video camera question
 

Hi,
My son is into film. What do you think of the go pro video camera, not the basic one..forget the complete name but it is around 400.00. He likes special effects etc. Wants to do short films etc. He writes now for websites and wants to get into this line of work for his a career. Any video camera recommendations?

Thanks!!!

Gopro hero is great for action and just all around shots. I have a silver and it does just fine for my needs. The black version usually 399, is what you see for xtreme sporting events, some documentaries, racing, etc. It is a very good camera. For the price I don't think you can beat it, until you step up to a dslr that can do video or an actual camcorder.

Special effects type work he might look into the adobe suite, I think after effects is the program that will let you do more effect type stuff.

The only downfall I find with the Gopro over a traditional camera that does video is no lcd to review playback. However Gopro have made amazing updates to their app for phones that you can use to watch them as long as you have a IOS or Andriod device that can connect to wifi, it's not always perfect but it gets the user through in a pinch

They are very durable cameras and take a beating. If it's not going to be used though around water, possible falls or crashes, things that will damage a traditional camcorder you might find one for about the same price that would do better video. I know low light situations the Gopro can be lacking.

Also with the Gopro it is usually used as a wide angle, meaning you can get close to your subject and see so much more in the frame. It does allow you to zoom somewhat but not easily or while recording. So if you are filming something and have a wide shot going, you can't all of a sudden just zoom in on the subject with a Gopro.

If he likes action films and plans on that, IE chase scenes, extreme sports (skateboarding, surfing, mountain biking, etc) underwater, and a lightweight go anywhere camera than Gopro is the way to go. If he wants actors, dramatic shots from wide to close up of actor and not endangering camera I would say maybe a regular camcorder for the same price that will give more features. But if he is dropping hints for a Gopro get that, if he is unsure then you might want to get more info from him as I am sure he might have done some research on other cameras as well.

Don't get me wrong there are some amazing videos shot only with Gopros just go to their site, I think though a lot of times they are using more than one camera.

Personally, I think SONY makes nice one...they have one that has a projector on the backside of the LCD screen door and its pretty small, you would have to go to Best Buy or SONY website to get the model number but the quality, size, weight and prices are the best bang for your buck to me

I Think GoPro HD HERO3 Video - it would be awesome,