Guide to GoPro Cameras

In the world of cameras, GoPro cameras have always been a staple. They are the most preferred cameras in the industry when it comes to adventure photography. This is most likely due to their heavy-duty nature and indestructible construction, allowing them to shoot videos and take pictures from just about anywhere. GoPro cameras have taken outdoor cinematography and photography to another level, and people have been able to catch incredible shots with these cameras. 

GoPro cameras are handy devices, but many models of them are available on the market, making it challenging to choose the best one. Regardless of whichever camera you choose, you will get high-quality videography and durability that is hard to beat.

What is a GoPro?A GoPro attached to a bicycle

A GoPro is a small camera designed to combine the features you would get with a point-and-shoot camera and a camcorder but in a small and tough frame. GoPro cameras are known to be highly compact and practically indestructible, which makes them perfect for when you go on trips and adventures. You can use these cameras to take pictures and videos in rugged terrain without destroying expensive camera equipment. 

These cameras have an image sensor, a high-quality processor, three microphones, and a wide-angle lens. All these features allow you to take photos and videos from just about anywhere. With only a few buttons on the device, it is an easy-to-use camera.

One of the most distinguishing features of a GoPro is its lens. It uses an incredibly wide lens instead of a normal one, meaning it can fit a lot more in the frame. This allows you to capture wider shots, meaning your action shots will look much more dynamic and cool. 

Reasons To Own a GoPro

A man attaching an action camera to his belt.

A GoPro is a handy camera that allows you to accentuate the perspective of the lens and can be used outdoors. This makes it the perfect choice for filming action shots. Although you can do the same on regular cameras with arguably much better digital sensors to record images and videos, they are bulky. One of the biggest appeals of a GoPro is how compact it is, making it possible to carry it with you on extended camping trips without much issue. 

GoPro cameras are the size of your hand’s palm, making them perfect for producing extraordinary angles. Their convenient size also means they are lightweight, meaning you can take them anywhere without worrying about their weight.

Professionals also state that the GoPro has depth to its images. The curving angles allow you to get incredible views, and it almost seems like the image is popping out at you. They are also extremely easy to mount, which increases their versatility.

Another pro of owning a GoPro is its ability to record pictures and videos in excellent quality in any circumstance, even underwater. You can take these cameras swimming and record sea life underneath the water’s surface. 

GoPro cameras are designed to be standalone cameras. Still, you can add functionality and versatility to them by pairing them with your iOS and Android device because it has a mobile app. Using it, you can control the GoPro and view the live feed on your mobile device. This is thanks to the built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities of the phone. 

This camera can perform all the same tasks as any other high-quality digital camera and recorder but has the advantage of being lightweight, compact, and highly durable. These factors make this camera a must-have for those who want to capture extreme sports action shots. 

How To Use Your GoPro

A man taking a photo using a GoPro

When you have purchased a GoPro, you must know how to set it up so that you don’t have any trouble using it. There are many different options and buttons to figure out, which might get a bit confusing for some. Here are a few features and how they work.

Feature

How it Works

Camera Status Screen

This screen shows you the camera settings you have chosen. Once you start recording, it will show you how long the recording has been going on.

Shutter or Select Button

This button can be used to cycle through all the different camera settings. These are indicated on the touch or the camera status screen.

Power Mode Button

You can use this button to turn on the GoPro and to start or stop a recording. It can also be used to take a picture. 

Camera Status Light

This light indicates whether or not the GoPro is recording. If the light is red and blinking, it means that the camera is recording.

What To Look For When Buying a GoPro Camera

A woman holding a GoPro ready to take a picture.

GoPro cameras are an excellent choice for adventure photography as they are compact, lightweight, and durable. However, there are a variety of different GoPro models to choose from. All of them are excellent in their own regard, but they may not have the features you are looking for in a camera. 

Before you purchase one, you must check out all the features and assess whether or not a particular design will fit your needs. Here are a few factors that you should take into consideration.

1. Design

Most GoPro cameras have a similar design, but some of the older models are slightly different, which is why it is an important feature that you should consider. Ideally, you should choose a camera you are comfortable with and can use easily. 

Some GoPro cameras are designed with modules that allow you to connect them with mounting fingers. This makes it incredibly easy to carry around and film clean shots. In such models, you don’t need a separate device and can attach the tripod directly to the camera, making it much easier.

Some GoPro models have removable lenses, while others do not. GoPro cameras, which offer the option to remove the lenses, are much more versatile. You can pick a lens you prefer and even attach certain filters to make your photos and videos appear more appealing. 

Additionally, some models of this camera have a rear display that you can use to frame your shot. There is also a front-facing LCD that can be used to keep track of the battery life, recording time, and more. 

2. Video and Image Resolution

Video quality is perhaps one of the most important aspects to look for when purchasing a GoPro. It is essential that your camera can capture high definition and cinema quality. When you record a video, it is made up of many individual images or frames. The camera weaves them together seamlessly to produce a video. Each of these frames is made up of pixels. A pixel is a point in the image that has been recorded. The more pixels, the better the image and video quality will be. Depending on the aspect ratio of the video, you will see the picture or video in a particular shape. 

GoPro cameras that can shoot in 480p have a pixel ratio of 800 x 480 at a 16:9 aspect ratio. In the same aspect ratio, if the resolution is bumped up to 720p, the pixel ratio will be 1280 x 720. At 1080p resolution, it will be 1920 x 1440. Although the pixel ratio does not sound like much of an upgrade between 720p and 1080p, the videos are quite different in quality. 

Some GoPro cameras also offer the ability to record in 4K at 16:9 and 17:9 aspect ratios. The pixel ratio at this resolution is 3840 x 2160. Ensure whichever camera you buy has a crisp and sharp image. Usually, the higher the pixel ratio, the better the playback quality of the video will be. 

3. Image Stabilization

One of the best features of GoPro cameras is their image stabilization. This means they can electronically smooth out shaky camera footage. This is essential when filming action shots because you will most likely be in motion, which can cause shaky videos and images. The GoPro cameras have a technology called HyperSmooth which effectively reduces the shakiness of any video and image you capture to make it look smooth. 

4. Frame Rates

When you film a video, it is made up using multiple frames. The more frames you have per second, the smoother the image will be. The human eye can register around 10 to 12 frames per second. This means a frame rate higher than this will appear extremely smooth and seamless. 

The reason why you should have a camera with a higher frame rate is because of slow-motion footage. When you film in slow motion or play it back, you can add a whole new dimension to the video you filmed. If your camera can record at 30fps, a slowed-down video will most likely play at 15fps, which will appear jittery. Such videos are not pleasant to view, so you should aim to purchase a camera with high fps.  

5. Photo Resolution

GoPro cameras can also take high-resolution photos and come with other functions, such as time-lapse and burst mode. Photo resolution is measured in megapixels or MP, which refers to the number of pixels in each photo. The more megapixels, the sharper the image will be. 

Some GoPro cameras have a time-lapse, continuous photo, and burst modes. The time-lapse is a great feature that allows you to keep your GoPro in one place and have it take continuous photos in predetermined intervals. Later, you can edit them to form videos that show change over a period of time.

The burst mode feature allows you to take a specified number of photos each second. This can be great for capturing amazing action shots of a moving object. You can even lay the images on top of each other using software to show the progression. 

The continuous photo feature is the same as the burst mode feature. Still, it continues taking pictures until you tell it to stop. 

6. Audio

When recording video, having high-quality audio is also important. GoPro cameras have built-in microphones that allow you to capture audio and video, meaning you can capture all the actions in full detail. When purchasing a GoPro, ensure that it has a good microphone system. If you feel it won’t be enough, you can invest in a 3.5mm microphone. This can significantly enhance your audio capture. 

7. Connectivity

All GoPro cameras are designed to be connected to either your PC or laptop. This means you can easily download all the videos and images you have captured and edit them. However, some cameras have built-in Wi-Fi that you can use to connect wirelessly to your phone. When paired with the GoPro app, you can easily view the footage being filmed on your phone. This increases the camera’s versatility, and you can use it in various scenarios. 

FAQs

  • What are the disadvantages of using GoPro cameras?

GoPro cameras are incredibly useful devices as you can use them to shoot videos and take pictures, even when moving or underwater. They are designed to be highly durable and lightweight, and compact. One of the main issues is that this camera tends to have slow responsiveness and takes time to start up. 

  • Is a GoPro better than other kinds of cameras? 

A GoPro is much better than other kinds of cameras in certain regards. It is small and compact, meaning you can easily store them and take them with you on long trips. Additionally, they come with Optical Image Stabilization, meaning all your videos will seem smooth even if your hand is shaky when taking them. GoPro cameras are also incredibly rugged and durable; you can even film underwater using them.

  • How long does a Go Pro camera battery last?

GoPro cameras are designed to last up to 115 minutes. The duration changes depending on the model, but you can generally get at least 80 minutes from one full charge. 

Conclusion

The first-ever GoPro camera debuted a few years ago. Still, within a short span, they have taken over the camera world and have become a staple in adventure photography. This is thanks to their rugged nature and high-quality video and photo-taking ability. Since there are many different models available, you must take note of a few features before you purchase one. Factors such as design, image stabilization, and photo resolution are essential to consider so you can buy the camera that best fits your needs.