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.
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.