Hey all, I've got a couple questions and it would be awesome to hear y'alls input on them.

I own a GoPro Hero 3+, and I use it for a number of things all from slapping it on the front of the truck and driving around, to putting it on the end of my guitar. Its a wonderful little thing, but is it suitable for exploring? I've been really interested in photography, especially when exploring, but don't have the clams yet to drop on an expensive/half decent camera. So I was wondering what your guys ideas would be on either filming or photographing places with a GoPro? What would be better, to film or just stick with photos, and if filming how do I keep it interesting? Also, mount suggestions? Any input is appreciated, thanks!!!

Get a selfie stick.

Why not just try it?

If you don't like the results, then you can always buy a superior GoPro for not much more of an investment. Some are better than others.

I don't think it's wise to try and compare GoPros to a tripod mounted camera or a shoot from-the-hip DSLR. A GoPro is not going to give you the same result.. It's main advantage is that it records HD images of moving subjects.

Even so, if you are going to use 60fps in HD, and then try and go back in and select the very best screenshots from that recording session, your camera needs to be completely still while that capture is being made, in order to achieve the best possible results. Video is one thing, but photo is another.

I had a hero 3+ and just sold it. I haven't used it in months.

Do it! Lately I have it on my chest or head while exploring. I have a 64gb memory card in it and 2 spare batteries, so I generally leave it on non-stop during every explore. I guess it will be awesome when you're 80 and you can view back your entire explores and show it to your grandchildren. The con is that I now have a stack of external HDDs at home because they're filling up so quickly.

I've used a GoPro Hero3 while exploring. It looks great if you set it to 720p 60FPS, but just remember to keep a good light source in front of it in dark areas. Like all cameras, quality suffers greatly in poor light.

This is going to look like blatant self-promotion, but this is what the Hero3 can look like in dark and light areas, and a good indicator of when you do and don't need a light for it to work. Note that in most area, natural light is enough. It's also a PSA on why you should record in 60FPS instead of 30.

Why would you shoot 60fps? As far as I know 60fps is only useful when you're planning to do some slow-motion parts, and you're losing 1080p for what? Plus 60fps often looks weird and unrealistic to me at normal speed.

I'm particular when it comes to FPS, I see a little motion blur and it ruins the whole thing for me. Then again, I was holding it in my hands for this (no strap, was only testing them because the main camera had problems), so I'm sure 30 looks fine when it's secured.

Posted by sirpsychosexy Why would you shoot 60fps? As far as I know 60fps is only useful when you're planning to do some slow-motion parts, and you're losing 1080p for what? Plus 60fps often looks weird and unrealistic to me at normal speed.

That's an interesting question, but what speed is it that you shoot in?

It seems that aside from the usual film-recorded speeds and digital recorded speeds, there is also this to consider:

http://en.wikipedi...deo_and_television

consider the options!

I shoot 30fps 1080p almost always, seems to me like the best choice for pretty much any situation. I find it interesting that you prefer 60fps DescentOnARope, it's not the most common choice.

To me, 60fps looks like it's slightly sped up compared to what my eyes are used to in real life. It's hard to explain. I believe it makes camera shake more noticable too. Even if it would look smoother, I don't think I would drop the 1080p for that.

60 FPS is just cool because you can slow it way down when editing and it won't look jerky. Of course, it makes your files massive. When I do shoot 60, I always end up converting down to 30 FPS in the final render. In fact, I don't think any online video sites will actually allow 60? I could be wrong.

I heard Youtube was going to allow 60, but I'm not sure if it does.

I understand how 60 can look weird to some people. My grandma has a TV with motion interpolation, so everything is sped up, and it gives everything that "soap opera" look. Still, I prefer shooting in 60 because it prevents motion blur and allows me to do more with editing, and if I don't use it, I can always just render it in 30.

Of course, it's up to you to decide whether it's worth sacrificing resolution. That was one of the reasons I just ordered a Nikon D3300. This way I don't have to choose.

Edit: As for shakiness, that's actually one of the reasons I PREFER 60. I actually find it more noticeable at 30, because of the blur. Of course, all I'm really proving is that I shouldn't hold a GoPro like a camcorder, but still.

Thanks all for the input, I was looking at getting a chest mount for it and see how that would go. And also, whenever I film its at 30fps 1080p res, unless I intend on slowmoing it down in editing, then its 720 res at 120fps.

If you're doing video primarily, then use it. Otherwise don't bring it out to replace a DSLR. They are best left to doing action sports or something exciting, not following someone slowly walking through a building.