GoPro Hero 5

[James T]

I want a compact digital camera I can mount on my speargun. Max depth 20m mainly for video footage rather than stills.

I want to keep this as cheap as possible whilst still being worthwhile and getting some meaningful footage.

Has anyone tried out the GoPro Hero 5mp camera? I've read very mixed reviews on its predecessor the Hero 3.

The great advantage of these cameras is they are so small, light and cheap. But if the video quality underwater is rubbish I shan't bother.

I have a panasonic lumix TZ2 - a housing for it would be £160 and the result is a pretty big heavy lump on the side of my gun.

cheers - James

 

[trux]

Depends what you want to do with. If it is for documenting your technique during training, your dives or catches, it is sufficient. If it is for winning prizes at amateur video contests, then it is not enough. I have the 3M version, and was little bit disappointed with the poor sensitivity - the light in the swimming pool was not quite sufficient, but after running the video through MS Movie Maker and enhancing the luminosity and contrast, it is quite fine for the purpose (technique analysis).

 

[Jon]

James,

I've been looking at this new one with great interest. They not only upped the megapixels, but improved the lens as well- super wide, which is better for underwater. I've read about shoprt battery ife on th old one, but have no idea how the new one performs. IT would be quite a bit smaller than the camera housing I'm using now- Panasonic DMC-TZ5 in a panasionic housing.

I did see this demo tape that someone form the cyclo-cross biking forums posted. [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgLZMzDTdb0]YouTube - Helmet/bike cam test[/ame]

Let us know if you end up buying it- and what you think of it for underwater use.

 

[James T]

thanks for your feedback - the clip looked heavily pixellated on my laptop - not sure if it is to do with the video streaming or the quality of the recorded film.

 

[Mongrel454]

That video looked ok when you arent moving to quickly, but as you speed up it does get pixelated ...

 

[Porkchopwi]

Greetings guys:
As pointed out the quality on YouTube in indeed degraded, especially with an embeded player. If you go to the video and click "watch in high quality" on the bottom right of the video box you'll get a much better quality video:
YouTube - Porkchopwi's Channel

This forum apparently won't link without embedding a video... so your best bet may be to open it for yourself (by clicking on the link and then "Watch in high quality") from my channel. Check "Helmet Test" and "Whitewater CX" (this is the camera in race use --mounted with too much downward angle). Helmet video is spliced with MP4 video from a Sony Hady Cam for comparison.

Still not original quality, but closer than the embed image.

Hope that helps a little. Good luck!