33 replies to this topic

[larsonracing]

As the owner of a GoPro Hero 4 camera, I chose to open up an un-biased conversation about action cameras to record footage from racing. I was wondering what other people think about their Replay cameras as well as GoPro users. I don't know if I should try something new or stick with the same brand. I have heard in the past that they are 2 different cameras that different people cater to. Share your thoughts...

[Steve Scheifler]

Depends in part on what if any data system you will use with it. I for one prefer less fisheye distortion and am willing to accept a narrower field of view to get it. The GoPros all have a wider angle, though the top couple do have a software setting to achieve a truer image, but with limited resolution and frame rate options. Other than that, what are your primary goals? You don't need anything fancy for aiding driving and data analysis, but if posting cool video is the goal then it's largely subjective.

[Todd Lamb]

GoPro is good for raw video.

For sync and data overlay the Aim data system with their SmartyCam HD is what we use. Very good for coaching.

[ECOBRAP]

GoPro is good for raw video.

For sync and data overlay the Aim data system with their SmartyCam HD is what we use. Very good for coaching.

 

I agree with Todd. The GoPro is great if you want to capture footage to upload or show your friends. The user interface is simple and generic so that it can can be used by many people for many different applications, so you won't run into many problems with it. It also comes with its own free editing software that is self explanatory and easy to use.

 

But if you want to use the camera to get coached in racing, something like a SmartyCam that is compatible with data software is more useful. It IS possible to have a GoPro and overlay data manually, exactly what I did in this video, but it takes a lot more time and patience than an integrated product like the SmartyCam.

 

Depends in part on what if any data system you will use with it. I for one prefer less fisheye distortion and am willing to accept a narrower field of view to get it. The GoPros all have a wider angle, though the top couple do have a software setting to achieve a truer image, but with limited resolution and frame rate options. Other than that, what are your primary goals? You don't need anything fancy for aiding driving and data analysis, but if posting cool video is the goal then it's largely subjective.

 

You can change the field of view setting on the GoPro to make it less distorted. My championships video is on the "Narrow" field of view setting, and it looks much like any other camera.

[ScratchRob13]

I use a Hero2 with my traqmate, which is really nice because the data logger controls turning the GoPro on and off, so no "forgetting to turn the camera off footage" and battery lasts all day no issues.

[Todd Lamb]

Here's one version of an Aim overlay. This is taken directly from the SmartyCam video card.

http://youtu.be/iVNyFCKNDkI

[Steve Scheifler]

You can change the field of view setting on the GoPro to make it less distorted.

Yep, I mentioned that, and we've been using them that way. The lense is wide but they digitally process the video to bring it back to a "normal" field of view. It does a nice job of it but that feature is not available at all the resolution and frame rate settings. I've got just about every version they've ever made but wish they would offer optional lenses. A few 3rd party options exist but last I looked not what I want and don't fit in the standard case.

[ECOBRAP]

Yep, I mentioned that, and we've been using them that way. The lense is wide but they digitally process the video to bring it back to a "normal" field of view. It does a nice job of it but that feature is not available at all the resolution and frame rate settings. I've got just about every version they've ever made but wish they would offer optional lenses. A few 3rd party options exist but last I looked not what I want and don't fit in the standard case.

 

Interesting. I mainly use that FOV setting to make sure the camera is focusing outside the car, because I don't know how to set the white balance on the camera.

 

I am fine with 1080p/30 so I will likely stick with it

[Todd Lamb]

On the GoPro just turn spot metering on - solves the white balance issue.

[Ron Alan]

On the GoPro just turn spot metering on - solves the white balance issue.

I don't think Jim has figured this out yet based on the last video he posted

[larsonracing]

Depends in part on what if any data system you will use with it. I for one prefer less fisheye distortion and am willing to accept a narrower field of view to get it. The GoPros all have a wider angle, though the top couple do have a software setting to achieve a truer image, but with limited resolution and frame rate options. Other than that, what are your primary goals? You don't need anything fancy for aiding driving and data analysis, but if posting cool video is the goal then it's largely subjective.

Be able to shoot footage and look over it after the race and possibly hook it up to a data logging system like traqmate down the road. Sound is another factor that plays into this purchase so I can hear shifts and revs. (Because I'm not getting a data logging system soon.) Also I don't want to hear white noise through out the whole video. Some people may say mount it in the car and you wont have to worry about the wind, which creates most of the annoying white noise but thats still a major factor.

[Tom Hampton]

Be able to shoot footage and look over it after the race and possibly hook it up to a data logging system like traqmate down the road. Sound is another factor that plays into this purchase so I can hear shifts and revs. (Because I'm not getting a data logging system soon.) Also I don't want to hear white noise through out the whole video. Some people may say mount it in the car and you wont have to worry about the wind, which creates most of the annoying white noise but thats still a major factor.

I haven't used the replay cameras, so I can't speak to differences.   I have a GoproHD (rear facing) and a HD3-white (forward facing).  From what I've read in reviews the replay video quality is adequate, but somewhat lower than the Hero 3 or 4.  I don't think that really matters all that much, and I can't confirm it as fact.   

 

My cameras are mounted on the main hoop crossbar with my hands, critical guages and Data system Dash unit in view.  The goPro sound issue is largely addressed by using the skeleton back. 

 

A poor-man's approach to smartyCam functionality is to ensure that your guages are in view of the camera.  So, for at-the-track video review I can read the gauges in the video without the need to download data, sync with video, and then render it.  OTOH, I have my brake switch wired to a light within view of the camera, and also wired into my data system.  This makes data/video synchronization a breeze. 

[deyan]

I like the replay because it's smaller, and I can mount it easier to my helmet. My Hero 2 does have slightly better quality I feel, plus its nice that you can use the GoPro software, but I haven't used my GoPro since I got my Replay XD.
 
Replay footage
https://youtu.be/CAvRDlo0kak?t=1m17s
 
GoPro
https://youtu.be/xyqMtGaLkRc

[tynor]

I have a Hero3 and have mixed feelings about it.  Video quality is very good, but it is very particular about brand of flash memory - I tried three different class10 cards before I finally tried one on the "officially supported" list that worked reliably.

 

More seriously, I've lost a number of session's video due to it not storing to the disk.  Maybe this is operator error (I can't be sure I didn't turn "power off" before it had a chance to store to the disk, but if that's the case, I consider it a user interface bug (power off should start a controlled power down - not leave data unsaved).  

 

I've also had it just turn itself off mid-session.   Here, I wonder if it might be over sensitive to jolts and jostles (e.g. banking on alligator curbing or the occasional agricultural excursion)?

 

Does anyone have similar problems with their Hero or is it just me?

[larsonracing]

I haven't used the replay cameras, so I can't speak to differences.   I have a GoproHD (rear facing) and a HD3-white (forward facing).  From what I've read in reviews the replay video quality is adequate, but somewhat lower than the Hero 3 or 4.  I don't think that really matters all that much, and I can't confirm it as fact.   
 
My cameras are mounted on the main hoop crossbar with my hands, critical guages and Data system Dash unit in view.  The goPro sound issue is largely addressed by using the skeleton back. 
 
A poor-man's approach to smartyCam functionality is to ensure that your guages are in view of the camera.  So, for at-the-track video review I can read the gauges in the video without the need to download data, sync with video, and then render it.  OTOH, I have my brake switch wired to a light within view of the camera, and also wired into my data system.  This makes data/video synchronization a breeze.

I have the Skeleton backdoor but also have the frame mount. The frame may be the best bet if the camera is inside the car. GoPro just released a cover called the WindSlayer, this should solve the sound problem. Check it out.

[larsonracing]

I have a Hero3 and have mixed feelings about it.  Video quality is very good, but it is very particular about brand of flash memory - I tried three different class10 cards before I finally tried one on the "officially supported" list that worked reliably.
 
More seriously, I've lost a number of session's video due to it not storing to the disk.  Maybe this is operator error (I can't be sure I didn't turn "power off" before it had a chance to store to the disk, but if that's the case, I consider it a user interface bug (power off should start a controlled power down - not leave data unsaved).  
 
I've also had it just turn itself off mid-session.   Here, I wonder if it might be over sensitive to jolts and jostles (e.g. banking on alligator curbing or the occasional agricultural excursion)?
 
Does anyone have similar problems with their Hero or is it just me?

Did you make sure the storage wasn't full or the battery dead? The batteries can die fast depending if you are shooting high resolution video or haven't given it a charge past full.

[Tom Hampton]

I have not had any such issues. I use the camera in one button mode, so it automatically starts recording when I turn it on. Then I shut it off after the session.

I've also not had any card related issues. I've used all kinds of cards from fly-by-night cards to name brands. I've got about 12 different ones that I rotate through.

The hero 3/4 battery life sucks. So, I have lots of batteries. I have a portable charger and use a fresh charged battery for most every session. The only time I've not recorded video or it shutoff mid session was when I ran out of battery.

[RussMcB]

I liked my Replay cameras, especially when they needed to be out in the air stream (or on a helmet).  They were pretty reliable and video quality was good.

 

My last two camera purchases have been the very small, very low priced Mobius 1080p.  I learned about the Mobius cameras because TraqMate offered them and they intergrated well (data logger turns the camera on, easy to sync video with data).

 

My GoPro experiences were with the first two generations, and the experiences were bad enough that I decided not to buy any more (even though I know they are much better now).

 

Do the GoPro cameras have handy removable (micro) SD cards now (yet)?  That's a nice feature.

[Tom Hampton]

All the HD hero have removable Sd cards. Hd1 and hd2 used standard Sd cards. Hd3 and hd4 use micro SD.

[larsonracing]

I liked my Replay cameras, especially when they needed to be out in the air stream (or on a helmet).  They were pretty reliable and video quality was good.
 
My last two camera purchases have been the very small, very low priced Mobius 1080p.  I learned about the Mobius cameras because TraqMate offered them and they intergrated well (data logger turns the camera on, easy to sync video with data).
 
My GoPro experiences were with the first two generations, and the experiences were bad enough that I decided not to buy any more (even though I know they are much better now).
 
Do the GoPro cameras have handy removable (micro) SD cards now (yet)?  That's a nice feature.

They do, all GoPro cameras on the market now use micro SD cards. They are very accessible on the side of the camera and now come with a cover to go over the SD and micro HDMI ports so that dust, dirt, and other particles wont be able to get into those exposed areas.