Advice Please - GoPro for Kids and Family Events

[mic]

I have been thinking about getting a GoPro to take fishing with me, but that is a lot of money to spend on a one trick pony.  Does anyone know how well it will work for more mundane things like recording my girl's band concerts and school dance routines.  Right now I record them with a cell phone.  I was curious how the fish eye lens would work at a distance, i.e., from the stands to the basketball court.  Any thoughts?

[Flysmallie]

It doesn't work well for the kid events unless you can get really close. I've tried it.

[mic]

Ok... thanks

 

[ollie]

Yes, no zoom so you would have to up close and personal.  It will capture the whole event, but I just use mine for up close and personal.

[Fishingmill]

Gopro are best for capturing outdoor action footage. They aren't great for indoor shots with low lighting. You can get a refurb dslr with a lens for about the same price as the GoPro Hero4 Black. A good dslr will record video in low light and allow you to zoom. But they aren't as durable or waterproof as a GoPro. 

[Flyfsh]

I have used one for a couple of years. Only thing I disagree with from above is it works very well in low light like a cave. You wouldn't be happy trying to video a game with a go pro. The dslr recommended above is a much better all around camera. 

Jim

[Flysmallie]

2 minutes ago, Flyfsh said:

Only thing I disagree with from above is it works very well in low light like a cave.

Well that is interesting because the story has always been that they don't perform well in low light conditions. But I guess I've never really tried.

Just get one of each.

[Guest]

2 hours ago, Flysmallie said:

Well that is interesting because the story has always been that they don't perform well in low light conditions. But I guess I've never really tried.

Just get one of each.

He must be talking about the GoPro Black ($400-$500), because all the models I've owned were terrible in low light. 

With that said, its amazing what you can find under a log jam with the GoPro mounted on an old heavy action rod. I used to wade the creeks during the summer & slide that dude under a rootball. All kinds of cool stuff under there.

[Fishingmill]

@FlyfshI've never used a gopro in a cave, so you got me there.  Haha.

 

[JestersHK]

I just got a Hero+ for xmas.  As others have stated low light, no zoom, and having trouble picking up sound thats not right next to it make its use kind of limited.  I will say for outdoor kids activity they are great.  Sledding is awesome!  Sometime I just strap mine on my 4yr old and let her run around.  Trying to find a way to strap it on my dog as well.  My wife bought mine for me as a gift knowing I would never spend the money on one just for myself, but so far I am very happy with it, and always finding or thinking of new ways to use it.