Question What should I get: GoPro or TG7 for Beginner with no Video experience

[BoltSnap]

I have no video experience (at all), I have been a strictly UW still photographer so far. I want to get into UW videography with simple less expensive camera yet still be able to do "quality" video as I get better. In Libya where I live, it is going to be macro to closeup and some wide angle (southern Mediterranean coast) but more wide angle when traveling to tropical dive destinations.

What should I get, what are the pros and cons of each option and what is the best compromise yet still be able to cover my requirements? I want something current that will prepare me for more professional/expensive video/photo camera down the line.

For post-processing: A friend of mine will be taking care of that for now. I'll be learning to do it but my friend is a specialist in this area who works for the national TV network and will be doing the editing and production.

I am a fairly experience u/w still photographer. I consider myself an "advanced-intermediate" photographer. I have won two u/w photography medals, bronze and silver, recently. Not an international expert but have the basics covered.

(I'll buy the necessary accessories including decent lights, 2 of them, lenses, etc.)

Note: My current camera is terrible for video, OLY OMD5 (13 years old now) so it isn't an option that will meet my goals.

 

[MB NZ]

Unless you're going to buy a decent lighting setup or stay shallow with lots of sunlight, I think you'll be disappointed with the output of both cameras. Beyond that, you may get frustrated with the lack on manual controls on the GoPro. Not sure what the TG7 has in this respect, but I suspect more options. Benefit of the GoPro is that you can mount it on your main camera rig via a hot shoe and it's not too big. Also, they shoot in fisheye/wide angle which is great for underwater work, at least for subjects that you can get close to.

GoPro macro is a huge pain in the arse. It can be done, I've done it, but the fixed focus length makes it challenging.

I had an Olympus M4/3 camera for stills and the video output was shocking. May as well have used a potato!

 

[BoltSnap]

Unless you're going to buy a decent lighting setup or stay shallow with lots of sunlight, I think you'll be disappointed with the output of both cameras.

Decent lights, 2 of them, and wet optics are a given.

 

[dflaher]

I'm in a similar situation as @Boltsnapand have been looking at the Insta360 Ace Pro, based on some YT research and SB comments. Downside is that it currently does not have a red filter, but same say its algorithm comes pretty close to having one.

 

[arew+4]

Have you done much video editing? Do you have a computer that's up to the task. I do not like video editing, and my fairly decent laptop sucks at it. I take lots of stills with my TG-5 and enjoy it.

 

[Comm]

It all depends on where you think this will go. If you want to just stick to doing video, the GoPro is a really good option. If you have any desire to get into photography … then the TG7 is the way to go.

 

[MB NZ]

Have you done much video editing? Do you have a computer that's up to the task. I do not like video editing, and my fairly decent laptop sucks at it. I take lots of stills with my TG-5 and enjoy it.

Good point. When I got my GoPro Hero 11, I realised my computer wasn't up to the job, so had to upgrade. Personally, I enjoy video editing for the most part, but it is time consuming.

 

[Bladebreaker65]

The TG7 would be my choice. currently shooting tg4 and 5 as they share the same underwater housings. Combo this with a good vid light and a strobe and you are set. When not diving the tg series is a great adventure camera waterproof to take on hikes and days at the beach etc. You will use it so much more than a gopro. The video the tg series takes is also great quality.

 

[MB NZ]

The TG7 would be my choice. currently shooting tg4 and 5 as they share the same underwater housings. Combo this with a good vid light and a strobe and you are set. When not diving the tg series is a great adventure camera waterproof to take on hikes and days at the beach etc. You will use it so much more than a gopro. The video the tg series takes is also great quality.

I think that depends on what you do above water. If you're in to adventure sports, then a small, mountable camera like a GoPro is very handy. Otherwise I use my phone for video. Quality is comparable and it's always in my pocket.

 

[BoltSnap]

Have you done much video editing? Do you have a computer that's up to the task. I do not like video editing, and my fairly decent laptop sucks at it. I take lots of stills with my TG-5 and enjoy it.

Nope and I know it is much more complicated than the post-processing I do in LR for still photography. The post-processing for video is my biggest concern.

A friend of mine will be taking care of that for now. I'll be learning to do it but my friend is a specialist in this area who works for the national TV network and will be doing the editing and production.