Most basic GoPro setup (yes another thread)

[dpspaceman]

Alrighty, I'm pretty new to the video world. I just hit dive 30, have a dive trip to roatan coming up in a couple of months and would like to be able to take decent video at night.

I currently only have the gopro white and have it on a very simple hand held buoy type device.

GPD ADVENTURES - YouTube - if you want to see some of our vids. You'll notice they have progressively improved (but again, not meant to be professional - just capture our moments diving decent).

I've been reading the threads on some of the complex lighting and trays, and find that the prices are fairly steep on these. Not sure if there is a basic setup that comes with decent lights and tray for less than $500? I know this is egregious to some of you, but in any case.. wanted to know if anyone had something like that worth looking into for a starter rig?


Thanks!!

DPS

---------- Post added February 16th, 2015 at 05:22 PM ----------

I.E. something like this is decent? Or for somewhat less money?
Fantasea Line Water Sports Photo Products & Accessories- Radiant 1600 Lighting Set (Also Fits GoPro)

 

[RJP]

You're really asking about $400 lights, as there are several tray/arm rigs in the $100 range. You can potentially go with ONE $400 light instead of two $200 lights and then add a second light later. You'd hate to buy $400 worth of lights only to have to replace BOTH of them when you want to upgrade.

 

[dpspaceman]

I suppose you are correct, a total value in that range 300-400 with a basic tray and light?

 

[robint]

Here is the deal on lights..... they only work within 6-8' away from the camcorder and in LOW VIS they reflect the particulate making it worse. So if you are planning to shoot macro all the time, go ahead and invest in them, but remember in low vis you are better off with them turned off.
If you use a red filter, you have to take it off when you switch to lights, too. Back and forth.....

 

[dpspaceman]

Thanks all, this is helpful.

 

[toozler]

If you use a red filter, you have to take it off when you switch to lights, too. Back and forth.....

Not necessarily - as long as your light can fill the whole frame and the lights are white LEDs, the GoPro's white balance will be able cut down the reds and it will look just fine.

A "spot" light (or even a flood light that isn't wide enough) will look red because the camera's white balance will consider the whole frame and decide that it needs more red overall, making the bright spot look reddish.

 

[dpspaceman]

Not necessarily - as long as your light can fill the whole frame and the lights are white LEDs, the GoPro's white balance will be able cut down the reds and it will look just fine.

A "spot" light (or even a flood light that isn't wide enough) will look red because the camera's white balance will consider the whole frame and decide that it needs more red overall, making the bright spot look reddish.

This is helpful.

What are your thoughts on switching to a tray vs. a bobber style (which is what I use now and allows me to take video of ourselves going down, etc.)

Assume if I want any respectable stability I would need a tray.

 

[toozler]

I have not used a bobber for diving, but I believe it isn't very helpful. The positive buyoancy being under the camera might make it unstable. Maybe not? I guess it's only good if you're playing in the water, not even for snorkeling.

What I do use is a combination of this item and this item. With two of those grips and the GoPro tripod adapter, you can have a simple tray for not even $25. Whenever I travel for work and can't be packing too much, I only take the grip..

The whole setup is negatively buyoant, so it will sink if you drop it - I have it secured to my BCD using this item (loop it to itself around the BCD d-ring and then attach to the GoPro screw). The 24" lenght is perfect to keep it at arms lenght and to tuck the camera into the BCD pocket when I'm back on board.

The whole setup (except for the tether which is stainless steel), is made of aluminum alloy, so it's very light but is not corrosion proof. It will eventually suffer from galvanic corrosion (just like a boat) over time, but I have had this grip for over 2 years and haven't yet seen any corrosion. Just rinse it with the camera when you're done.

Even with a tray, you can still point it towards you, not a big deal.

 

[3D diver]

Two DRIS Impact shorties with the video head and a DIY tray and arm system should be doable for under $300.

 

[Z Gear]

This is helpful.

What are your thoughts on switching to a tray vs. a bobber style (which is what I use now and allows me to take video of ourselves going down, etc.)

Assume if I want any respectable stability I would need a tray.

if you really like using your mono pole why not continue to use it by getting a light mount for it. The mount can be used as a stabilizing handle when filming. You can easily stabilize your video now by using this set up.

[video=youtube;IFzR0eAx0Y0]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFzR0eAx0Y0[/video]


Frank G
Z GEAR - Z Gear