Looking for first video camera

[victorzamora]

Hey guys, I've read through the forums and done searches but couldn't find anything specific enough (maybe bad searching?) so I'm asking this here.

Is there anything better than a GoPro out there that is similar? I'm looking for something small, cheap(ish) and decent. I'm not expecting world-class videography, but blue blurs don't do much for me. I'm hoping to keep it under $400 but will spend up to $500 if REALLY necessary. The only three I've looked at so far are the GoPro, the Sony one, and the Intova Action Cam. I'm leaning towards the GoPro HD Hero 3 White Edition....but I'm only really leaning GoPro because it seems to be the standard. It has the most accessories, the biggest community, and the most advice out about it.

I'm hoping to get some videos in a cave (currently my main interest), OW trips, and pool sessions for gear rigging.

So the question, I guess, is: Is the Black Edition worth it? Is the White Edition better than a used GoPro 2 for the money? Is there a better alternative? TIA.

 

[EL Pistoffo]

I don't know of a better alternative for your price range. The Black Edition would be your best pick. It has the best low light capability of the GoPros and since you mentioned cave diving I think that would be a welcome benefit.
That's my 2cents

 

[victorzamora]

GP3BE is what I was assuming I'd have to get. However, I heard Intova was coming out with an update....I didn't know if people here had seen that. Edd swears by his Intova camera, and the videos he took DO look better on the Intova than the GP2 with the same lighting in the same caves. However, I heard the GP3HD had a firmware update that REALLY helped its low-light recordings.

 

[sko580]

I picked up the Sony HDR-AS10 for $149 while it was on sale 2 weeks ago. So far so good. I was going to get the GoPro 3 Black Edition, but kept running into reviews about battery life and firmware issues. Like you, it was my first camera and wanted something inexpensive and the Sony fit the bill. However I do like the larger community support and accessories for GoPro cameras. By the time I got the flat lens and appropriate mount, total was about $250.

While not in the water, this camera makes a great dash board camera. What also helps is that the battery for the SONY HDR-AS10 is the same battery for my point and shoot camera. Less accessories to buy/carry. I purchased a sunction tripod mount and have it where my GPS would have gone. Mount cost me only $4 on eBay. With image stabilization, the footage looks pretty decent. Hopefully I would catch something worth wild or able to use it to get me out of a bind.

 

[victorzamora]

I looked at that one, and I'm not convinced that it's better for the money. I mean, it's cheaper....but I'm not sure if the $150 makes it worth it, y'know? From what I've heard, the firmware issues are with one brand of MicroSD card (SanDisk). The battery life isn't a HUGE deal-breaker for me, either. I can always mitigate that with a lower framerate....and I don't really need 4k. However, thanks for pointing that one out!

 

[EL Pistoffo]

I looked at that one, and I'm not convinced that it's better for the money. I mean, it's cheaper....but I'm not sure if the $150 makes it worth it, y'know? From what I've heard, the firmware issues are with one brand of MicroSD card (SanDisk). The battery life isn't a HUGE deal-breaker for me, either. I can always mitigate that with a lower framerate....and I don't really need 4k. However, thanks for pointing that one out!

That SanDisk issue has been kinda fixed with a just recently updated firmware. The SanDisk cards no longer lockup or die but they will not perform to maximum camera specs. There are newly recommended cards that will perform to spec and are cheaper than the SanDisk.
So the firmware issue should no longer be a deal breaker.

Battery life is lacking but spares can be had for the cheap and/or your could add a battery Pack to prolong battery life. Expect just over 1 hr of record time at the highest quality recording mode.

 

[AdventurePlus]

So the question, I guess, is: Is the Black Edition worth it? Is the White Edition better than a used GoPro 2 for the money? Is there a better alternative? TIA.

The black edition is definitely the way to go. I have had the Hero 1, 2, and now 3 black and the 3 is producing much better video. If I remember right the white edition has the same specs as the Hero 1 in a smaller camera and wifi added, that said I would expect the 2 to give you better video than the white.

 

[victorzamora]

Well, it looks like I'm getting the Black Edition GP3. I'm still open to suggestions, but everything I read leads me right back to the GP3:BE.

Also, if I get it, I'll probably pick up a spare battery at least so I'll have a spare.

 

[EL Pistoffo]

Well, it looks like I'm getting the Black Edition GP3. I'm still open to suggestions, but everything I read leads me right back to the GP3:BE.

Also, if I get it, I'll probably pick up a spare battery at least so I'll have a spare.

If your going to get spare batteries, the is way to go, its a great deal: Amazon.com: Wasabi Power Battery (2-Pack) and Charger for GoPro HD HERO3 and GoPro AHDBT-201, AHDBT-301: Camera & Photo