Katie L
Contributor
Hi there - I am interested in getting an action cam for an upcoming trip to Thailand, but I would like to spend around $200 or less on the whole set up, if at all possible (otherwise it eats into my new mask & snorkel budget). I am not opposed to old tech (4K seems excessive) and had my eye on a used Hero 4 Silver or Hero 3+ Black (looking on ebay and Craigslist), but considering the cost of accessories and extra batteries, a Hero 3 is probably closer to my budget.
But for the same cost or less, I can get a brand new GoPro clone (SJ Cam 4000, 5000x, or 6 Legend, or a Yi camera, for example) with much better specs than the Hero 3. Since we all know you get what you pay for, I can't decide if it's better to get an older version of a reliable brand's product, or more technology at a higher risk.
The consensus of the internet seems to be divided between brand loyalty and spec-focused.
I've seen some comparison videos, but rarely do reviewers of Chinese gopro clones discuss scuba-specific quality issues, like low light, color and contrast underwater, or availability of filters.
On one hand, action cam tech is evolving very quickly, so a newer camera could potentially perform much much better than one from just 3-4 years ago. Better image stabilization and low light capabilities out of the box in new cameras would go very far. On the other hand, people were still shooting great video 4 years ago with what is now an "old" camera, and specs don't mean much if the image quality isn't there, the device isn't reliable, or I don't expect to use all of the high end features.
Since I'm still a beginner diver, I want to keep it pretty simple so I don't get distracted. I don't want to compromise my dive skills and safety. I'll start with maybe strapping it to my BCD in the beginning, and then switch to a simple hand-held tray or extendable pole/handle after a few dives. A red filter or filter system seems worth it to have also. So it wouldn't be wise to buy something that requires an overly elaborate rig.
I'll have a DSLR for some scenic dryland photography, but since I'm traveling by myself, I thought that a GoPro would be a fun way to make sure I'm actually IN my photos and encourage me to take some fun spontaneous video clips in and out of water. But beyond that, I probably won't use it on a regular basis at home.
What do you think? Is the GoPro worthy of the brand reputation and overall support available? Are the new bells and whistles on the newer cameras even worthy of the hype? What would be best for a bare bones setup?
But for the same cost or less, I can get a brand new GoPro clone (SJ Cam 4000, 5000x, or 6 Legend, or a Yi camera, for example) with much better specs than the Hero 3. Since we all know you get what you pay for, I can't decide if it's better to get an older version of a reliable brand's product, or more technology at a higher risk.
The consensus of the internet seems to be divided between brand loyalty and spec-focused.
I've seen some comparison videos, but rarely do reviewers of Chinese gopro clones discuss scuba-specific quality issues, like low light, color and contrast underwater, or availability of filters.
On one hand, action cam tech is evolving very quickly, so a newer camera could potentially perform much much better than one from just 3-4 years ago. Better image stabilization and low light capabilities out of the box in new cameras would go very far. On the other hand, people were still shooting great video 4 years ago with what is now an "old" camera, and specs don't mean much if the image quality isn't there, the device isn't reliable, or I don't expect to use all of the high end features.
Since I'm still a beginner diver, I want to keep it pretty simple so I don't get distracted. I don't want to compromise my dive skills and safety. I'll start with maybe strapping it to my BCD in the beginning, and then switch to a simple hand-held tray or extendable pole/handle after a few dives. A red filter or filter system seems worth it to have also. So it wouldn't be wise to buy something that requires an overly elaborate rig.
I'll have a DSLR for some scenic dryland photography, but since I'm traveling by myself, I thought that a GoPro would be a fun way to make sure I'm actually IN my photos and encourage me to take some fun spontaneous video clips in and out of water. But beyond that, I probably won't use it on a regular basis at home.
What do you think? Is the GoPro worthy of the brand reputation and overall support available? Are the new bells and whistles on the newer cameras even worthy of the hype? What would be best for a bare bones setup?
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