Camera Choices

The age old question, GoPro or... Other
This Holiday season we have some good choices on the market, and I wanted to see what you all thought of these two cameras which offer similar functionality at similar prices.

The more expensive GoPro Hero3 Silver edition $300
http://gopro.com/cameras/hd-hero3-silver-edition

or

The less expensive, but nicely appointed Sony Action Cam $269
http://store.sony.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921666484197

Both are 1080p, come with waterproof cases, and can be worn or mounted. GoPro has more mounting options, but Sony has image stabilization.

Thoughts?

Just my experience, I had an 'other' that lasted about 6 months in the salt spray and occasional dunk. My son has had his gopro 2 for way over a year now (or two?) without a hitch.
Guess which one is on my Xmas list this year?

Cheers
Drew

_________________
Cathedra Mea, Regulae Meae.

The Drift Ghost is looking mighty sweet. Lotsa great features, reviews, you tube videos, etc on the Drift Ghost and it's predecessors, that have me just about sold.

The ghost certainly looks better than its predecessor and I like the fact that its waterproof without needing a case. Wearable remote is cool too. A bit on the pricey side though?

I have been recently searching action cameras as well. The funny thing is that I've been using my Sony digital camera (DSC-HX20V) as an action camera and it has some appealing advantages over conventional action cameras. This includes, optical image stabilization, better lens, higher quality video (e.g., 1080P 30 frames progressive) and photos, as well as the flexibility to use it for many other purposes than just an action camera. Cons? A lack of ruggedness for action camera purposes (e.g., waterproof). Wishlist? I am anxious to see digital camera manufacturers implement GPS data overlays into their products. Many digital cameras now have GPS photo tagging. However, I want my camera's video to allow me to see my speed at any given time inside the captured video.

Apparently the new Contour +2 allows users to overlay GPS data into their video. So does the Gobandit Race. However, some reported software "teething" issues with both products leave me cautious about making a purchase.

http://store.contour.com/ae/us/cameras/contour+-2/invt/1700/

http://www.gobandit.com/

Mike

I use the Kodak ZX3. I have two of them and purchased them both for under $50 each. I operate them with a remote and absolutly love them.

I've used several, including the GoPro, and all work well. However, I found the Drift Stealth camera to be the best of the lot. The quality of the video coupled with the ease of use and remote (no wifi required) have sold me on it.

I have the Gopro Hero2 and Hero3 black for underwater shots in low light the 1440 HD is crazy good!

I have had very good luck with the Contour ROAM. Most of the videos I have posted here were shot with it. It is submersible to 3 ft and has a very compact form factor and lots of mount options. Contour also has an inexpensive dive housing for deeper depths. I usually wear a headband mount that is very light and unobtrusive. I have mounted it to other areas on the kayak as well, usually ready for quick removal and reposition. I use a Gorrillapod with a quick disconnect to position the camera in a variety of different places. The camera can be removed in seconds to swap locations. With the camera on the side of my head, it is easy to grab it and point it at whatever strikes my fancy. Great HD video and sound quality. It is perfect for poking around inside the hull of my Revo 11 to investigate stuff in hidden places before I drill. I also use it for motorcycle riding. I have seen it on sale for as little as $150.

Had no idea that Drift had introduced this new Ghost model. Have had no problems with water and the Stealth, but this new model appears even better. The cream of the crop. Will order one today and give it a run through.

Had never heard of the Drift camera until reading on this post. Seems most everyone down here uses the GoPro. I need to check out the Drift further

I have the Hero 2 and almost never use it. Not because I do not want to take video. It's because of its Wide Angle lens. Great lens for a close up detailed shot (releasing a fish). Long distance is either out of the question or so much "fish eye" type distortion, it makes the video useless IMHO.

I understand the Hero 3 can alternate between Ultra Wide Angle, Medium Wide Angle and Narrow field of view. I believe that is a setting. Maybe someone who has a Hero3 can verify this.
If so, that would be a great improvement.

Most of my onshore video is done with a Sony DSC-HX100V (newer versions available) 1920x1080 HD, 30x Zoom, nice field of view, 16mp still photos and GPS enabled. All in a very reasonable camera. Cons: not waterproof, cannot change lenses and Ikelite does not offer a waterproof housing.

The camera is light, works great with HD video and stills. It works with the remote. We have the water wings for it. It is water proof, shock proof and very light and fits in your shirt or jacket pocket without its water wings.

The down side is Kodak is apparently going out of the service business, and you can't down load their free software anymore. Their software was excellent and easy to use. The Adobe software has become expensive in recent years and is no better for my uses/needs.

http://search.comcast.net/?cat=web&con= ... port%20zx5

_________________
2009 Oasis
2012 Freedom Hawk Pathfinder

more good info:
http://gizmodo.com/5965732/the-best-action-camera

Their results were completely opposite of mine with at least 3 of those cameras listed. Wow.

Of course, nobody will like the same thing, that's why there are so many choices.

Any camera is better than no camera.