Thread: GoPro HERO3 Action Cam Discussion

So thanks to my post in the What genres of music do you listen to? thread, the forum section is truly living up to it's name. Thought I would rather create a new thread here for discussion/information posting about the product.





I know @Sterling is possibly interested in buying one, and @RavenC seems rather curious too.

I've got my name down at my local retailer to try and get the new Black Edition before leaving on the 28th of December for the Seychelles.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ctrP...layer_embedded
(catchy tune, how the discussion started)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Cqrz...layer_embedded
(insane slow-motion using Twixtor plugin and GoPro's high fps recording)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPBY3RlJgHw
(She is gorgeous)

I've spent literally hours and hours and hours over the past few days just watching and downloading and enjoying various GoPro videos.

Those I linked above are made with the older GoPro HERO2 models, so the GoPro HERO3 Black Edition is going to be a fantastic improvement.

First off, does anyone on these forums actually OWN a GoPro and use it? Maybe have some info/opinions to chime in with?

Secondly, something I want to make people very aware of after I've amped them up with this thread is that GoPro is actually rather buggy.

• GoPro make the best cameras on the market, no doubt about it. But, their customer service is absolutely terrible.
• Half the orders with them don't go through - so purchase from BestBuy or another local retailer rather.
• Their customer service SUCKS, you are going to struggle to get help if something goes wrong.
• They have lots of bugs in their firmware and problems with various other software.
• ---- Charging the camera via USB (which is the default way to charge unless you purchase a wall adapter, etc) can cause the GoPro to lockup and give you endless problems. Buy an adapter, use the iPad charger, etc, rather.
• ---- Communicating to the computer via USB (e.g. copying / streaming files) can cause the GoPro to lockup and give you endless problems. Use a card reader if you have one available.
• The iOS/Android GoPro app doesn't support the HERO3 Black Edition at the moment (supposedly being updated to support it on Dec 14).

Don't let this taint your view of the camera though. It's not common occurances, I'm just mentioning those problems so you can be prepared for it or know how to avoid it.

Originally Posted by Erorus

I have a HD HERO2 Motorsports Edition (aka suction cup and universal arms). It's pretty cool. I don't do OMG AMAZING XTREME stuff so I don't have snazzy vids to show you, but it's a fun toy. I bought it from Amazon in March of this year for $299, and it's still selling for $284. No regrets.

It's sturdy and well-built and I haven't had any problems with it. The video it takes is fantastic, and I'm very satisfied with how it gets minor details right when so many other cameras go wrong. The A/V sync and quality over multi-hour videos is great, and it's in standard formats you can work with easily.

I've never charged it off the computer USB (which maxes out at 500mA). I always plug it into a tablet charger for a quicker charge from the 1000mA. Same for pulling the video from the SD card: I use an external adapter for better speed.

The first time you use it (don't know if the HERO3 has this issue, maybe not), you'll be put off by the noticeable fisheye effect. In the real world it's not that big of a deal, and in fact I really enjoy the huge field of view it gives you.

Thanks for the input mate, yeah the fisheye effect is kind of like GoPro's signature look, and you learn to love it. I believe with the new HERO editions there is actually much less of a fisheye effect (kind of disappointed to be honest) because they use a different type of lens.

@Erorus , just an added thought: Do you by anychance have any decent resources bookmarked for the GoPro? User tips and tricks, guides for the best modes, guide for getting your videos to render properly, etc?

There is just SO much absolute crap about it out there bloating google search results, that the only reliable information comes from social sharing with each other. Even if it's targeted towards the older GoPro models, I'm keen to read more.

Been combing through the GoPro forums and have taken about 5 pages of useful notes, cautions, common problems and their solutions, etc, but always looking for more.

So I spoke to my brother (I was considering gifting this to him for holimas) but he's not snorkling much anymore due to his location. Maybe I'll pick up the HERO6 in a few years instead.

Originally Posted by RavenC

@Sinshroud - I'm an owner now!!

Now, to figure out how to use it (What's the fun in RTFM ??? )

Omfg I hate you I hate you I hate you! None of the suppliers in SA even have any yet and none can seem to tell me 100% if they will be getting one before the 28th of not :/

I might be settling for the Silver Edition (which is such a waste) if one doesn't arrive here soon.

I agree, I hate reading the manual, but it's advised that you do so with the GoPro. I've been following their social media and customer reports etc and there have been a LOT of problems coming from people not reading the manuals. Most products are like "doesn't work when you try do xyz with it incorrectly", GoPro is like "camera is going to try its ass off to do what you want even though it's wrong and end up half broken".

Here are some of the most important tips I've noted down so far:

• Charging it from a wall charger with a higher voltage than the normal PC USB charger.
• Don't transfer files via USB to your computer if possible, rather use a card reader. If you do have to connect directly, copy the files to your hard drive before watching, don't try watch it directly.
• Format the memory card before use. Put it in the camera and select Delete All to format it.
• Check if your firmware needs to be updated via their website. When you perform a Delete All, it puts a version.txt file in your GoPro's MISC folder on the memory card.
• If the GoPro ever locks up / doesn't want to turn on / keeps stop recording, take the battery out for a few mins and put it back in.
• To perform a complete soft-reset: remote battery for 5 mins then reinsert. Take memory card out. Hold shutter button down + press power button once. When camera turns on (while still holding down shutter button), press power button again 3 times, then release shutter. Reinsert memory card.
• If you want to use it around water, it's recommended to apply RainX or other water-repellent solutions to the outside of the lens (so that water drops don't sit on the outside lens and distort your video).
• When not using, store your camera (naked) in a sealed/airtight plastic bad or container with a desiccant pack. Store your open camera housing in a cloth sunglasses bag with a desiccant pack. This will ensure your camera and the case are dry and moisture free, especially in hotter or colder than normal temperatures.
• Sony Vegas Pro 12 or After Effects CS6 are your preferred video editing software of choice. If you are on a mac, then Final Cut Pro. GoPro does come with a nice simple free video editing software from their website too.
• DaVincieResolve or Red Giant's MagicBullet are the two top colour correction tools if you want to get more into that.
• Twixtor plugin for most video editing software is a must for slow motion effects.

If you have time, you might want to read through this thread of bugs/issues: http://goprouser.freeforums.org/all-...ere-t9554.html

This thread is nice to pick up tips and get a better understanding: http://goprouser.freeforums.org/disc...ues-t9476.html

This one has some info and discussion on proper exporting and rendering of videos: http://goprouser.freeforums.org/tuto...tube-t472.html

Sigh, just checked with the two separate suppliers that I have my name down with for the Black Edition, and BOTH say they haven't had confirmation from GoPro on the exact date it will be available :/

Frustrating as hell. My father put my name down at both while he was out at the shops the other day, and they were always so confident and reassuring that it will be here long before Christmas. But when I actually ask them directly IF they have received actual confirmation from GoPro on their shipment... they both say no.

I'm tempted to try and organize someone in the US to ship one to me, but I would rather buy it locally and let that shop deal with any returns/refunds/problems if they arise than have to send it all the way back to the US myself.