New GoPro "package" checklist?

[RJP]

Thinking about picking up a Hero4 Black for an upcoming Truk trip. As with everything in diving, there's a million things one COULD buy. And, since the trip is in less than two weeks, I don't really have the time or inclination to do as much research as I usually do on stuff.

Was hoping someone might give a run-down on the "must have" items for a travelling diver getting into GoPro. This trip is fairly typical for me in that I'll be on a liveaboard for 10-days. So beyond the minimal "what do I need" there's the added wrinkle that if I don't bring something with me - or something craps out - there won't be anywhere to pick up a replacement.

Here's my thinking:

- GoPro 4 Black (standard "Adventure" package rather than surf/paddle)
- Dive housing (I'll be in the 180ft range a fair bit)
- LCD BacPac
- Two SanDisk "Extreme" 32gig cards (U1 type, not the newer U3)
- An extra battery
- Dual Battery charger
- Antifog inserts

Of course tray+arms+lights, and probably the Flip 3.1 with MacroMate mini.

Anything else? Anything above NOT needed?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts or insights folks might share!

Ray

PS - anyone want to come to Truk and teach me how to use the damn thing?

 

[Dive Right In Scuba 2]

Looks about right....although the jury is still out for me on the anti fog inserts. I've never used/had a need for them.

 

[decompression]

For video lights I recommend the Archon Led's.....good selection, great prices and solid. I've been using the DV11's with great results.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[BDSC]

Ray, take a look at this article: GoPro Hero4 Review for Underwater Video|Underwater Photography Guide

Really good info about what settings to use when shooting underwater. Also take a close look at the differences between the Black and Silver edition. When I was at DEMA, the GoPro folks recommended the Silver edition for diving. The Black has a faster frame rate but I don't see that as very beneficial with uw video shooting. The Silver already has the LCD screen and also will give you longer battery life. Don't know what the LCD screen costs for the Black but I know the Silver is $100 cheaper so add the LCD screen for the black and you could save quite a bit. Maybe put that towards good lights.


The rest of the list looks good. We have the 3.1 flip and really like that system. Also, on your first dive, take the dive housing on the dive without the camera in it to make sure there are no leaks at any depth. I've known folks to lose their GoPro on the first dive when they thought they had it sealed good.

 

[Divermikey]

I was just in Truk in December, and took my Hero 3+. I assume you are going to be on the Odessey. Ya! I would recommend a third battery for your camera and the anti-fog inserts. I didn't use the inserts on a couple of dives and had a tiny spot of moisture on the lens. I also highly recommend the SRP tray. it worked very well with my lights and float setup. I also put the go pro on the setting that takes a pic every minute automatically. Some of those "accidental" pics turned out quite nice. Enjoy Truk!

 

[BDSC]

One more thing Ray,

When you get the GoPro, call them up and let them walk you through setting it up with the latest updates. I can't even begin to tell you how helpful they were with my wife. And don't install the app they have that will automatically do updates when they come out. They have been having problems with that. Just update with the computer directly.

Also, (well 2 more things)..........make sure you turn off the screensaver if you don't want the thing to go black on you during the dive.

 

[Reidkon]

This is some excellent advice I never previously considered.
Thanks!

Also, on your first dive, take the dive housing on the dive without the camera in it to make sure there are no leaks at any depth. I've known folks to lose their GoPro on the first dive when they thought they had it sealed good.

---------- Post added February 10th, 2015 at 11:09 AM ----------

I bought the SRP tray and notice that it does not come with a lanyard. What do you recommend? I read in an old thread that some are using the Gear Keeper Scuba Console Snap Clip Locking Retractor , but it is apparently quite large.

I was just in Truk in December, and took my Hero 3+. I assume you are going to be on the Odessey. Ya! I would recommend a third battery for your camera and the anti-fog inserts. I didn't use the inserts on a couple of dives and had a tiny spot of moisture on the lens. I also highly recommend the SRP tray. it worked very well with my lights and float setup. I also put the go pro on the setting that takes a pic every minute automatically. Some of those "accidental" pics turned out quite nice. Enjoy Truk!

 

[RJP]

I bought the SRP tray and notice that it does not come with a lanyard. What do you recommend? I read in an old thread that some are using the Gear Keeper Scuba Console Snap Clip Locking Retractor , but it is apparently quite large.

Get one of these...

And some of this...

Do this...

And you'll end up looking like this guy...

That's me diving with a buddy's borrowed rig on last year's trip.

---------- Post added February 10th, 2015 at 02:28 PM ----------

Also take a close look at the differences between the Black and Silver edition. When I was at DEMA, the GoPro folks recommended the Silver edition for diving. The Black has a faster frame rate but I don't see that as very beneficial with uw video shooting. The Silver already has the LCD screen and also will give you longer battery life. Don't know what the LCD screen costs for the Black but I know the Silver is $100 cheaper so add the LCD screen for the black and you could save quite a bit. Maybe put that towards good lights.

Does the Black offer anything useful for "non-diving" use?

Guess I can invest a few minutes to at least compare the two on the GoPro site.



---------- Post added February 10th, 2015 at 02:29 PM ----------

I was just in Truk in December, and took my Hero 3+. I assume you are going to be on the Odessey.

Did the Odyssey for 14 of the 21 days on my last trip there. Got an insane last-minute deal on the Truk Siren. Ten days for less than the Odyssey charges for seve,

 

[BDSC]

Does the Black offer anything useful for "non-diving" use?

I think the biggest advantage would be that the increased frame rate you could record at (120 vs 60 and that's just off the top of my head) would make for better slow motion stuff and maybe give you better video with high speed action.

 

[Lefty17]

Check out Craigslist for the LCD bacpac. I picked me up NIB for $45 before my last trip. People buy them and either don't use them or use them once and sell. I'd also back up videos to the computer each night in case the camera floods unexpectedly. I don't think you'll need a multiple batter charger for only two batteries if you are diligent each night.I use this connected to my Backscatter tray and it works great for securing to my right shoulder D ring.http://www.oceanenterprises.com/scuba-gear/images/thumbnails/0/700/480/trident-mc79blk.jpg