NorCal Kayak Anglers

Kayak Zone => Gearing Up and Rigging Up => Topic started by: NowhereMan on November 13, 2017, 05:56:22 AM

Title: GoPro Hero4 or something else?
Post by: NowhereMan on November 13, 2017, 05:56:22 AM
In the past, I owned a GoPro, but managed to destroy it (not easy to do, btw). So I've been using a cheap Garmin for the past couple of years. I'm now considering upgrading to a GoPro, and it seems like I can save a little money with the Hero4, but was wondering what models people here use and recommend. Or is there some other brand that really is as good? It seems there are a lot of options out there...

Title: GoPro Hero4 or something else?
Post by: DG on November 13, 2017, 06:53:55 AM
I have lost 3 cameras so going without one for now.  Not sure if they changed them but the hero didnÂ’t have a removable battery back when I had one.  If that doesnÂ’t matter then it should work for you.  But it is nice to have extra batteries that can be swapped out.  I tried the cheap knock off brands which you can get for like 50 dollars on sale on Amazon and the quality was not bad.  The only issue I had was I like the camera to beep when I turn it on and off and the knock off did not do that.   I primarily used it Underwater so the sound was the easiest way to know it was on.  That may not be an issue for you. 
Title: Re: GoPro Hero4 or something else?
Post by: Zzz on November 13, 2017, 07:08:19 AM
Hero Session is working well for me
Title: Re: GoPro Hero4 or something else?
Post by: yakyakyak on November 13, 2017, 07:46:00 AM

This is what I use.  I would spend the savings on a really good video editing software and fast laptop/desktop ....


https://www.amazon.com/YI-Sports-Action-Video-Camera/dp/B01FU9ZIMU

Title: Re: GoPro Hero4 or something else?
Post by: HamachiJohn on November 13, 2017, 08:06:40 AM

This is what I use.  I would spend the savings on a really good video editing software and fast laptop/desktop ....


https://www.amazon.com/YI-Sports-Action-Video-Camera/dp/B01FU9ZIMU

While I haven't used the Yi 4k model, the reviews overall have been very good.  If I bought another action cam, I'd go for it, although having 2 sets of batteries might be an issue.  I currently have the Hero 3+.  The Hero 4 you're looking at is similar to my 3+, except it has IS (image stabilization) and shoots 4k at 30/25, whereas the 3+ shoots 4k at 15, which is basically unusable. So, the 4 would be a definite upgrade worth it.

I have used the Sony in the past as well, and they are excellent video quality.  Would recommend that one as well.
Title: Re: GoPro Hero4 or something else?
Post by: NowhereMan on November 13, 2017, 08:07:20 AM
Thanks for the suggestions. Btw, this is what I've been using for a couple of years:

https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/119592

It's discontinued, and I got it for $100 (probably a little less now). Great for the price, but the GoPro was better.
Title: Re: GoPro Hero4 or something else?
Post by: HamachiJohn on November 13, 2017, 08:48:03 AM
Btw, if u r considering the Yi 4k, it is touchscreen, so diving with it u may have issues, or if you wear gloves. Dont know what you do with a casing on it and being a touch screen

Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk

Title: Re: GoPro Hero4 or something else?
Post by: yakyakyak on November 13, 2017, 08:50:29 AM
On the Yi, there is a diving mode.  If you push the button for 2 seconds or so, it will switch between video vs camera (instead of powering off).

BTW, I am also considering the Water Wolf (always wanted to see what's going on down there, though I doubt it will increase my catch rate).

Title: Re: GoPro Hero4 or something else?
Post by: Weimarian on November 13, 2017, 08:51:04 AM
I bought a cheepo knock off. Seems to do very well. This is the next one I'm going to order. Has a REMOTE! Knockoffs are getting better...


https://www.amazon.com/SEENTRON-Waterproof-SharkEye-Rechargeable-Batteries/dp/B07569YMKT/ref=zg_bs_7161074011_12?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=KC8KX1D079WJK59N1TTM
Title: Re: GoPro Hero4 or something else?
Post by: HamachiJohn on November 13, 2017, 10:35:19 AM
I bought a cheepo knock off. Seems to do very well. This is the next one I'm going to order. Has a REMOTE! Knockoffs are getting better...


https://www.amazon.com/SEENTRON-Waterproof-SharkEye-Rechargeable-Batteries/dp/B07569YMKT/ref=zg_bs_7161074011_12?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=KC8KX1D079WJK59N1TTM

I'm actually curious about some of the knockoffs, and would like to see some reviews.  The action cam for your link has a Sony 16mp sensor (the same one Sony used in its action cam in 2012).  so we know the sensor is high quality.  Am curious to see the quality of the lens, and construction overall.  More importantly, the processor hardware is key, as well as how it processes the video and still photos, low light functionality, color rendering, etc. 

It could all be very good, or it could be a excellent sensor with not-so-good components/processor.  Or it could meet your needs fine.  Definitely nice to see the prices come down, and give GoPro a run for its money.  So far, the Yi 4k seems to have the best reviews amongst the GoPro alternatives.  As for knockoffs, I guess you won't know until you buy it and try it.

Good luck on your purchase. 
Title: Re: GoPro Hero4 or something else?
Post by: NowhereMan on November 13, 2017, 11:16:51 AM
I'm actually curious about some of the knockoffs, and would like to see some reviews.

This!
Title: Re: GoPro Hero4 or something else?
Post by: Stone85 on November 13, 2017, 11:19:40 AM
I buy directly through GoPro and purchase there refurbished ones and save tons of money
Title: Re: GoPro Hero4 or something else?
Post by: NowhereMan on November 13, 2017, 11:34:30 AM
I buy directly through GoPro and purchase there refurbished ones and save tons of money

I seriously considered that back when I killed my GoPro. Good to hear that that has worked out for you. I am definitely going to think about that option. 
Title: Re: GoPro Hero4 or something else?
Post by: Hojoman on November 13, 2017, 11:49:35 AM
Still happy with the practically new GoPro Hero 3+ silver that a metal-detecting friend dug out of the sands of a SoCal beach. I've been very reluctant to upgrade, for fear of past battery heating issues. Was lucky to get hold of a no-longer available third-party battery that yeields 7 hours of video. I would get another 3+ (even used) if I could find another long-life battery that I would not have to carry in a pocket.
Title: Re: GoPro Hero4 or something else?
Post by: GuihanHunter on November 13, 2017, 11:58:03 AM
GoPro Hero 5 on sale at AAFES for $279 for anyone with base access.
Title: Re: GoPro Hero4 or something else?
Post by: Wilderness medic on November 13, 2017, 01:59:35 PM
Buy an old 3+. Should be $100-$150 and is PLENTY of camera. Not many people even have the computers to view or edit 4K + videos anyway.

I do a lot of film and editing, and the only thing in the last few years I’m upgrading to is a GoPro fusion.
Title: Re: GoPro Hero4 or something else?
Post by: yakyakyak on November 13, 2017, 02:30:38 PM
Buy an old 3+. Should be $100-$150 and is PLENTY of camera. Not many people even have the computers to view or edit 4K + videos anyway.

I do a lot of film and editing, and the only thing in the last few years I’m upgrading to is a GoPro fusion.

Very very good point on 4K.  Don't buy it because of 4K feature.  The 4K should only be a consideration when mainstream media is streaming 4K content.  1080P is more than plenty, even a 720P still work wonderfully.
Title: Re: GoPro Hero4 or something else?
Post by: Wilderness medic on November 13, 2017, 05:29:55 PM
Got a Hero 3 Black I’m about to put up on Craigslist to help fund the Fusion. No sense in having 3 GoPros, especially if one is 360. I can’t wait to get some wingsuiting shots with this angels view stuff. Incredible

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBOzgo1RA8U&app=desktop
Title: Re: GoPro Hero4 or something else?
Post by: DG on November 13, 2017, 05:32:16 PM
Got a Hero 3 Black IÂ’m about to put up on Craigslist to help fund the Fusion. No sense in having 3 GoPros, especially if one is 360. I canÂ’t wait to get some wingsuiting shots with this angels view stuff. Incredible
How much were you asking for it?  I am currently go pro free and have been missing some good photo opportunities. 
Title: Re: GoPro Hero4 or something else?
Post by: Wilderness medic on November 13, 2017, 05:37:16 PM
I was going to put it up for $120 on CL. $100 to anyone here.
Title: Re: GoPro Hero4 or something else?
Post by: HamachiJohn on November 13, 2017, 05:48:41 PM
Buy an old 3+. Should be $100-$150 and is PLENTY of camera. Not many people even have the computers to view or edit 4K + videos anyway.

I do a lot of film and editing, and the only thing in the last few years I’m upgrading to is a GoPro fusion.

Agree.  If I bought a 2nd action cam to add to my 3+, it'd be another 3+ or the Yi4K.  If IS (image stabilization ) is important to the buyer, then upgrade to the 4 or whichever model started including IS.
Title: Re: GoPro Hero4 or something else?
Post by: NowhereMan on November 13, 2017, 07:52:15 PM
Buy an old 3+. Should be $100-$150 and is PLENTY of camera. Not many people even have the computers to view or edit 4K + videos anyway.

For that price, I assume you mean used, as it looks like even refurbished 3+'s go for more than $200.
Title: Re: GoPro Hero4 or something else?
Post by: Wilderness medic on November 13, 2017, 08:11:33 PM
Buy an old 3+. Should be $100-$150 and is PLENTY of camera. Not many people even have the computers to view or edit 4K + videos anyway.

For that price, I assume you mean used, as it looks like even refurbished 3+'s go for more than $200.

Yeah used. That’s what refurbished is... although I’m not sure what they do to it. The camera is blank and holds no software. That’s all on the SD card. Craigslist them, there’s nothing wrong with used as long as it still turns on and films. I’m not sure you can buy such an old model new anymore.
Title: Re: GoPro Hero4 or something else?
Post by: OVillanueva on November 13, 2017, 08:16:44 PM
I role with a Sony. Check out the Sony FDR x3000.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMdVJPQDsmc (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMdVJPQDsmc)
Title: Re: GoPro Hero4 or something else?
Post by: Stone85 on November 13, 2017, 09:17:04 PM
Buy an old 3+. Should be $100-$150 and is PLENTY of camera. Not many people even have the computers to view or edit 4K + videos anyway.

For that price, I assume you mean used, as it looks like even refurbished 3+'s go for more than $200.

Yeah used. That’s what refurbished is... although I’m not sure what they do to it. The camera is blank and holds no software. That’s all on the SD card. Craigslist them, there’s nothing wrong with used as long as it still turns on and films. I’m not sure you can buy such an old model new anymore.
the only thing different between just being used and being  refurbished GoPro makes it like  new again quality and comes with GoPros standard 1 year warranty.
Title: Re: GoPro Hero4 or something else?
Post by: NowhereMan on November 14, 2017, 09:41:09 AM
the only thing different between just being used and being  refurbished GoPro makes it like  new again quality and comes with GoPros standard 1 year warranty.

That seems pretty significant---maybe worth the extra $50 or so...
Title: Re: GoPro Hero4 or something else?
Post by: Wilderness medic on November 14, 2017, 10:48:41 AM
the only thing different between just being used and being  refurbished GoPro makes it like  new again quality and comes with GoPros standard 1 year warranty.

That seems pretty significant---maybe worth the extra $50 or so...

If you feel $200 vs $100 is worth it, go for it. I feel like at that point you might as well put in another $75 for a BRAND new one, or look at other new cameras for the same price.

GoPros are very simple devices. I've never hear of the camera itself just suddenly deciding to stop working. Its not like buying a secondhand computer. If you check out all the functions of the camera and they work, it should continue to do so unless you do something to it like drop it in water.

And I'd put money on GoPro helping out even with it long out of warranty. They continually send me parts on my older cameras that are long out of warranty.
Title: Re: GoPro Hero4 or something else?
Post by: NowhereMan on November 14, 2017, 04:21:36 PM
GoPros are very simple devices. I've never hear of the camera itself just suddenly deciding to stop working. Its not like buying a secondhand computer. If you check out all the functions of the camera and they work, it should continue to do so unless you do something to it like drop it in water.

You're probably right, but the only GoPro I ever owned had a flakey power button and got damaged (my own fault) to the point of becoming a very expensive paperweight. So, that makes me somewhat reluctant to consider used.
Title: Re: GoPro Hero4 or something else?
Post by: DiveForFun on December 08, 2017, 12:17:29 PM
I have a GoPro hero 3+ my wife bought me when they first came out for my dives. I’ve never had a need to upgrade. Very happy with the quality of the videos and the thing is a tank. The battery life is great and if I really need to I can connect it through WiFi. It has and continues to serve me well for my purposes. I don’t think you can really go wrong with any GoPro.