For my proficiency I decided to look into and learn about the GoPro line of HD cameras, which I have been hearing about and seeing amazing footage from over the past year or so. With their small size (41m x 59mm x 21/30mm), light weight (2.7 ounces), and relatively low price ($400 – $500 for the top of the line models) they have quickly become very popular with a wide range of videographers, as these attributes allow it to be mounted nearly anywhere (helmets, dashboards, on remote controlled drones, ect…) and to capture shots that would have been impossible or prohibitively expensive before.
To learn about the GoPro camera I watched an introductory course on Lynda.com, which specifically covered the GoPro Hero 3+ Black, but as all models of the GoPro line are nearly identical (save the technical specifications) this should in no way inhibit me from using any of them. This course covered everything from removing the GoPro from the packaging to initial setup and all of the menu options. Totalling 2 ½ hours the Go Pro basics course was very thorough. I also watched a number of other videos concerning the use of GoPro cameras, including reviews, as well as a number of videos made with GoPro cameras. Additionally to get a “hands on” (or perhaps hand on would be more apt as it literally fits within the palm of one hand) perspective, I demoed the latest GoPro camera at a local retailer (Best Buy).
One of the coolest features of the GoPro line of camera is that they are all wifi enabled, which with the use of a (free) dedicated app allows them to be controlled remotely via a tablet or smartphone. With this you are able to trigger shots, start stop recording, as well as change modes or settings on the fly. This opens up a number of possibilities for the solo filmmaker. I was initially drawn to the idea of using a GoPro for my upcoming documentary/travelogue after seeing a short film online made by Philip Bloom, using a GoPro Hero 3 attached to a Phantom 2 quadcopter drone, the shots he achieves are phenomenal. (A link to this video is included at the bottom) I am now absolutely convinced that a GoPro camera would be ideal as a secondary (or perhaps even primary) capture source for my project. It’s miniscule size and weight make it ideal for traveling light and fast, as well as it’s low cost make this for me an essential piece of equipment.
The video that got me thinking about going GoPro: