit* i got mine off this amazon seller just before xmas for £48, but its gone up a bit since then, and its definitely a genuine one:
amazon/gp/product/B...O6JRC6NFRHDJNF

See more...

That's more my price range tbh! Is it that these type of cameras are particularly good with motion?

[Snowball18]

Yep, very simple to use. I use mine for scuba diving and cycling and will be using my new one (when I get it) on the rides at WDW this year.

I will be selling my Go Pro Hero 3 HD in black when I get my new one!

[DJBenz]

Originally Posted by wanye

if you want to see if its for you without spending a packet, get an SJ4000

See more...

This is what I'm planning on for later in the year. I won't use an action cam at any other time so for a minimal investment and similar performance these are ideal.

You can also get them from Banggood. They'll ship from China, but the price comes in at around £50 with the waterproof enclosure and a ton of mounts/accessories. These are the original ones too.

banggood/SJcam-SJ4000...-p-942459.html

[DJBenz]

Originally Posted by alkel2730

Ah that does sound good for me! Does the waterproof case come with them? Can you see what you are filming with them being so small as I wouldn't want to just film peoples bodies and cut their heads off lol!

See more...

They've got quite a wide angle lense so cutting off is minimised. It can make the horizon look slightly curved though, which some people don't like. Search on YouTube for "SJ4000 video" to see what sort of footage they capture.

Originally Posted by alkel2730

That's more my price range tbh! Is it that these type of cameras are particularly good with motion?

See more...

They're action cams so designed for just that.

[wanye]

Originally Posted by alkel2730

That's more my price range tbh! Is it that these type of cameras are particularly good with motion?

See more...

if the sj4000 is out of your price range, then a gopro is definitely out!

there are cheaper versions, but the sj4000 is by far the best "knock off gopro" you will get

and yes, they are fine with motion, search youtube for "sj4000 action"

[Guest]

Originally Posted by wanye

if you want to see if its for you without spending a packet, get an SJ4000

(just make sure you get a genuine one)

they are about £50-60 and do the job nicely - it doesnt have the fancy features the more expensive gopros have (like wifi/phone control/etc) but are a good way to dip your toe in the water of action cams - you get a stack of mounts (including the waterproof housing) and the accessories are gopro compatible as they are the same size

See more...

They've bought a new version of the SJ4000 out now with WIFI built in... Brings it more inline with the GoPro features but still at a fraction of the cost.