I am quite sure that by now, more than half of the world already knows what GoPro is and what they make. For the ones who may still not know will know a lot more after reading this post. I have been thinking about it from a long time if I shall make a jump and spend these few hundred quids getting my hands on these small little geeky inventions which capture all your motion pictures in amazing quality.
Another reason, I want to get one is for my own safety on the road. On Friday, 21st June 2013 – I was knocked on from my right with the impact on my right leg, the side of my motorcycle and left front of the car. It was slow speed at 2omph filtering through standstill traffic on motorway(A1M) heading north. Although, I was very very lucky to come off it unhurt in a nasty manner – Not that I don’t ride safe but because someone else’s mistake – I was about to lose my limb or even more – not sure if it matters now but it sure left me with a experience of a lifetime to remember once again. I ride to live and not ride to show-off so there is a difference in me being a motorcyclist. Motorcycle is my only way to life – for it constitutes my only way of transportation. Going back to the topic – GoPro has been on my mind for quite long time but now I do feel the need for it even more.
So before I go buy one, I had several questions in my head about what I shall buy. There are already plenty of alternatives similar to the GoPro cameras but I prefer to stick with the known branded option as I have had no self experience with these little gadgets. The best I have used so far is the FULL HD on my Nokia Lumia 920 but I am restricted to use it on the move due to its size and shape. I want to mount it and be free from the fear of letting it fall off on the move. I have done my bit of homework but still I have no answers to few questions which I will find out once I get on with it.
I intend to use it for everyday move in and out from London all year long so it better be reliable, rugged and waterproof. So my basic conditions would have to be met and they are offered in GoPro by default. So which version, model and mounts. Huh, there is endless heap of information to dig when you go finding GoPro3 but it really is a heap to dig at. Some of the questions which I really still struggle to find answers even after 3 days of digging is very vague. So, I know what to find when I get it first and share it out.
So, after all the research, pricing and careful thinking I had to decide with the top of the range GoPro3 Black Version – which basically has the so called best resolution of this modern day and age in its little tiny camera which you can fit anywhere(almost) when you are on the move. I ordered mine online after finding the cheapest deal for £250.99 which actually retails at £359.99 + £11 Shipping reaching £370 on the GoPro website itself. Now, this is the first time I am ordering from a different source so I am still bit anxious but the reviews on the website and other online sources gave me a piece of mind while ordering it.
Now, I have few questions in my head which are not very clearly answered anywhere – point to point.
How much time does it take to charge a GoPro3 battery pack ?
How long does the battery pack lasts on different modes under different weather conditions ?
How stable and smooth the vibrations are handled by GoPro3 ?
How many mounts shall I buy / what is the best possible positions ?
Is after market battery packs an option ?
How much space would it use on the 32Gb Class 10 UHS-1 Micro SD card ?
How do I play with the GoPro Remote while I am on the move ?
I have already downloaded the GoPro 3 app on the phone to see the live view when it is mounted so at least in that regards I should be well off. Also, awaiting for SANDISK 32GB Class10 UHS-1 Micro SD card which should be with me shortly. So in total a bit of expensive thing to start with. But I am hopeful this should yield me something good and creative to share. To bring all those exotic British landscapes while I ride through them in all the good /bad /ugly weather conditions.
For Now, it is just the waiting period. Photos and videos will be shared once I get the order. Since I am not a video person in terms of shooting and editing – I will be on a new learning curve to understand all the technical depths of modern resolutions by doing it myself. Although in the meanwhile, I am considerate reading the reviews from all those who bought this and have experienced battery issues. Definitely, more battery packs needed. We shall see it all once I get it.
FreeBirD 