Which GoPro To Buy? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Mr. NiceGuy · 07-02-2015, 03:15 PM

I want to buy a GoPro before this weekend. I have not used one before.

I went to their website and they have so dang many options and accessories that it takes time to weed through them all.

I'm a good still image photographer with my Canon 5D, but I don't shoot video. I'm experienced in Photoshop. I don't want to take my expensive camera on my kayak, hence the GoPro. I appreciate good optical quality, I like functional value for money spent, and I don't like being milked for bells & whistles we don't need that are frivolous add-on sales. I simply want to do a good job without wasting unnecessary money. Low light capability is always a plus.

For kayaking, fishing, and mounting to the fender of my hot rod to explore making some fun youtube videos, which GoPro model is the one to have now and which accessories should be bought at the same time?

I'm in a time crunch, so if those of you who have them can guide me, I would be much appreciative.

Hero+LCD $300
Hero 4 Black (appears to have no LCD, which seems odd to me) $500
Hero 4 Silver with LCD $400
http://shop.gopro.com/cameras

Is the LCD important? It seems they left that feature off of their most expensive camera.

Thank you

YakDout · 07-02-2015, 03:37 PM

To me the LCD seemed pointless since you can bluetooth it to your phone and stream live feed or watch previous taken videos or pics.

Mr. NiceGuy · 07-02-2015, 03:51 PM

OK, then that answers the LCD question. That's an important point. Thanks.
I use an iphone.

I'm reading this from reviews:

Silver has better low light performance
Silver is $100 cheaper

Black has slow motion option with a faster processor
Black exhausts batteries too fast

??

AirborneYak · 07-02-2015, 03:53 PM

I have the Hero4 silver. It's most bang for the bucks is what I found during my research. Speculation of the LCD not in the hero4 black was that it might've been a heat issue running the 4k and LCD. The touch screen in the H4s is pretty intuitive and makes framing your shots a lot easier, but using their app you can frame your shits just as easy too. I like the g4s, but seeing I want multiple angle for shits , I think it would be easier to just get two 129$ models. IMO silver does everything I need.

AirborneYak · 07-02-2015, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. NiceGuy

OK, then that answers the LCD question. That's an important point. Thanks.
I use an iphone.

I'm reading this from reviews:

Silver has better low light performance
Silver is $100 cheaper

Black has slow motion option with a faster processor
Black exhausts batteries too fast

??

The iphone actually does a better slow-mo than the black. The H4B has 4k and and takes a whole lot of memory on your card and comp and I am urprised there are not a lot of heat issues.

Gunner58 · 07-02-2015, 04:28 PM

I have the hero3 silver and love it. The only issue I have is battery life. I can run it 4 straight hours then it's done. But it takes great video. If you are looking for a little less expensive route than the hero 4

GregAndrew · 07-02-2015, 04:39 PM

Better slo mo options with higher resolutions in the Black. Most of the GoPro lines have had decent low light abilities. Their problem is when in bright, or bright object in dark background, situations. Hell, it is hard enough to make out objects on my Samsung Note, so a tiny LCD would be about worthless to me.

Mr. NiceGuy · 07-02-2015, 04:47 PM

I'm listening carefully to all this good feedback. It's too late to order on Amazon for delivery tomorrow, but I think Best Buy has them for the same price.

Some of us are fishing at sunrise out of Tidelands on the 4th of July to beat the traffic. Then join the festivities at the parade, .. eat some grilled brats, drink, smoke a fine cigar, ... then fish again at sunset and watch the fireworks over Glorietta Bay from our kayaks.

I'm taking my bike as well to be mobile on land.

Anyone is welcome to join.

Life is good.

jorluivil · 07-02-2015, 04:53 PM

Whatever you do buy it at Best Buy and get the protection plan...........trust me but if you don't trust me just ask Tony (fulrac)

captnblood34 · 07-02-2015, 05:52 PM

Get the silver 4. The LCD is far from pointless....... You can manage your video/photos instantly. Allows you to free up space by deleting crappy footage. Connecting Bluetooth just kills your battery faster. If you have base access, you can't find them any cheaper than you can at the NEX, their accident protection trumps the rest too. Don't over think it, best gopro on the market now.

J

Nic D · 07-02-2015, 06:14 PM

coming from another still photog, I went with the Hero4 Silver. Love the LCD and seeing what Im shooting.

Mr. NiceGuy · 07-02-2015, 06:54 PM

You guys are getting me all excited to buy a new toy. Looks like it's going to be a Hero4 Silver.

I've been crazy about still photography since 1972 and the days of Kodachrome 64. Travel, people, advertising, marketing, etc. I like all kinds of communication art.

I'm new to trying to make something for youtube, but that idea has always appealed to me.

I still need to figure out what kind of editing software works best for composing and assembling interesting video clips, then adapt what I know from using Photoshop techniques on my still photos. I have a Zoom H4n for making high quality field recordings and for capturing other sounds. That should add another nice dimension to what the GoPro does.

Too many fun things to do, ... too little time.

Thanks to everyone for their help!

surfisher · 07-02-2015, 08:44 PM

My buddy works for gopro so he hooked it up with the hero4 black. Honestly, if you don't have a good computer you won't even be able to play to footage back without it glitching. All you need is 1080p at 30fps to shoot your fishing! If you want some slow-mo ... convert to film in post to 24fps. Slows it down just enough. But, since I have the black edition I just shoot in 1080@60fps and convert to 24fps in post. I know that sounds like jargin but it suits well for fishing videos.

I too shoot a ton of still photos and I actually have a housing for my 5dmk2. But that shit is way too bulky to take on the kayak. I don't see any reason why you should spend the money on the black, get the basic one and you will be stoked!

benichi · 07-03-2015, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. NiceGuy

I want to buy a GoPro before this weekend. I have not used one before.

I went to their website and they have so dang many options and accessories that it takes time to weed through them all.

I'm a good still image photographer with my Canon 5D, but I don't shoot video. I'm experienced in Photoshop. I don't want to take my expensive camera on my kayak, hence the GoPro. I appreciate good optical quality, I like functional value for money spent, and I don't like being milked for bells & whistles we don't need that are frivolous add-on sales. I simply want to do a good job without wasting unnecessary money. Low light capability is always a plus.

For kayaking, fishing, and mounting to the fender of my hot rod to explore making some fun youtube videos, which GoPro model is the one to have now and which accessories should be bought at the same time?

I'm in a time crunch, so if those of you who have them can guide me, I would be much appreciative.

Hero+LCD $300
Hero 4 Black (appears to have no LCD, which seems odd to me) $500
Hero 4 Silver with LCD $400
http://shop.gopro.com/cameras

Is the LCD important? It seems they left that feature off of their most expensive camera.

Thank you

you might want to check out sony action camera. better quality video and not a bulky square. if you compare the video side by side i prefer sony action camera every time. just another thought also look in to how your going to be filming action camera and gopro have different ways you can wear them. this is a big factor to me as wearing a gopro on your chest sucks for fishing and the go pro head mount realy sucks as well. hurts my head.
I switched to the sony action camera I love it

this is a comparison video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNKKJEu-jTQ

spudz · 07-06-2015, 01:23 PM

You may want to wait a few more months. Go Pro is suppose to come out with the Go Pro 5 in October.

old_rookie · 07-06-2015, 02:02 PM

Bluetooth uses power and tends to drain the battery faster, that's been my experience - keep that in mind when using it.

FlyFishinYakr · 07-06-2015, 05:30 PM

GoPro just announced/unveiled the new Hero 4 "Session" today (available on the 12th?). Already waterproof (no case necessary, twin mics - one with reduced wind noise - better audio). About 1/3 the size of a regular Hero with the case.
Suggested Retail Price: $399.00

GoPro launches smallest, lightest camera yet http://www.cnbc.com/id/102811537

Watched an interview this a.m. with the CEO on CNBC. They are very aware of complaints on editing and are working extensively on software they hope to have ready later this year (unspecified date).

FFY

WARRIORMIKE · 07-07-2015, 08:22 AM

Call Go Pro and see if they have any good refurbished units available. Saves you money and you still get the GOPRO advantage.

07-02-2015, 03:15 PM	#1
Mr. NiceGuy Manic for Life Join Date: May 2015 Location: San Diego Posts: 839	Which GoPro To Buy? I want to buy a GoPro before this weekend. I have not used one before. I went to their website and they have so dang many options and accessories that it takes time to weed through them all. I'm a good still image photographer with my Canon 5D, but I don't shoot video. I'm experienced in Photoshop. I don't want to take my expensive camera on my kayak, hence the GoPro. I appreciate good optical quality, I like functional value for money spent, and I don't like being milked for bells & whistles we don't need that are frivolous add-on sales. I simply want to do a good job without wasting unnecessary money. Low light capability is always a plus. For kayaking, fishing, and mounting to the fender of my hot rod to explore making some fun youtube videos, which GoPro model is the one to have now and which accessories should be bought at the same time? I'm in a time crunch, so if those of you who have them can guide me, I would be much appreciative. Hero+LCD $300 Hero 4 Black (appears to have no LCD, which seems odd to me) $500 Hero 4 Silver with LCD $400 http://shop.gopro.com/cameras Is the LCD important? It seems they left that feature off of their most expensive camera. Thank you Last edited by Mr. NiceGuy; 07-02-2015 at 03:31 PM.

07-02-2015, 04:53 PM	#9
jorluivil Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 6,856	Whatever you do buy it at Best Buy and get the protection plan...........trust me but if you don't trust me just ask Tony (fulrac) __________________ www.facebook.com/Teamsewer

07-02-2015, 06:14 PM	#11
Nic D Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Clairemont Posts: 813	coming from another still photog, I went with the Hero4 Silver. Love the LCD and seeing what Im shooting. __________________ instagram - @DRAGO619

07-02-2015, 06:54 PM	#12
Mr. NiceGuy Manic for Life Join Date: May 2015 Location: San Diego Posts: 839	You guys are getting me all excited to buy a new toy. Looks like it's going to be a Hero4 Silver. I've been crazy about still photography since 1972 and the days of Kodachrome 64. Travel, people, advertising, marketing, etc. I like all kinds of communication art. I'm new to trying to make something for youtube, but that idea has always appealed to me. I still need to figure out what kind of editing software works best for composing and assembling interesting video clips, then adapt what I know from using Photoshop techniques on my still photos. I have a Zoom H4n for making high quality field recordings and for capturing other sounds. That should add another nice dimension to what the GoPro does. Too many fun things to do, ... too little time. Thanks to everyone for their help! Last edited by Mr. NiceGuy; 07-02-2015 at 07:05 PM.

07-06-2015, 01:23 PM	#15
spudz Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: SoCal Posts: 78	You may want to wait a few more months. Go Pro is suppose to come out with the Go Pro 5 in October. Last edited by spudz; 07-06-2015 at 04:10 PM.

07-02-2015, 03:37 PM	#2
YakDout Brandon Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: San Diego Posts: 2,345	To me the LCD seemed pointless since you can bluetooth it to your phone and stream live feed or watch previous taken videos or pics.

07-02-2015, 03:51 PM	#3
Mr. NiceGuy Manic for Life Join Date: May 2015 Location: San Diego Posts: 839	OK, then that answers the LCD question. That's an important point. Thanks. I use an iphone. I'm reading this from reviews: Silver has better low light performance Silver is $100 cheaper Black has slow motion option with a faster processor Black exhausts batteries too fast ??

07-02-2015, 03:53 PM	#4
AirborneYak Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Long Beach Posts: 366	I have the Hero4 silver. It's most bang for the bucks is what I found during my research. Speculation of the LCD not in the hero4 black was that it might've been a heat issue running the 4k and LCD. The touch screen in the H4s is pretty intuitive and makes framing your shots a lot easier, but using their app you can frame your shits just as easy too. I like the g4s, but seeing I want multiple angle for shits , I think it would be easier to just get two 129$ models. IMO silver does everything I need.

07-02-2015, 04:28 PM	#6
Gunner58 Member Join Date: May 2015 Posts: 81	I have the hero3 silver and love it. The only issue I have is battery life. I can run it 4 straight hours then it's done. But it takes great video. If you are looking for a little less expensive route than the hero 4

07-02-2015, 04:39 PM	#7
GregAndrew Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 2,384	Better slo mo options with higher resolutions in the Black. Most of the GoPro lines have had decent low light abilities. Their problem is when in bright, or bright object in dark background, situations. Hell, it is hard enough to make out objects on my Samsung Note, so a tiny LCD would be about worthless to me.

07-02-2015, 04:47 PM	#8
Mr. NiceGuy Manic for Life Join Date: May 2015 Location: San Diego Posts: 839	I'm listening carefully to all this good feedback. It's too late to order on Amazon for delivery tomorrow, but I think Best Buy has them for the same price. Some of us are fishing at sunrise out of Tidelands on the 4th of July to beat the traffic. Then join the festivities at the parade, .. eat some grilled brats, drink, smoke a fine cigar, ... then fish again at sunset and watch the fireworks over Glorietta Bay from our kayaks. I'm taking my bike as well to be mobile on land. Anyone is welcome to join. Life is good.

07-02-2015, 05:52 PM	#10
captnblood34 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Otay Posts: 704	Get the silver 4. The LCD is far from pointless....... You can manage your video/photos instantly. Allows you to free up space by deleting crappy footage. Connecting Bluetooth just kills your battery faster. If you have base access, you can't find them any cheaper than you can at the NEX, their accident protection trumps the rest too. Don't over think it, best gopro on the market now. J

07-02-2015, 08:44 PM	#13
surfisher Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Carlsbad Posts: 388	My buddy works for gopro so he hooked it up with the hero4 black. Honestly, if you don't have a good computer you won't even be able to play to footage back without it glitching. All you need is 1080p at 30fps to shoot your fishing! If you want some slow-mo ... convert to film in post to 24fps. Slows it down just enough. But, since I have the black edition I just shoot in 1080@60fps and convert to 24fps in post. I know that sounds like jargin but it suits well for fishing videos. I too shoot a ton of still photos and I actually have a housing for my 5dmk2. But that shit is way too bulky to take on the kayak. I don't see any reason why you should spend the money on the black, get the basic one and you will be stoked!

07-06-2015, 02:02 PM	#16
old_rookie Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Santee Posts: 904	Bluetooth uses power and tends to drain the battery faster, that's been my experience - keep that in mind when using it.

07-06-2015, 05:30 PM	#17
FlyFishinYakr Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Nor Cal...30 min from Bodega/Tomales Bay, 1hr from Clear Lake, 2+ hr to Berryessa & the Delta Posts: 729	GoPro just announced/unveiled the new Hero 4 "Session" today (available on the 12th?). Already waterproof (no case necessary, twin mics - one with reduced wind noise - better audio). About 1/3 the size of a regular Hero with the case. Suggested Retail Price: $399.00 GoPro launches smallest, lightest camera yet http://www.cnbc.com/id/102811537 Watched an interview this a.m. with the CEO on CNBC. They are very aware of complaints on editing and are working extensively on software they hope to have ready later this year (unspecified date). FFY Last edited by FlyFishinYakr; 07-06-2015 at 05:35 PM. Reason: Additional info.

07-07-2015, 08:22 AM	#18
WARRIORMIKE Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 303	Call Go Pro and see if they have any good refurbished units available. Saves you money and you still get the GOPRO advantage.