Bama Rides

Posts Tagged ‘GoPro HD Wide review’

As we just returned from Mississippi from the MHCT Ride, I had a chance to see the camera in action, and look at the results of this camera upon our return. Although the camera does produce a huge, wide-angle image, and the audio is pretty good, I have found several flaws that I thought some of you budding moto-videographers need to know about.

First, lets talk about the good points:

• Waterproof case
• Nice crisp, clear image
• Stable image (no obvious vibration)
• lots of mounting hardware
• easy to use

Now, the bad stuff:

• Camera does not come with media (SD cards not included)
• Wide angle lens only good for close range images <50 ft.  (preference)
• Large files, that are difficult to render and even view on a computer
• lack of support from GoPro (no response from emails, terrible FAQ section)
• Codec (software to decode video) is not included, and cannot be obtained legally (this is the deal-killer)

Now the SD card issue is not a huge deal, and the wide-angle lens is certainly a preference thing (but it is really not that great of an idea for street riding).  The missing codec is a REALLY BIG DEAL!  Basically, now you only have 2 options: watch the video on your TV, directly from the camera, or “watch” the video on your PC using Apple’s Quicktime player.  Having no codec means you cannot interpet the video, edit the video, or manipulate it in any way.  And that SUX!  With no codec, you really have NO options as  far as editing, and showcasing the best of your videos.  With a price tag of $299, I would expect much more from GoPro.  My advice is to save your money, or go with one of the earlier models using semi-standard codecs, and maybe even a standard lens.  Stay away from this one folks, I think you will be disappointed.