2010 GoPro HD Camera Review

[Topher Walters]

I have several questions about the GoPro HD camera. Do you charge the batteries through the USB on a computer or a 120v home outlet? Can you charge the batteries via a vehicle 12v system? Can you shoot video "live" while directly attached to a computer, which would allow direct download of the video to the computer and constant charging?
I am really interested in one of these but the limitations for me have been the lack of battery and memory.
Thanks in advance!

 

[Corey]

Hello Chris.
It charges via USB cable from a computer to the camera on the side.
You must take it out of its waterproof housing to do that though.

The USB cable is not the same like for my Droid, it is a special one.
I need to find out from GoPro (have not seen it on their site unless I missed it) if they have a wall charger and a 12v one, as I have found out today running the camera at work having the new LCD Backpac on can drain the battery faster.
You can turn the LCD screen off to though via its new menu.

I do not think you can shoot video when attached to the PC, I just tried.
It is either charging if you do not power it up and plug it in, or if plugged in and you hit the power button, it switches it over to USB mode so you can transfer files from it to a PC.

I just uploaded a video to Vimeo, and some pics to my personal server.
The video is being converted right now still via Vimeo, I will post back in a bit when it is done.

I can say with the new LCD Backpac installed it shoots more like a regular digital camera taking pics or vids.
I do not want to wear the camera all the time.

The video quality is outstanding since it is full 1080P HD.
You can go lower resolution too, all the specs are on their site and posted earlier in this thread.

The new LCD Backpac really makes the camera more user friendly too with the new text in the menus.

Will not not be long it is 77% done converting, then I will post back.

 

[Corey]

Three pictures from work today, they were shot at full resolution, then shrunk down to 1200x900 for viewing on the forums.

First up is one of the 787 simulators where I work.
I will get to fly that in that anytime I want, I just have to ask
More than likely I would go in on a weekend.
These are the real deal, they train pilots from all over the world at our place, we have all of the Boeing aircraft models here.
It is just like flying the real thing, hydraulic operated, and you can choose the airport you want to fly in/out of.

These are the two small lakes/ponds at my work.
There are paths around them to walk on, and to view the plentiful wildlife.
In the video description I forgot to add that we also have American Bald Eagles here, and also osprey.

A shot of yours truly from one of my mobile offices.

The video was shot in full 1080P HD resolution.
1080p = 1920×1080 pixels (16:9), 30 fps, 15 Mbit/s data rate
http://vimeo.com/19724141

 

[Corey]

Chris, I did not see any chargers on GoPro's site, but Amazon has a wall charger, but no 12v charger.
This however will work, you just use the supplied USB cable that comes with the camera.
I am going to order a set to try out.
http://pointofviewcameras.com/usb-ac-and-car-charger-adapters.html
I will check my local Radio Shack first though to see if they have something similar.

I also ordered from GoPro this morning the tripod and suction cup mounts.

 

[Corey]

Radio Shack to the rescue.
This will work with the USB cable that comes with the GoPro, now you can charge it in the rig.
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3964928

 

[Topher Walters]

Corey,
That adaptor for the USB and 12v is what I was thinking for a vehicle. My question about shooting video while attached to the laptop is for a vehicle application. Could I hook the GoPro to my vehicle and to my laptop inside the vehicle and record video for 10+ hours of driving. If I was just on the battery and SD card I would run out of juice and card space long before 10+ hours. Any suggestions?

 

[Corey]

Not sure Chris, I would drop GoPro an email.

I will have another video later today.
I heard on our work radios the blue heron was down by the big pond.
I drove down and found him, and for the first time in five years I have been trying to get him ln camera, today was the day.

 

[Corey]

Here is a short video I shot of the blue heron at work today.
More description is at the Vimeo URL for the video too.

http://vimeo.com/19766476



PS
Chris, found a better 12 USB hub and a 12v socket on Amazon.
I am ordering it right now, should have it Friday.
Much nicer than the Shacks one.
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Charger-4-Port-Charger-Cigarette-Socket/dp/B003S6CO9I/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1297292595&sr=8-5"]Amazon.com: 5-in-1 Auto Charger. 4-Port USB Car Charger and 1 12V DC Cigarette Socket - Great for iPhones, iPods, GPS, PSP, Cell Phones, Radar Detectors, and Many More: Electronics[/ame]

 

[Topher Walters]

Corey,
I like that charger. I read on the GoPro website that they are working on an "extended" battery. I think it would be like the "backpac" screen attachment that you got. I like the video of the blue Heron. It seems like you have to hold the camera pretty steady or the video will get shakey, even when you pan across you have to go slow or the video gets difficult to follow. The picture is awsome.
Thanks

 

[Corey]

Thanks Chris.
I am getting a different 12v USB port though.
The reviews on that one were not the best.

I did not notice to much shaking.
If there was some, it may have been me

The LCD screen can be turned off too when using the camera strapped to you or an object, thus saving the battery more.

I wish I could have got closer to the heron, but they never let you get to close.
now if I can just get a shot of the bald eagles we have at work too.
The wetlands there at work create a great environment for lots of wildlife to make it their home.

The two ponds and walking paths use to be the Longacres horse racing track of many years ago, and seen from a satellite view from above you can still see the outline of the old track.

 

[liftedlimo]

I just got an email back today from GoPro regarding an external battery charger for a second battery. There are a few aftermarket 120v wall chargers, but no 12v or factory authorized ones. GoPro told me that the new extended battery pack functions as a charger when not attached to the camera!!

Double score GoPro!

Cant wait for the 3D housing to be relased!

 

[Corey]

I have seen a few aftermarket ones where you put the battery into it, but I like the idea of just using the USB cable.

Now if I can get another cable from GoPro, that would be nice.,
Keep one hooked up to my PC, and have another one with the 12v USB plug that arrives today to keep in my rig.

 

[TheGleam227]

I have several questions about the GoPro HD camera. Do you charge the batteries through the USB on a computer or a 120v home outlet? Can you charge the batteries via a vehicle 12v system? Can you shoot video "live" while directly attached to a computer, which would allow direct download of the video to the computer and constant charging?
I am really interested in one of these but the limitations for me have been the lack of battery and memory.
Thanks in advance!

I just found a vid on youtube with a guy connecting the GoPro to his TV for live output. Not sure about doing the same with a laptop, or in the car, but someone may be able to figure it out. Apparently the new firmware supports built-in live feed.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-zPM7jQuzY"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-zPM7jQuzY[/ame]

Sorry i'm no genius! Hopefully someone can figure it out though.

 

[Corey]

Thanks for posting the video, I may experiment with it over the weekend.

 

[Corey]

Just into my inbox.
Battery BacPac