Do I really need a tray or pole for my GoPro?

[scubasteve03]

I am about to buy my first GoPro (actually first underwater camera of any kind). I have been scanning this forum and it seems everybody mounts their GoPro to either a tray or a pole. I realize that if you want to add lights, a tray is mandatory, but I don't plan on adding lights (at least not right away). I can see where a pole would be good for taking self-shots and getting closer to sea life, but neither of those things are as important to me as keeping the camera very compact in size. I have seen where people suggest using a tray helps with stability. I don't plan on using my camera to film the whole dive, just want it with me to film any cool stuff I see. Is it hard to stabilize the camera by just holding the case during a short 15-60 second filming clip? One thing that has really attracted me to the GoPro is how small it is, even with a waterproof case. I was hoping to just clip the camera/case to a retractor on my BCD to use when I see something cool. Will this not work? Do I pretty much need a tray or a pole?

 

[SlvrDragon50]

Yes. It's so hard to keep it steady because there's nothing to really grip.

 

[Insta-Gator]

I recommend a telescoping pole. Takes some of the jittery out of your video and lets you get the camera closer without you having to fit in small spaces.

 

[SolarStorm]

I personally like a head mount. Its not my primary camera, but I like to take snipits from the footage.

 

[SlvrDragon50]

Dunno, headmount has a lot of problems.

1) Keeping your head still is very hard
2) Exhaust bubbles sometimes

 

[SolarStorm]

Dunno, headmount has a lot of problems.

1) Keeping your head still is very hard.
2) Exhaust bubbles sometimes

1) I dont find it that hard, but then Im doing a close up shot with the go pro.
2) Correct.

But then I dont use the gopro as my primary camera. Head mount doesnt allow for lights or anything else, but I still have good interesting shots. It also is a replay of what I was looking at. I carry another camera (still a cheap one) when I actually want some better shots. The gopros just provide "reliving" the experience with the family instead of TV reruns at the hotel.

 

[Tigerman]

I have attached it to my dive light if not carrying a photo rig. Im looking into finding a handlebar mount or such to attach it to the strobe arm of my DSLR setup so that Itll film whatever Im shooting - could be handy for sharks and such

 

[Barrod]

Definitely a pole. You can flip it around and take selfies and you can get closer to the marine life on a pole. Headmount is not good imo.

 

[SlvrDragon50]

I have attached it to my dive light if not carrying a photo rig. Im looking into finding a handlebar mount or such to attach it to the strobe arm of my DSLR setup so that Itll film whatever Im shooting - could be handy for sharks and such

ULCS makes a setup that you can attach to your hotshoe if you don't use that.

 

[Tigerman]

Im gonna need that attachment on the top for a focus light..