(Part 3) Top products from r/gopro

I have the SP POV Buoy, it's definitely a nice grenade/pistol grip type mount but as you mentioned, you won't get very far with it. Check out my post from a couple days ago (quoted below), I recommend the XSories Big U-Shot 2.0 with either a ProFloaty strapped to it or a pool noodle float.

-------------

There are a couple factors that you need to take into account when choosing a telescoping pole mount:

• Application (underwater, outside window while driving, walking, etc)
  
• Maximum (fully extended) length
  
• Portability (fully collapsed length)
  
• Price
  
  I did some research and ended up trying a couple different products, and I'll share my thoughts on each one with you.
  
  ----------------
  
  XSories Big U-Shot
  
  | Min (Collapsed) Length | Max (Extended) Length | Weight | Price |
  |:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|
  | 8.75in (22.23cm) | 37.75in (95.89cm) | 4.1oz (116.23g) | $39.99 |
  
  Pros:
  
  
• At ~9 inches, the XSories Big U-Shot is almost small enough to be pocket sized. I actually put it in my swimming trunks pocket and used the included carbiner to clip the bottom of it to a belt loop (yes my swimming trunks have belt loops) to prevent it from falling out. It ended up being fairly comfortable while sitting on a jetski.
  
  
• The extension locking mechanism allows for quickly readjusting pole length.
  
  
• With a max reach of 37.75 inches, you can easily fit yourself and a bunch of your friends into a nice selfie - and depending on the angle you use, you won't even see the pole.
  
  
• The pole is light enough to float with an attached ProFloaty (3rd party floaty with attached tether).
  
  Cons
  
  
• This is not meant for shooting in or around water. I took it on the ocean for one day, and all of the metal in the ball head noticeably oxidized.
  
  
• The locking mechanism seems cheap and flimsy, you basically pull out a section and twist it to the side and it seems to lock with friction.
  
  
• Maybe it's because I over tightened the tripod mount, but the little clear disk under the 1/4" screw started cracking after about 3 uses, and will likely fall off shortly. This confirms my suspicion that the entire ball head on this one is a bit too fragile.
  
  
• Due to it's light weight I'm a little concerned about holding it out the car window while going 80mph.
  
  ----------------
  
  Sealife Aquapod
  
  | Min (Collapsed) Length | Max (Extended) Length | Weight | Price |
  |:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|
  | 18in (46cm) | 53in (135cm) | 9oz (255g) | $69.95 |
  
  Pros:
  
  
• At 53 inches you can get really up close and personal with wildlife, or capture some nice faux-flyover footage.
  
  
• The construction of this thing is strong and I would not hesitate to stick it out the window going 80mph.
  
  
• Firm locking mechanism.
  
  
• Comes with standard 1/4" inch and GoPro attachments, so you don't need the extra tripod mount. In addition, the attachments are quick release, so you can easily remove and put back the GoPro as needed.
  
  
• The Aquapod is made to be used underwater, so you don't need to worry about rust / oxidation.
  
  Cons
  
  
• When completely collapsed to 18 inches, it is far from pocket-sized and won't fit into just any backpack. Your best bet would be mounting it on the outside of your backpack/bag.
  
  
• The Aquapod is noticeably heavier than the other poles, which says something about its durability. At the same time, it takes a significant amount of strength to hold it, especially when fully extended.
  
  ----------------
  
  XSories Big U-Shot 2.0
  
  | Min (Collapsed) Length | Max (Extended) Length | Weight | Price |
  |:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|
  | 11.45in (29cm) | 37in (94cm) | 4.94oz (140g) | $49.95 |
  
  Pros:
  
  
• With a max reach of ~37 inches (same as the original Big U-Shot), you can easily fit yourself and a bunch of your friends into a nice selfie - and depending on the angle you use, you won't even see the pole.
  
  
• 100% stainless aluminium ball-head feels sturdy and will not rust.
  
  
• The U-Shot 2.0 is made to be used underwater, so you don't need to worry about rust / oxidation.
  
  Cons
  
  
• Has the same extending/locking mechanism as the original U-Shot which I'm not a huge fan of.
  
  
• Feels a little flimsy when fully extended, but still better than the original U-Shot.
  
  ----------------
  
  The XSories Big U-Shot and XSories Big U-Shot 2.0 both come in non-Big variants, but I feel they are too short to even be considered.
  
  ----------------
  
  I think I'm gonna end up getting rid of the Sealife Aquapod and the original XSories Big U-Shot and keeping the XSories Big U-Shot 2.0; it's portable, extends enough to capture nice footage / get wildlife closeups and is meant to be used underwater so no worries about rust and corrosion. I really wish there was a hybrid between the XSories Big U-Shot 2.0 and Sealife Aquapod, but until then I hope my breakdown will help you in making a decision.

This is a good place to start. Here are a few more thoughts/suggestions:

• Check the contents of the Lexar card, mine came with a mini card reader that works well.
  
• The gopro battery will be the limiting factor when continuously recording, you should test the maximum recording time before your wedding. Use the same settings and try to recreate the temperature it will be running at during the wedding.
  
• I highly suggest a product like this to give you peace of mind when you are using your gopro in the water. There are several cheap options on amazon.
  
• One thing that nobody has mentioned in this thread yet is sound. If you want the dialogue from your ceremony to come through the gopro will have to be very close. If there is wind it will be even more difficult to hear you. You'll get the best results if the case is not on.
  
• If any of your guests own gopros I'm sure they will be bringing them. See if they will let you borrow them for the wedding and pull the footage off of them afterwards. This way you can have multiple angles and make a really nice video later on. If he's up to it you can have the officiant wear a chest mounted gopro which will give a nice up close perspective and probably capture the best sound. You can get creative with any other angles.
  
• This flexible tripod is one of my favorite accessories. It's so versatile and can be mounted to just about anything. There are cheaper alternatives on amazon, I chose this one because it has a level (it was also $20 at the time I bought it).
  
• The Suction Cup is also a very useful tool for mounting the gopro. I suggest getting the gopro brand because it is sturdy and the suction cup is very strong.
  
• I would leave most of the settings alone. There is a ton of information on this subject and it can be overwhelming. My two cents are to use 2.7K resolution wide for most everything. If you want slow motion use 1080p at 60 FPS.
  
• One of the biggest problems with most people's videos are that they are shakey as hell. Try to keep the camera steady if possible. If you want to expand your budget a bit you can purchase a gimbal which will give you very very good results. Understandably those are out of most peoples' budgets and there are other techniques you can use to keep the camera steady by using the pole that will give decent results.
  
• If your gopro is in a cool/cold hotel room and you take it outside into the hot/humid air fog will condense on the lens. Once the lens warms up the fog will go away.
  
• Make sure you play with your gopro before hand so that you get a good feel for it and you can get any questions out of the way a head of time.
  
  Feel free to ask any questions you might still have. Also, congratulations and good luck!

If you're going for a direct mount (close to the contacting surface) I'd go with the GoPro suction cup. It sticks like no ones business and has a larger base for more stability and less vibrations. If you are going to mount it far from the contact surface I'd go with a multi suction cup solution. I built this last year and it came out great. It was a bit of a DIY but you need to have multiple contact patches to negate the leverage you will be putting on the whole rig.

• Here is what it looks like mounted on the car
  
• Here is what the video came out like
  
  You can look into getting something like this which would work well but do nothing to dampen vibrations due to the single arm design.
  
  My second design (that was going to cost over $200...) included 3 ram mounts with balls on top, 6 ball clamps with a threaded side, and custom cut pole for the legs. the 3 arms would connect to this and would then have the GoPro(s) mounted on it.
  
  I didnt do ^^this^^ due to the fact that it was $120 more than my prototype, and for that money you can almost get the nice manfrotto DSLR capable suction cups and hardware. If you have any questions let me know!
  
  EDIT: oh, and always make sure your mounting surface is clean. like, windex then alcohol on the glass. And if you have surface scratches on your paint you will lose suction.

Chest mounted works for skiing but doesn't work for snowboarding as well.

I have a helmet mount pretty much on the forehead of my helmet. I'll likely add another mount to the side at some point.

I would suggest getting a ball joint mount which I'm finding to be very, very versatile. It gives enough extension to get the helmet out of the way for side or top helmet shots. Also, if you don't like the self stick in your shots like me, it gives it enough extension to get it out of the way as well. I really should pick up another one of these because I like it so much.

I might have to get the chesty, have been wanting one but $40 is a lot for that. If you're looking for a better pole I'm really happy with this one.

Nice! I'd recommend getting a toy size quad to practice on, it will save you some cash in the long run. The Hubsan X4 has treated me well.

That looks like a good one. I use the Joby ActionPod, had it for years and never had any issues. It can definitely hold up a smaller DSLR or mirrorless camera as well. It also has a level on the ballhead which is supernice for getting a straightion horizon.

Although I haven't used the one you linked. Some downsides I could see is the foam ripping or tearing and aborsing lots of water when it gets wet.

The first option is to go without a housing at all, and instead get a frame. The latest frame nicely snaps out too, but around 40$ USD or so. The next option, is to look into an external microphone with the microphone attachment that goes through the micro USB port.

Using this adapter and a standard microphone. The hard part however, I think is mounting the mic onto the housing/frame so that you don't have to stand there all day with the mic in your hand.

If you check out /r/goproDIY there are a few rigs made by some who have attached mics to mounts.

This was my favourite card with my 3+ Black. Now I upgraded to the [ Samsung Pro micro sd] (http://amzn.com/B00IVPU88U) which should work great with 4k in the hero 4 black!

Pretty sure it's this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VA4CK8

Just bought one for my trip to Hawaii and it was awesome. It's not gopro specific so I used it with my point and shoot also. You'll the gopro tripod mount but I recommend it highly.

i don't know much about airsoft, but if they are replica of real guns, you can get a gun rail mount like this, or a barrel mount.

Or something like this as a general purpose mount, looks like it could work as a barrel mount.

I'm going against the grain here, but...

Go with the RAM twist lock mount. Especially if you're interested in other mounts as well. Way more stable than most GoPro mounts, and with the 1" ball, more adjustable too. I've got the suction cup, a couple different length arms, the clamp, and a tripod mount ball. Just those get me most of the setups I need that aren't covered by a sticky mount.

http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Backpack-SLR-Cameras-Accessories-Black/dp/B002VPE1WK

I got on of those... So far I love it. I haven't taken it out too much but its nice having everything in its place while not having to carry around an obnoxious hard case... The backpack is pretty compact...

i'd snag at least another 64. i tapped out my 64 on a 7 day trip to hawaii. not a bad thing to have more storage in the long run really. someone just posted an amazon deal for a sandisk extreme plus for around $40 too...

have fun in thailand!


edit: here's the link to the 64gb link

The head strap ontop of goggles isn't a fun choice while snorkeling. It doesn't come down far enough with the goggles in the way to really stay on tight. It also feels uncomfortable have all that pressure on your head. When I went we used our XShot 2.0 pole and it turned out great. Just wash the pole and case with fresh water and dry after snorkeling. There are better options but for your first time out I'd say start small and buy more if you think you need it the second time out.

You wont need a red filter but you'll see improvements however I cant think of any manufacturers who have on for the Hero3+ case.

You could also get the Bobber mount so it'll never sink.

Also this is there SD cards I use

Can you show us a pic of which joint you're talking about on the 3-way?

Here's a good pic of what it should look like https://www.amazon.com/GoPro-3-Way-Grip-Arm-Tripod/dp/B00KCX8H6E?ie=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0

After reading a bunch of poor reviews on the handlebar mount awhile back I decided to get this one instead. http://www.amazon.com/ARKON-GP134-Zip-Tie-Style-Bicycle/dp/B00B9N6P5G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1369608345&sr=8-1&keywords=go+pro+arkon
Unfortunately I haven't tried it on my bike yet but it seems much more versatile and the reviews were good. Its got a bit of foam around the base of it that might help with the vibration issue.

Although if the vibration issue is with the bike itself a helmet mount might be the way to go; your head is usually the most steady thing in anything that you do.

Or, even simpler. Use a filter. Works like a champ.

You will need one with a fast data transfer rate. I use this one with my h4s. Works great!

http://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-Extreme-Adapter-SDSDQX-064G-U46A-Version/dp/B00D6XTMFC

I use the x-shot 2.0 it's really been great. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000VA4CK8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1383069154&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70

This bag has worked pretty well for me - http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Backpack-DSLR-Cameras-Accessories/dp/B002VPE1WK

so, weekend trial 1 complete. the audio i got overall is fantastic! i used the skeleton housing with this mic
i am very pleased overall with the setup. ill try to post a small video of some quality at some point

I have this case and it's awesome. almost all my stuff fits is most times i keep my pole and minitripod in a seperate bag.

Awesome video! A few things though

1. You should use really use a red filter.
   
2. How did you rig it to the chum?
   
3. How long did you leave it down there?

The card you linked is a full size SD card. The 3+ black can only use a micro SD. The micro SD version of that card is $59.99: http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Class-Adapter-MB-MG64DA-AM/dp/B00IVPU88U

If the micro SD version was only $35.99 then it would definitely be worth it!

I use a GoPro Hero 5 for dashcam in an jet and use [this (amazon link)] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L2CPPH2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_dp_T2_qSPFzb9QRE1TW). Worked right out of the box.

This. It's all about what you want to record. And how little you want the mic to be. This is a popular smaller mic. If you are going for more quality/bigger size, you could go with a shotgun mic. Also, You can buy a Chinese adapter on eBay for under $3.

I've been using this thing as a floaty its been good for river trips and cliff jumping and whatnot.

You could also get this offbrand one, it comes with adhesive to stick it to to any back.

if you're buying in pounds - looks like amazon has the 3-way for 50
here

http://www.amazon.co.uk/SP-POV-Small-Adjustable-Pole-GoPro/dp/B00CKPADS2 this is cheap, I have it. Very nice

I got this one, the Hubsan X4. It's showing it for $40 right now but I think I only paid $35 for mine at the time. They make the same one with a camera installed but I didn't see the point of that since the whole idea was to only use it for practicing.

It really wasn't hard to get the hang of. I started indoors with it and crashed it several times. It was fun but taking it out to the soccer fields and zipping it all over the place is what made me understand people's obsession with multicopters. The worst that has happened outdoors is twice I've taken my eye off it when it had gotten so far away it was just a tiny black speck in the sky. Both times I panicked, cut the throttle to let it fall and searched for it. Luckily it suffered no damage either of those times.

I will say you should definitely invest in some extra props and extra batteries. You can find all that pretty cheap online too. Even with all that added on you're still talking about less than $100.

Oh, and completely un-GoPro-related: these things are extremely fun to fly at night. With the LEDs on it's easier to see and looks like a UFO buzzing about.

Took mine to a club last night and it really doesn't pick up bass well at all. Quality is insane though, 1080p @ 60fps. Haven't tried 30 fps yet let alone play with ProTune. Lots of time to tweak before festival season comes along ;).

I am going to get an external mic soon, probably this one.

> is this recommended at all ?

You won't be able to do it directly. The GoPro requires a specific protocol from the interacting device to work, and your mixer does not have it (it's only available on GoPro products and products certified to work with GoPro).

What you could do, though, is convert your signal out from the mixer and adapt it to the GoPro Mic adapter, which then plugs into the USB-C on the camera. This way, you'd be operating the mixer like an external mic.

Thank you! Is this the one? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CKPADS2/ref=cm_sw_r_oth_api_2U5ezbSEAS6Y1

I highly recommend it! However, the one you're looking at is rated for 6.6lbs which is great if you're looking to also use it for your DSLR but if not you can save some cash by going with the lighter duty version made for the GoPro

This is the one I use Samsung Pro:

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Class-Adapter-MB-MG64DA-AM/dp/B00IVPU88U/

And these are other brands at similar speeds.

Lexar High Performance

http://www.amazon.com/Lexar-High-Performance-MicroSDXC-Memory-LSDMI64GBBNL633R/dp/B00IF4OATU

Sandisk Extreme Plus

http://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-Extreme-Frustration-Free-Packaging--SDSDQX-064G-AFFP-/dp/B00DM1BDPK

That being said 1080@30 isn't that crazy in bitrate. Are you using protune? It could very well be a dud card because 1080@30 should be well within the range of the card you linked

I was going to advise you this one, but it's now almost twice the price I paid for it, and I forgot you need an adapter. A couple of days ago /u/shallowlikeme posted an awesome picture of the Morning Glory allegedly taken with this pole, which seems to be one hell of a good deal.

Something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/ARKON-GP134-Zip-Tie-Style-Bicycle/dp/B00B9N6P5G

It's sold as part of a multi pack at my Walmart. Haven't tried it out though, so I can't vouch for its holding power.

This is the one I use.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/SP-POV-Small-Adjustable-Pole-GoPro/dp/B00CKPADS2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1422395339&sr=8-2&keywords=SP+Pov

No problems with it so far. It doesn't extend as far as some might want it to but it's good enough.

I picked up this along with the suggested attachment last week. It doesn't compact down to quite the size I want, but it seems very durable. Plus, I get the added DSLR monopod use out of it and it's a bit cheaper.

Amazon sells skeleton housing for the purposes of using the ports.

I bought mine locally within Australia. However I found this one on amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/POV-Case-Large-GoPro-Edition-Black/dp/B00B3TVYAW/ref=pd_sbs_sg_3

Dji phantom... $500 new from Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00AGOSQI8

How is this better than a ball joint? http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IS3N6ES

Not trying to knock it, just want to know why I would use this instead of a $10 ball joint.

This.

This is a floaty with a tether on it. I'm also getting a tether for other uses.

Would you suggest this one or version 3.0?

Hubsan X4 H107L : http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00IZC6C8E

I think it's expensive for everyone...lol. And for $40, why not?

Is this the one? http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IZC6C8E/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3QAIPXUUVWZPZ&coliid=I3C0HKYELURX1K&psc=1

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00K67QUQK/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_2?pf_rd_p=1944687562&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B00I0LXL70&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1YMG927GJDMFMMECEFG2

This one.

$69.99 for a 20 inch pole that bends three way
https://www.amazon.com/GoPro-3-Way-Tripod-Official-Mount/dp/B00KCX8H6E/ref=sr_1_15?srs=2529502011&ie=UTF8&qid=1491428862&sr=8-15

I found this in amazon. Can i use this?

https://www.amazon.ca/GoPro-3-5mm-Adapter-Official-Accessory/dp/B01L2CPPH2/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=gopro+mic+adapter&qid=1572618329&sr=8-3

Do you have the GoPro mic adapter too ( https://www.amazon.com/GoPro-3-5mm-Adapter-Official-Accessory/dp/B01L2CPPH2/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=gopro+mic+adapter&qid=1566352039&s=gateway&sr=8-3 ) - that product says it's required.

I use this.

Skeleton is the housing that isn't waterproof. Like this

Why buy the knock off when you can buy the legit one for cheaper?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CSQYVWM/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I just bought one myself, I'd suggest to get one quickly before the price raises back up. It's currently $28.49 w/ Prime as I type this.

DJI Phantom Aerial UAV Drone Quadcopter for GoPro
$479

http://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-Extreme-Adapter-SDSDQX-064G-U46A-Version/dp/B00D6XTMFC

Or you could get the Samsung 32GB PRO

Something similar, I've been meaning to buy one to try it out. The reviews aren't terrible, so it worth the $10 to me. In addition I wouldn't trust my GoPro on the outside of a car or in a dangerous spot without a tether.

http://www.amazon.com/Joint-Mount-Compatible-Action-Camera/dp/B00IS3N6ES/ref=pd_sbs_auto_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=0EBKBPYYYTD7F5GWA7H0

Another one, reviews aren't as good, but still worth a shot.

http://www.amazon.com/SP-Gadgets-Swivel-Mount-Color/dp/B00I0JH6KA/ref=pd_sim_p_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=0XN6SDZPY4K12RGKKDSD

Cheapest you will find is a non-powered gimbal like this

The lowest priced gimbals from Feiyu-Tech start at around $200. Search around and you can find them for $150 used but it will generally only apply to the 2-axis ones.

Alternatively, you could buy/rent a chicken and attach a GoPro Session to its head. Chicken heads are nature's gimbals.

[Seriously.] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLIU18s4cy8)

I picked up one of these a few months ago. It's compact, but has room in it for a lot of gear. When I'm shooting, I'll usually hang it from the weight hook of my tripod. I keep the cameras in smaller hard shell cases when packed away.

Batteries
, Suction Cup,Polemount(you'll need the tripod mount for this one too)


Those are my essentials. if you dont want mounts then just get the batteries. if you're going to use the Wi-fi it really drains the batteries and the wall charger is convient

I am doing some underwater stfuff as well. Here's a few things that I purchased:

the bobber

red snap on filter

go scope

And a shameless plug for my first tide pool video shot last weekend.

No gimbal needed for the Hero7, except for all but the most extreme of maneuvers and based on what you said, it's very likely not required.

Save the gimbal money for the following list:

• Approved memory card. If it's not on that list, don't buy it!!
  
• Dual-Charger (which comes with a spare battery in the box, so you'll have two)
  
• GoPro Shorty (small tripod with an extendable selfie stick built in)
  
• Adventure Kit
  
• GorillaPod
  
• Joby Suction Cup