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mpitfield

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I am new to the GoPro scene and struggling a bit with the setup, techniques and getting good results, so I thought I would start a general "Everything GoPro" thread. I know there are many YouTube how-tos on the subject, however most of them are based around how to set up your rig for vlogging and not and not our hobby. I also did a quick search on the forum for a general thread on GoPros and although there are several threads none of them are general where you can get some advice, share your advice or share your experiences.

I will start with my setup and experiences and would encourage you to share yours and thoughts on anything and everything GoPro.

Camera Hardware Setup:
GoPro Hero 5 Black running HD5.02.02.51.00 which is the latest version as of this post. I am also just starting to use GoPro (formerly Capture) version 4.1 (4857) for Android.

Accessories:
Smatree SmaCase G260SL https://smatree.com/Products/1141.html
Rode VideoMicro external mic https://www.rode.com/microphones/videomicro
GoPro "The Handler" Floating Hand Grip https://shop.gopro.com/mounts/the-handler-floating-hand-grip/AFHGM-002.html
GoPro Tripod Mount with the Mini Tripod https://shop.gopro.com/mounts/tripod-mounts/ABQRT-002.html
GoPro spare battery https://shop.gopro.com/accessories-2/rechargeable-battery-hero6-blackhero5-black/AABAT-001.html
GoPro Dual Port Supercharger https://shop.gopro.com/accessories-2/supercharger-international-dual-port-charger/AWALC-002.html
GoPro Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter https://shop.gopro.com/accessories-2/pro-3.5mm-mic-adapter/AAMIC-001.html
SanDisk Extreme microSDXC 64GB memory card x 2 https://shop.sandisk.com/store/sdiskus/en_US/list/parentCategoryID.11442400/categoryID.67942000
Optex Trident TP132 Tripod https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/produc...ler-ballhead-tripod-tp132-tp132/10291854.aspx
HSU 3 piece red thumb screw set https://www.amazon.com/Aluminum-Thu...=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B01I2LQQW4
Luxebell C400 aluminum alloy case https://www.luxebell.net/home/43-lu...h-52mm-uv-filter-for-gopro-hero-5-camera.html

Application:
Ultimately I would like to get another GoPro and use one strictly at the pad and one held at the flight line. To date I have used it at four launches and the results have been poor at best, but improving with experience.

The first launch was video at the pad, and I made the mistake of taking some advice off a YouTube video and using some advanced settings for colour processing, etc. The result was video that was above my level of ability to process. I ended up switching the settings back to using the full auto "dumb down" settings, even though they will not yield the greatest potential. If and when my knowledge progresses then I may try the more advanced settings.

My second launch, another pad video, was slightly more successful. My biggest fail was that I used wide mode and should of used a tighter FoV. I also did not have the shot framed correctly and had too much pad/ground, where as I should of had more pad/sky.

The third attempt was a hand held at the flight line, that someone else did on my behalf as my hands were full of trackers. The result was better but again the settings and technology choices yielded less than an ideal result.

The fourth launch was another hand flight line taken by someone else as my hands were again full of trackers, and this time we also used it during the recovery. The result was that I forgot to insert the memory card so no video. I was wondering why the screen kept turning off but in my haste it was a last min addition to the launch so I didn't pay too much attention. At least I will now next time.

On my next launch I plan on taking more time and use the GoPro app to wirelessly connect to my Android and make sure that the shot is framed correctly. I also plan on adjusting the FoV to a tighter setting, possibly the "Linear" setting. Another issue I have is the audio/mic setup with the rode mic. I have been using the wind sock or I believe some call a dead cat or wind shield. This has been great at eliminating the wind, however with the setting I am using the sound is too low, so I will be bumping up the settings. I have also had some intermittent issues with the sound cutting off altogether and this may be due to the insane 3.5mm mic adapter, which is a horrible design. I will work out a better physical setup to ensure that the mic cordage is secured better. I also watched a video suggesting that there was a firmware issue, however I updated the firmware this evening.
 
GoPro is not well suited to our rocketry hobby. I have a Hero 3+, I think. I use it for my fishing, canoeing, and hiking adventures, and got some good footage, especially underwater. Can't beat the size, battery life, durability, and quality.

It is intended for first person POV filming, like they show in the ads - surfing, mountain biking, off-roading. Hence the wide field of view, no zoom, and no viewfinder. To film a subject, the camera needs to be VERY close to it. Trying to film a rocket from the flight line 50 yards away will look like a tiny dot.

I did setup my GoPro at the launch pad and remotely activated it with the BlueTooth app (which really drains the battery.) The result was OK, but again, looked too far away.

Putting the GoPro in the rocket would align with the intended POV purpose, but I never did it. There are some threads about that.
 
I use a Hero 5 at the pad for launch only. Like buckeye said, really not suited for this hobby. It might sit at the pad for 30 minutes to an hour and by the time you get back to the pad, the battery is close to dead so you definately need a few batteries at a launch. Plus the launch is what, 4-5 seconds from the time ignition starts till the time the rocket has cleared the pad? Lot of investment for 5 seconds of video. Yea its cool to look at slow-motion launches but you are going to need a decent computer for processing HD video.
 
GoPro is a lot of fun. It takes some practice to use and start getting the shots you want. As you begin to understand the camera you will be able to plan your shots to take advantage of the cameras capabilities. What you are doing now are just typical rookie mistakes. My suggestion is to go out and shoot video, take stills, and have fun.
 
Here are my tips...

I put a small traffic cone out at the pad - right next to my "No-Pro" camera - to make it more visible so other folks won't step on, or trip over it.

I use an external mic with a dead-cat for better sound.

I just can't justify the cost of a real Go-Pro, I use this "No-Pro" (Knock-off) instead >> https://www.gearbest.com/action-cameras/pp_575345.html

An example video below - the "at-the-pad" shot was made with the "No-Pro"...

[video=youtube;0Qj6sB-ksnk]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Qj6sB-ksnk&t=28s[/video]
 
I use GoPro's, both on-board and at the pad. For example, all of the footage from this video:

[video=youtube;xHuJgLecblg]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHuJgLecblg[/video]

With modern GoPro's ability to turn on/off the camera and see what the camera is seeing on your phone, things are MUCH simpler.
 
I like all the ideas you are using. This week I plan to finish my pad cam.
-Builing a plywood box to house the GoPro, UPS, with a slightly wider base so it can be staked down to remain in place and make it harder to walk away.
-Plexiglass window in front of the camera that can be easily cleaned.
-I bought a baby monitor. Hang the receiver next to the GoPro and the transmitter next to the PA speaker. Then you hear all the PA audio clearly on the pad and on board camera files.
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Sent from my SM-G935V using Rocketry Forum mobile app
 
I have a hero five and they work great at the pad but not for much else (haven't tried in a rocket yet). As stated above it can sit out at the pad for a long time. But I avoid the battery drain issue by using my phone to start and stop it remotely. As for other footage. I now have a [FONT=&quot]Canon VIXIA HF R800 which is not the best but would recommend highly over a go pro. It takes a decent picture and allows optical zoom up to 32X so with a rocket at 4000ft I can still see it. Plus it was half the price of a GOPRO. If you want some examples you can check out some of my recent videos from the link in my sig. All but the one from this last weekend are on the canon and gopro at the pad except for this weekend. My camera was died. I guess when you plug it in the other side has to be plugged into the wall. [/FONT]
 
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