GoPro Users Beware

[WetBoy101]

Our great little video camera has a problem that needs to be addressed!! It's not with the camera but with the case. I have noticed that below 40 feet or so, the case compresses and the latch on top is doing nothing. As long as the latch remains in place it will tighten up again as the case expands again near the surface. If the latch is bumped out of position the case can open as the pressure on the outside decreases, causing it to flood. I heard GoPro is coming out with a SCUBA specific Case. (Flat lens and hopefully a better latching system) Anyway be careful and keep an eye on the latch. ( mine came off at 60 feet but the pressure kept the case sealed tight )

 

[CuNanoTube]

Thanks for the info. I am planning to purchase a 960 for skiing / cycling / scuba diving / ATV usage.

 

[hellhole]

i intend to use a rubber band to try and keep it in place...

maybe we should use a masking tape to put it in place.

 

[flareside]

Thanks for the info. I am planning to purchase a 960 for skiing / cycling / scuba diving / ATV usage.

Hashime: You might read through the GoPro user forums GoProUser.freeforums.org before you get the 960. It can have a problem with the 'jello effect' in high action activities that the 1080 model doesn't have. And if you shop, you will find the motorsports package with the 1080 model can usually be obtained for as little as $50 more than the 960 so its well worth it.

 

[CuNanoTube]

Hashime: You might read through the GoPro user forums GoProUser.freeforums.org before you get the 960. It can have a problem with the 'jello effect' in high action activities that the 1080 model doesn't have. And if you shop, you will find the motorsports package with the 1080 model can usually be obtained for as little as $50 more than the 960 so its well worth it.

Well, that is good to know, thanks.

 

[Marty Cerven]

I will have to have a look at this when I'm under next time, I haven't had any issues so far with many dives 30-40m depth wise.

Probably best to use a rubber-band or something for safety anyhow, the case is rated to 60m/180ft so it is odd if this does really occur at depth of only 40ft.

 

[WetBoy101]

The case is great. I've had it to 130 feet on several occasions with no problem. The issue is when the case is compressed the latch can fall right off because it isn't under any pressure. Do you follow the logic?

 

[Marty Cerven]

The case is great. I've had it to 130 feet on several occasions with no problem. The issue is when the case is compressed the latch can fall right off because it isn't under any pressure. Do you follow the logic?

I understand what your saying but the latch is an integral part of the case and if this is the case then its a pretty bad design fault as it is what keeps the case sealed and 60m waterproof. I will take my spare case down with me next time and see how loose it gets at depth next dive, I will use something to lock my case with the camera shut tough.

I remember when watching the "Into the sharks bite" discovery channel documentary they had one of their cases latch open up during filming, the guy luckily spotted it and quickly held it closed and went to the surface. Seeing the housing was in a sharks mouth beforehand though and many others were as well without issue the latch seems like it does a decent job underwater.

I emailed Gopro about their own underwater lens fix and they said it will be available within the next few months and that they may have a version for the 3D system as well. I was hoping for more info but looks like that's all they are willing to say atm.

 

[sobe]

Thanks for all the gopro help and info:
Let me put it all together..
- I buy a 1080 Motorsports (not a 960, and this comes with waterproof case)
- Wrap it in rubberband or another mechanism since it will compress at depth
- Change the lense? (im guessing flat with red filter?)

Thanks I want to buy one today, shame they dont have a scuba edition yet (maybe email them this thread to speed it up?)

 

[hellhole]

i think a masking tape will work great ... i try to use come rubber band.. but i can forsee it running...

anyway.. i think that the possibility of the latch coming off ( but the case intact) is a possibility...