Best GoPro alternative?

[Rivers & creeks]

Having made a couple of stills based videos - which was fun but limited - we wanted to make a video of our summer cruise this year to the CI's. I know almost nothing about cameras, I still use an old Fuji Finepx! So although I've heard of the Gopro, it seems high end for what we will do, which is a record of the family hols. It has to be completely waterproof as we all snorkel, we don't need sound as I reckon that's rubbish unless the gear is good and wind noise is so naff; I'd also like rechargeable because batteries are a pain and we have lots of on board leccy. What would you recommend?

 

[peter2407]

I have a Sanyo Xacti which I like. This: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sanyo-Xacti-Definition-Digital-Camera/dp/B000WGTEAO

 

[Alpha22]

If you want something like a GoPro, the best thing really is a GoPro. Your close copy is a SJ Cam.... not quite as good, but significantly less $$$$. There are lots of cheap copies about though..... which is ironic as it is a cheap copy it'self!!

If you want a waterproof camcorder then that is not like a GoPro.

 

[Sailingsaves]

I have splashed out (pun not intended initially) upon this (it is the 'original' not fake model):

http://www.banggood.com/SJcam-SJ4000-HD-1_5-Inch-Car-DVR-Camera-Sport-DV-p-942459.html

I also have an Xacti that cost me nearly £300 (when I had a job still).

The chinese camera has been reliable, has not leaked and takes great quality HD video.

One cannot edit the movies into slow motion brilliantly (as I can with the Xacti) because the chinese model onlt takes 30fps, but it is good value for money in my opinion.
32Gb class 10 memory card and a spare battery and you are good to go (in my opinion)

edit: buying from UK costs £10 more, but camera arrives within 7 days, usually 5. It took me 3 months to get my camera from China and a lot of emails and hassle.
http://eu.banggood.com/Wholesale-Wa...Sport-DV-Novatek-Waterproof-wp-Uk-939976.html

 

[jimmcgee]

cheep you say , and water proof , and rechargeable ,
here you go :encouragement:,http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/2493653.htm#pdpFullProductInformation

 

[nigelmercier]

edit: buying from UK costs £10 more...

Not if you use the code BGdeal

 

[ianj99]

Umox from Amazon. Use one as a dash cam but it comes with waterproof housing so I will tryit onboard this summer and also to inspect the hull for fouling.

 

[Neil]

I've just bought a GoXtreme WiFi. It comes with a view screen and all the mounts too! I was shocked at the price of a GoPro when you've added up all the bits. One of the major advantages of GoPro is the plethora of mounts, the lack of which usually lets down its rivals, but the GoXtreme can use GoPro mounts.

 

[Koeketiene]

If you want something like a GoPro

+1

 

[Giblets]

One cannot edit the movies into slow motion brilliantly (as I can with the Xacti).....

Interested in how do you do that then?

 

[Sailingsaves]

Interested in how do you do that then?

I probably didn't explain myself properly.

I use software to do the editing, and I can do reasonable slow mo with Xacti 60fps but I cannot achieve the same effects with sj4000 at 30fps.

I think these 2 vids were Xacti.

rope snapping (not at splice) 1min 13seconds in https://youtu.be/n-fCk-LAx8c

sailing 10 seconds in https://youtu.be/skI79AL5C1M

 

[Neil]

Anybody know how to reduce barrel distortion on HD video on a Mac?

 

[Tradewinds]

Anybody know how to reduce barrel distortion on HD video on a Mac?

If you're using FCPX you could try this plug-in from FCPeffects

http://www.fcpeffects.com/collections/entire-catalogue/products/fisheye-removal-plugin

 

[jac]

Do bear in mind that their are several Go-pro models now, ranging from the original to the more common Hero 3 Series right up to the Hero 4 Black which will do everything short of ironing your morning paper and presenting it to you on a silver platter with a plate of smoked kippers.

The ads are pushing the Hero 4 Black and the price is scary - you can get decent DSLRs for that money. I suspect for what you want a Go Pro 3+ Silver will do more than enough and I would suggest using that as a baseline for comparison in terms of features and costs.

 

[makingplansfor]

SJ Cam WiFi. Comes with loads of attatchment gadgets and you can control and view on iPhone. I am sure a GoPro would beat its performance but for £80 theres not much to lose! Google SJ Cam vs GoPro for some really good reviews.

 

[nigelmercier]

Umox from Amazon. Use one as a dash cam but it comes with waterproof housing so I will tryit onboard this summer and also to inspect the hull for fouling.

Do you mean Qumox? http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00HJMU2IW/dolcetto-21

I really want an underwater camera for inspection purposes, but I need one with a very long USB lead so I can view it live. I'm also not sure if the wide angle of these cameras is ideal.

[Note that there is an Amazon affiliate code after the ASIN in this link, feel free to delete it]

 

[Halcyon Yachts]

GoPro's and their various copies are designed to be lightweight and small. They are waterproof and quite durable. They are ideal for attaching to a helmet, a surfboard, handlebars etc...

If space and weight are not such an issue then there are much better options available. Try and get a camera with a good lens so that it will work well in lower light, a good microphone is also useful and most importantly a view finder to frame the shot.

http://pocket-camcorder.toptenreviews.com/sanyo-xacti-vpc-cg10-review.html

Pete

 

[Rivers & creeks]

GoPro's and their various copies are designed to be lightweight and small. They are waterproof and quite durable. They are ideal for attaching to a helmet, a surfboard, handlebars etc...

If space and weight are not such an issue then there are much better options available. Try and get a camera with a good lens so that it will work well in lower light, a good microphone is also useful and most importantly a view finder to frame the shot.

http://pocket-camcorder.toptenreviews.com/sanyo-xacti-vpc-cg10-review.html

Pete

That's a nice camera but fails the GoPro price issue.

 

[Halcyon Yachts]

That's a nice camera but fails the GoPro price issue.

This is a great simple camera: Only £50

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/offer-listing/B007B7ZC3K/ref=sr_1_21_olp?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1427286935&sr=1-21&keywords=waterproof+video+camera&condition=used

It was one like that used for this:

Pete

 

[Garry & June 'Friendship']

AMKOV SJ5000 wifi......blatant Chinese GoPro copy (even GoPro's are Chinese made) but for fraction of the price. Can use all GoPro accessories. Really pleased with the performance of mine and if it falls off the back into the sea I wont be devastated as I would if I had forked out for a GoPro.