Re: [Paddlewise] Waterproof Digital Cameras

I've had a bit more time to play with the GoPro Hero digital video camera.
For about $20 you can get an assortment of attachments that allows it to be
mounted on a curved surface, level surface, mini stand, etc. The bare HD
version is about $260.

There is no LCD screen for viewing (there is one for setting the camera
configuration, however) but there is a peep-viewfinder. To start the camera
you have to toggle it through some options which are represented on a small
LCD screen on the face of the camera. You can set it to start in video,
single shot, multiple shots (so many over a period of time) or other
options. The camera itself holds an SD card andit all  fits inside one of
two plastic cases. One case is for a wrist mount (I have this one) and the
other case is for helmet or surface mounting (I ordered one of these for
$39).

I have the non-HD, non-wide-angle version (which I think is about $90). The
videos are still perfectly usable but the videos from the HD version are
spectacular. These are designed to be used while mountain biking, surfing,
w/w kayaking, etc. The device inside its case (which is clear) is
practically indestructable.

Two of the HD versions - one on a helmet and the other on the kayak - would
let you shoot professional quality videos in high definition for about $600.
And all without having to hold anything in your hands. With a 32gb SD card
you can shoot a couple of hours of HD videos on each one and then just edit
the scenes on your desktop. They record audio too.

I like the case concept too. You don't have to worry about the camera's
ports leaking because everything is sealed up tight in the gasketed case.
Pushbuttons extend through the case to contact the two controls on the
camera body inside the case.

I have no connection with GoPro but I am greatly satisfied with the device.
The wrist mount lets me shoot videos without obviously taking videos which
puts people more at ease. I just hold my arm up across my chest and let it
film away.

Pretty nifty little device. www.goprocamera.com has lots of samples and some
of them are incredible for being shot on an under $300 camera.

Craig Jungers
Moses Lake, WA
www.nwkayaking.net
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