Just bought a GoPro: Tips?

[ScreaminKaw]

Wasn't sure where to put this, so figured it might fit in "Riders Gear", plus the amount of traffic helps.

Anyways, just bought the GoPro Motorsports Hero Wide angle camera a few minutes ago. I plan on using it mostly on the tank to the 636.

Does anyone here who has one/has used one, have any tips and suggestions as far as where exactly to mount it to get the best shot (gauges and view through screen) while getting the best sound with the least amount of wind buffeting?

There doesn't appear to be a "preview" screen on the back like a digicam, so what do you guys do to know you have the right angle?

Also, says it can record up to 56 minutes when expanded to a 2GB SD card. Is that the biggest card you can go with? Seems like the amount recorded should be whatever size card you go with up to 16 GB's, not just 2 GB. Oh well, just seems odd but I can work with it.

Thanks in advance for all tips for the best shots.

[GEN1FALCON]

There is no viewing screen on the GoPro, I usually set it up in the garage and record a few seconds of video. I then take the SD card and load it into my laptop to see the angle and adjust it from there. After you use it on the same bike for a few times it becomes a no brainer imo. They are supposed to be coming out with a firmware to allow you to use a 4GB card but as of right now 2GB is the largest supported. There are so many other options beside the tank for the GoPro... explore them!!

Definately get some rechargeble AAA batteries to use with it as regular alkalines will go dead very quickly! There is alot more tips I am sure... Have fun and share your vids and pics!!

[Lowlypawn]

More angles = better, just keep moving it to another location every chance you get. See my video for an example.
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[Super Dennis]

I just bought a ContourHD and a handlebar mount that I'll be testing once I can find a 636 around here. I don't think I can handle riding with a camera on my helmet, even if it is just a bullet cam.

[ScreaminKaw]

^ That's one thing: I doubt I'll ever try the "helmet view" because A: I don't want a giant satellite sticking outta my head, and B: seeing as the GoPro isn't exactly streamlined, I don't want to feel any wind resistance from it tugging at my helmet.

FALCON, I'll definitely be moving it around on the bike. I watched a few vids and found that I really enjoy the "reverse view from the seat cowl" angle, where you see what's going on behind the bike as you pass everything. I also really like that view you have, with what looks like near the foot-peg. How is that as far as hindering lean angle? Do you ever notice the wind trying to "take" the camera? Like I mentioned earlier, seeing as the camera has no aerodynamic shape, does it keep you from going too fast (more of a mental thing, not wanting it to fly off/lose it's angle, as opposed to the wind resistance possibly slowing you down)?

Also, if/when I do the tank angle, will having a dark windscreen ruin the view?

Thanks for the tips guys. I can't wait to get this camera. Forever I've wanted a camera on the bike so I could sit back and watch me/us burn through our favorite sections.

[skymiles]

I just bought the gopro wide as well. With the suction cup provided it seems to be stuck on there pretty good, but I was still thinking about attaching a lanyard just to be sure.

Has anyone ever had a gopro come off of the bike while they were riding?

[GEN1FALCON]

When the suction cup mount is attached properly it is very strong, I have gone some pretty good speeds with no problems! I also have used it on my helmet and though it looks a little weird, I dont even feel it up there! In the pic I posted (right side) the GoPro is in the same place as you see it in the left pic., I just turned it inward a little so it would pick up part of my bike too.
Note that I have the non wide angle version so yours will pick up more!

In this vid. clip the GoPro is the left screen, as you can see it holds up pretty well at just over 60mph (LOL), the suction cup mount is being used.

.... video by GEN1FALCON - Photobucket

[GEN1FALCON]

Originally Posted by Lowlypawn

More angles = better, just keep moving it to another location every chance you get. See my video for an example.
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That vid is kick ass man, nice riding, angles, and editing!!!

[ScreaminKaw]

Agreed: that was a kick ass vid.

[Nasty99]

Originally Posted by Lowlypawn

More angles = better, just keep moving it to another location every chance you get. See my video for an example.
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Dude, that is a good vid.
I'm not knocking it but may I make a couple of suggestions?
Take this with a grain of salt.

Rear views are good for showing the lean angle but too many of just the back of the bike and the track gets monotonous. Try to include how quickly you pass or pull away from someone.
It's much better with some action going on.

More "catch" angles. It looks like that bike moves and I like to see how people set up the catch and pass.

As always, lower the volume on the music. Most of us are gear heads and love to hear the engine. I can hear the engine but not nearly as much as I would like to.

[Lowlypawn]

Originally Posted by Nasty99

Dude, that is a good vid.
I'm not knocking it but may I make a couple of suggestions?
Take this with a grain of salt.

Rear views are good for showing the lean angle but too many of just the back of the bike and the track gets monotonous. Try to include how quickly you pass or pull away from someone.
It's much better with some action going on.

More "catch" angles. It looks like that bike moves and I like to see how people set up the catch and pass.

As always, lower the volume on the music. Most of us are gear heads and love to hear the engine. I can hear the engine but not nearly as much as I would like to.

No problems, grain of salt taken

But just so you know I did that with one camera. So if I passed someone in one shot I don’t have any other angles of that pass, so all I can do is edit it to give the illusion that it’s all shot at the same time.

I would love to have 4 or 5 GoPros on my bike and make a real kick ass video but that would get pretty expensive.

I also think the sound on my GoPro is defective, I have tried both setting and they both sound horrible so I just crank up the music. Trust me if it sounded good I would mix in more engine noise!

Vholder has a higher resolution camera that I’m thinking of purchasing.
HD Video Samples from ContourHD Wearable Camcorder
It’s 1280x720 and looks WAY better then the GoPro wide, If I buy that then I will have two angles of a pass but switching between HD and low rez might look real bad. I would love to find a deal and pick up two of em. Anyway, Thx for the nice comments and I think I going to hit the track again in August so hopefully I’ll be able to make an even better video. I’ve got so ‘secret’ camera angles I’m going to try lol.

[GEN1FALCON]

Originally Posted by Lowlypawn

No problems, grain of salt taken

But just so you know I did that with one camera. So if I passed someone in one shot I don’t have any other angles of that pass, so all I can do is edit it to give the illusion that it’s all shot at the same time.

I would love to have 4 or 5 GoPros on my bike and make a real kick ass video but that would get pretty expensive.

I also think the sound on my GoPro is defective, I have tried both setting and they both sound horrible so I just crank up the music. Trust me if it sounded good I would mix in more engine noise!

Vholder has a higher resolution camera that I’m thinking of purchasing.
HD Video Samples from ContourHD Wearable Camcorder
It’s 1280x720 and looks WAY better then the GoPro wide, If I buy that then I will have two angles of a pass but switching between HD and low rez might look real bad. I would love to find a deal and pick up two of em. Anyway, Thx for the nice comments and I think I going to hit the track again in August so hopefully I’ll be able to make an even better video. I’ve got so ‘secret’ camera angles I’m going to try lol.

Hey Lowlypawn let me know if you would ever like to borrow mine for a track day, I would gladly let you borrow it bro! It's not the wide but it works and you can do more with your cool vids!

[Lowlypawn]

Originally Posted by GEN1FALCON

Hey Lowlypawn let me know if you would ever like to borrow mine for a track day, I would gladly let you borrow it bro! It's not the wide but it works and you can do more with your cool vids!

Thx, I may take you up on that offer.

[bimmerx2]

Originally Posted by ScreaminKaw

^ That's one thing: I doubt I'll ever try the "helmet view" because A: I don't want a giant satellite sticking outta my head, and B: seeing as the GoPro isn't exactly streamlined, I don't want to feel any wind resistance from it tugging at my helmet.

FALCON, I'll definitely be moving it around on the bike. I watched a few vids and found that I really enjoy the "reverse view from the seat cowl" angle, where you see what's going on behind the bike as you pass everything. I also really like that view you have, with what looks like near the foot-peg. How is that as far as hindering lean angle? Do you ever notice the wind trying to "take" the camera? Like I mentioned earlier, seeing as the camera has no aerodynamic shape, does it keep you from going too fast (more of a mental thing, not wanting it to fly off/lose it's angle, as opposed to the wind resistance possibly slowing you down)?

Also, if/when I do the tank angle, will having a dark windscreen ruin the view?

Thanks for the tips guys. I can't wait to get this camera. Forever I've wanted a camera on the bike so I could sit back and watch me/us burn through our favorite sections.

If it's attached right that suction cup won't come off. I've had mine on while riding really bumpy off-road and on 'road' at well over the legal limits and it's not going anywhere - but I still tie it on with a string, just in case.

Don't worry about wind resistance making any difference when it's attached to the bike. Even in the best tuck ever your body is causing a LOT more drag than the camera.

Behind the tinted screen it will get less of a view. The wide angle sees a lot though so it might be OK but you'll just have to try in and see.

OH, and invest in a lot of rechargable batteries because this thing eats batteries like candy.

[Vulgar1]

Pawn, Your video was really cool. Nice job!