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OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Initially Posted - 02/17/2013 : 09:09:00

So Santa surprised me with a GoPro. If you enjoy adventure videography, check out their promo video.

Truly a joy to watch people following their passions.

http://gopro.com/

Look for the Black Edition video

1989 C25 TR/WK, #5822
1973 McVay Minuet 19
1975 Jester 12
1981 C25 SR/SK, #2428
1981 C22 SR/SK,
Tanzer 16
Sunfish

"There is nothing, absolutely nothing half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats." Kenneth Grahame

Edited by - OJ on 02/17/2013 09:27:54

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 02/17/2013 : 10:36:49

I've been thinking about getting one myself. Last week a friend at work, who's into photography/video as a hobby, brought in his GoPro with the wifi adapter then demonstrated controlling the camera remotely and watching the video live (with a small delay) on his smartphone. Pretty slick!

I want one!

Edited by - on

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4304 Posts

Response Posted - 02/17/2013 : 17:22:48

I bought one a couple of years ago. They are pretty neat little devices. My only problem is I usually don't remember I have it on the boat until I'm pulling back into my slip.

If you watch much sports on TV you will see them used quite regularly.

Edited by - on

NautiC25
Admiral

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USA
957 Posts

Response Posted - 02/18/2013 : 05:35:56

I really want one, but have had more important boat items to buy right now. I like to mountain bike, so I've been wanting to take videos of some of the local downhill runs. I've also run into some questionable roundings and starts that I wished I had taken video of for conversation.

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5902 Posts

Response Posted - 02/18/2013 : 06:46:20

You can also use video to analyze your crew work, and figure out more efficient ways of doing things. It's easier to see what you're doing right and what you're doing wrong when you can stand back and watch yourself.

Edited by - on

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4304 Posts

Response Posted - 02/18/2013 : 13:22:21

Works good for recording the idiots on the freeway too!

Edited by - on

BCG-Woodbury
Mainsheet Editor

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USA
396 Posts

Response Posted - 02/18/2013 : 16:20:34

I just got back from my annual ski trip with the boys and one of the group had one. It was a blast recording our runs down the mountain but the most fun we had was when we set up a "jackass" style stunt where we all dusted the wearer when he least expected it. I think it would be a great learning tool on the boat to review after the sail. Idid notice that battery life was limited and we could have used a larger Memory Card.

Regards,

Edited by - on

awetmore
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1144 Posts

Response Posted - 02/18/2013 : 16:30:43

I was hanging out on the bow pulpit yesterday and thinking that one mounted there pointing back would probably get some interesting video. If someone wanted to scale the mast I also think you could something interesting from the mast facing down.

I watch for them in the returns area at REI, but haven't found one cheap enough to jump on yet.

Edited by - on

Davy J
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1511 Posts

Response Posted - 02/18/2013 : 17:48:19

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">If someone wanted to scale the mast I also think you could something interesting from the mast facing down<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Here is my review from 5/2011. In the video I hoisted the camera up on the spare halyard. Unfortunately at the time I had to edit the video with old software that doesn't show the quality.

http://www.catalina-capri-25s.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=23459& SearchTerms=gopro

Edited by - Davy J on 02/18/2013 17:55:56

TakeFive
Master Marine Consultant

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2272 Posts

Response Posted - 02/18/2013 : 21:13:42

If you already have a lightweight point-and-shoot camera and are on a tight budget, a Gorillapod can do wonders when you have pulpits and stanchions available:

<center>

</center>

It's no substitute for a GoPro, and you need to keep the camera dry (unless you have a waterproof case), but it does meet a niche need. I keep one on my boat at all times.

Edited by - TakeFive on 02/18/2013 21:14:29

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 02/18/2013 : 21:54:40

I had a similar Gorilla pod for my iPhone 3GS, it came with a snap on shell that made it pretty useful when using the phone as a GPS or to take photos, but I don't have any way of (easily) attaching it to my iPhone 4, so now it just sits. It came with a 1/4-20 attachment, but I can't find it, and we no longer use a "real" camera for anything, relying on our phones or tablets for pictures these days. If I could find a way to attach it, I'd still be using it, as it was very handy.

Edited by - on

shnool
Former Capri-25 Tech Editor

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USA
1032 Posts

Response Posted - 02/19/2013 : 05:00:27

If we are shifting to phones... and if people are looking at alternatives to the GoPro (which I feel is pretty pricey)... I also am not a huge fan of the super-wide angle lens. I use a regular camera. Daughter has a Fuji Camera I got at geeks.com as a refurb. It takes decent 720p movies...

But MORE importantly... Trident makes cases that are 2 part. They have a shoe, that allows a tripod socket slide in.
You can use the external shell as a heavy duty bump protection case, or take it apart, and use the inside silicone case... but if you use both, you can install the tripod mount... http://www.tridentcase.com/series/kraken-series.aspx

You can see the mount I used on the stern rail (starboard) with the backstay line hanging on it in this picture:
http://www.shnool.com/images/capri25/08152012/2012-08-15_18-54-45_806.jpg

Well, I can't find one I did that was HD... I can only find ones I did that were 4:3 and 640x480...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9FB6kPNJZI

Edited by - on

TakeFive
Master Marine Consultant

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2272 Posts

Response Posted - 02/19/2013 : 06:53:51

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by delliottg
 I had a similar Gorilla pod for my iPhone 3GS...It came with a 1/4-20 attachment, but I can't find it...<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Replacement clips can be purchased very easily (click picture for Amazon link):

<center>[url="http://www.amazon.com/Joby-GP1-11EN-Release-Replacement-GorillaPod/dp/B000T95T08/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8"]

[/url]</center>

Edited by - on

OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 02/19/2013 : 11:02:52

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by awetmore
 I was hanging out on the bow pulpit yesterday and thinking that one mounted there pointing back would probably get some interesting video.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">We did this last fall with my son's gopro. Mounted the camera below the genoa so we could view the deck on either tack.

Edited by - on

NautiC25
Admiral

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USA
957 Posts

Response Posted - 02/19/2013 : 11:25:21

I'm now looking into getting one and just did my first bit of research. The Gopro 3 is out, and it seems that quite a few people are having issues with it. Wonder if I should just stick to buying the HD2?

Look at these reviews: http://www.amazon.com/GoPro-HD-HERO3-Black-Edition/product-reviews/B009TCD8V8/ref=sr_1_4_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

Edited by - NautiC25 on 02/19/2013 11:26:12

Davy J
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1511 Posts

Response Posted - 02/19/2013 : 11:40:08

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Look at these reviews:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Wow, I only read the first page.......

Edited by - on

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4304 Posts

Response Posted - 02/19/2013 : 18:59:08

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by NautiC25
 I'm now looking into getting one and just did my first bit of research. The Gopro 3 is out, and it seems that quite a few people are having issues with it. Wonder if I should just stick to buying the HD2?

Look at these reviews: http://www.amazon.com/GoPro-HD-HERO3-Black-Edition/product-reviews/B009TCD8V8/ref=sr_1_4_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Something seems odd. The first 8 pages of reviews are mostly negative. Then suddenly from Page 9 thru 15 everything is peachy king.

Edited by - on

NautiC25
Admiral

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USA
957 Posts

Response Posted - 02/20/2013 : 05:40:29

It might be a search parameter doing that. But, if you look at the overall count, (40) 5 stars, and (58) 1 star ratings.

I know all the previous versions were a hit, but it just seems this new Black version is crapping out on everyone.

Edited by - NautiC25 on 02/20/2013 05:41:21

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4304 Posts

Response Posted - 02/20/2013 : 11:44:30

I was thinking about buying one but I won't be doing business with GoPro anymore. I don't put up with bad customer service. As soon as I start getting no responses or excuses it's Strike One - Your out!

Edited by - on

NautiC25
Admiral

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USA
957 Posts

Response Posted - 03/26/2013 : 09:58:51

Well, I really wanted one, so I took the precautions necessary and went for it. I bought it at Best Buy and bought their extended warranty, making absolutely sure that I could return it for a full refund should it not work correctly. Basically, GoPro is in the process of creating new firmware, and if it's not out by the 1yr mark and I'm having problems, it's going back.
So far though, no problems here! Works great, and the free viewfinder app is awesome too! Love this thing. Can't wait to use it. The enormous online community is an added plus for any questions you may have. You don't get that with other cameras.

Edited by - NautiC25 on 03/26/2013 10:00:21

OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 03/27/2013 : 18:16:15

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by NautiC25
 Well, I really wanted one, so I took the precautions necessary and went for it. I bought it at Best Buy and bought their extended warranty, making absolutely sure that I could return it for a full refund should it not work correctly. Basically, GoPro is in the process of creating new firmware, and if it's not out by the 1yr mark and I'm having problems, it's going back.
So far though, no problems here! Works great, and the free viewfinder app is awesome too! Love this thing. Can't wait to use it. The enormous online community is an added plus for any questions you may have. You don't get that with other cameras.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">As I am the one who initiated this thread - I felt a little guilt after discovering all of the negative reviews on Amazon. I called Gopro and explained our concern about the overwhelming number of negative reviews. The CS agent gave a sigh and explained that they were indeed experiencing problems. I further explained it was a xmas gift and wouldn't be used until the boat is launched in April or May. He encouraged me to acquire a storage card and download the latest firmware at my earliest convenience. He assured me complete support and satisfaction - including sending a replacement camera if necessary. I'm dragging my feet a little - hoping the very lastest firmware will fix any and all bugs. Also, FWIW, he recommended a Kingston over a Sandisk - even though they show a Sandisk on their website. I will share my results once I get around to "booting" the camera for the first time. I say booting because after all, it is more like a computer with a lens attached.

Edited by - OJ on 03/27/2013 18:18:23

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4304 Posts

Response Posted - 03/27/2013 : 19:09:43

Why not take it out of the box, download the latest firmware, and start using it around the house just to check it out.

Better to do it now, even if the pictures are not interesting, rather than breaking it out when the sailing season starts and finding out it's a problem child. Doing it now would allow you to get another camera shipped in without missing any of the sailing action.

Edited by - on

OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 03/27/2013 : 19:29:55

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by GaryB
 Why not take it out of the box, download the latest firmware, and start using it around the house just to check it out.

Better to do it now, even if the pictures are not interesting, rather than breaking it out when the sailing season starts and finding out it's a problem child. Doing it now would allow you to get another camera shipped in without missing any of the sailing action.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">You are right Gary, I guess I am getting old. After the boat is launched then construction of the boat shed begins. I plan to document this with the GoPro - via time lapse pix. I did purchase the headband mount to take video of other boats on the lake. So I guess I am interested in using it?

Edited by - on

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 03/27/2013 : 21:52:13

You really need to use it a lot before the season. I really like mine, a Hero 2, but it is very limited as a camera due to the very wide angle lens that can be digitally reduced to a moderate wide angle. Perspective is distorted by the wide FOV as compared to visual. I usually take the GoPro, a waterproof Olympus with video capability, and a camcorder with me. The whole package fits in a bag 1/3 the size of my DSLR and lenses bag.

Edited by - on

Davy J
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1511 Posts

Response Posted - 03/28/2013 : 05:56:33

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">You really need to use it a lot before the season.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
I'll second this, I've had mine for awhile and the darn thing still sometimes frustrates me as I can't remember all the button combos to get the thing to do what I want when I want.....

Edited by - on

NautiC25
Admiral

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USA
957 Posts

Response Posted - 03/28/2013 : 10:56:32

The black version I have has the option for narrow, medium, and wide FOV. Not all the resolutions have it, but it's available for the most common.
You really need to start using it so that you can get a good idea what settings you will want for different activities.

As for the problems, I haven't had any yet, but there is a huge community out there that has already put together work-arounds until GoPro comes out with another firmware update. Like you heard from the rep, the SanDisk seems to have the most problems for whatever reason. You also need to make sure you get a class 10 card, and stick to 32gb, not 64.

Go to the community forums and start reading. I've learned a ton there just like I do here with this one. I saw a cool thread where they are using egg timers as platforms to do time-lapse videos.

I know a lot of people like hoisting the gopro up the mast for an arial shot. But, I thought about buying one of those toy helium blimps, running fishing line to it, and having the gopro drag behind the boat during a race. I bet it would capture some really cool footage.
Or have my brother sit in the water with the camera a couple feet under, while I sail by him getting some cool keel action.

Edited by - NautiC25 on 03/28/2013 11:01:14

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