Top tips for GoPro Hero at DVinfo.net

Alan Maughan · June 30th, 2011, 12:43 AM

Hi Guys,

Ive just bought a 1080 HD Hero which I plan to take on a fishing trip next week to supplement the main footage I shoot with a 7D. I like the idea of underwater shots on a boom and the ability to get the camera quickly into some different angles than I can with my lump of 7D. I already make movies for the clients I take so its not quite holiday shooting.

My learning curve has to be steep so I wondered if you guys could share the top tips to getting good footage?

Im already thinking polarizing filter adaption to cut out the glare on the water and wether r3 will be better than r5?

Any help greatly received.

Bill Ward · June 30th, 2011, 09:00 AM

Well, first tip: if you're going to use it underwater, you really should get on of the flat port housings. These have a different lens element which makes the underwater image MUCH sharper.

Scott Howard · June 30th, 2011, 09:01 AM

I did a little fishing a couple of weeks ago. I've got a lot of practice to do to get it right yet. But here's couple of observations.
Keep really close to the fish. If the water is murky at all, it's tough to see them from any distance.
I'd consider shooting at 60fps and slowing it down, things happen fast and there's a lot of short shots.
Keep some wipes on hand and clean the lens a lot.
Metal reflections and some water reflections aren't the cameras strongpoints, esp if the lens is a little dirty.
It worked best to keep the sun at my back and avoid them.
Half in-half out shots didn't work well. Either all in or out.
Side shots along the boat with some spray were nice.

June 30th, 2011, 12:43 AM	#1
Alan Maughan Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Wylam Posts: 46	Top tips for GoPro Hero Hi Guys, Ive just bought a 1080 HD Hero which I plan to take on a fishing trip next week to supplement the main footage I shoot with a 7D. I like the idea of underwater shots on a boom and the ability to get the camera quickly into some different angles than I can with my lump of 7D. I already make movies for the clients I take so its not quite holiday shooting. My learning curve has to be steep so I wondered if you guys could share the top tips to getting good footage? Im already thinking polarizing filter adaption to cut out the glare on the water and wether r3 will be better than r5? Any help greatly received.

June 30th, 2011, 09:00 AM	#2
Bill Ward Major Player Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 580	Re: Top tips for GoPro Hero Well, first tip: if you're going to use it underwater, you really should get on of the flat port housings. These have a different lens element which makes the underwater image MUCH sharper.

June 30th, 2011, 09:01 AM	#3
Scott Howard New Boot Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Pierre, South Dakota Posts: 12	Re: Top tips for GoPro Hero I did a little fishing a couple of weeks ago. I've got a lot of practice to do to get it right yet. But here's couple of observations. Keep really close to the fish. If the water is murky at all, it's tough to see them from any distance. I'd consider shooting at 60fps and slowing it down, things happen fast and there's a lot of short shots. Keep some wipes on hand and clean the lens a lot. Metal reflections and some water reflections aren't the cameras strongpoints, esp if the lens is a little dirty. It worked best to keep the sun at my back and avoid them. Half in-half out shots didn't work well. Either all in or out. Side shots along the boat with some spray were nice.