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- Herausgeber: John Wiley & Sons
- Kategorie: Wissenschaft und neue Technologien
- Sprache: Englisch
Shoot, edit, and share action-packed video with a GoPro The world moves fast--so if you want to capture it in real time, only a fast-moving camera will do. Enter the GoPro! This small but powerful camera is easy to hold, wear, or mount to capture video of all your high-speed adventures. Unfortunately, to the uninitiated, it can be a bit intimidating--but fear not! With the help of this revised edition of GoPro Cameras For Dummies, you'll acquire the skills needed to shoot high-quality video or photos, edit raw footage into a final masterpiece, and share your GoPro works of art with the world. Compared with traditional digital video devices, the GoPro is a superhero. Okay, so it can't scale high rises, but it can go virtually anywhere and produce thrilling new perspectives of an epic slalom down the slopes or awesomely scenic hike--and everything in between. When still photos simply won't do the trick, GoPro Cameras For Dummies shows you step by step how to use your GoPro camera to make movies, work with available light, create time-lapse sequences, and so much more. * Meet the full line of GoPro cameras, including the HERO5, and find the one that's right for you * Get help setting your GoPro to shoot better video * Discover what you need (or don't need) to shoot in the water * Find step-by-step guidance for capturing better sound * Edit your work like a GoPro guru Packed with full-color photos and updated to cover the latest GoPro cameras and software, this fun and accessible guide is a gadget lover's dream.
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Seitenzahl: 366
Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2016
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GoPro® Cameras For Dummies®, 2nd Edition
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Published simultaneously in Canada
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Library of Congress Control Number: 2016958641
ISBN: 978-1-119-28554-0
ISBN (ePDF): 978-1-119-28556-4; ISBN (ePub): 978-1-119-28555-7
GoPro® Cameras For Dummies®
To view this book's Cheat Sheet, simply go to www.dummies.com and search for “GoPro Cameras For Dummies Cheat Sheet” in the Search box.
Table of Contents
Cover
Introduction
About This Book
How This Book is Organized
Icons Used in This Book
Beyond the Book
Part 1: Getting Started with Your GoPro Camera
Chapter 1: Getting to Know GoPro
Introducing the GoPro
Seeing What a GoPro Can Do
Comparing GoPro Editions
Previous GoPro Models
Setting Up Your GoPro
Controlling Your GoPro
Mounting Your GoPro
Working with the Different GoPro Apps
Using the Capture App
Chapter 2: Accessorize Me
Playing the Media Card
Letting the GoPro Get Wet
Keeping the Shot Steady
Wearing Your GoPro
Putting Your GoPro on a Drone
Adding Some Other Cool Accessories
Part 2: Moviemaking Technique
Chapter 3: Getting through GoPro Boot Camp
Viewing the Lens
Mastering Protune
Using Advanced Features
Chapter 4: Understanding Effective Camera Techniques
Nailing GoPro Fundamentals
Shooting Your Movie
Tooling with Time-Lapse Mode
Using Other Photo Modes
Chapter 5: Framing the Shot
Understanding Time-Honored Visual Basics
Breaking Down Shot Lingo
Following Simple Framing Rules
Art-Directing the Scene
Thinking About Where to Put Your GoPro
Working with the Capture App
Shooting Some Variations
Chapter 6: Shooting Fun Stuff with Your GoPro
Using Wearable Mounts
Shooting on Amusement Park Rides
Recording Sporting Events
GoPro and the Water
All Kinds of Bicycling
Taking Flight with Your Karma Drone
Chapter 7: Mastering the Light
Seeing the Color and Temperature of Light
Shooting Under Different Light Sources
Setting White Balance
Working with the Light You Have
Creating Your Own Light
Using Light Effectively
Chapter 8: Of Sound Movie and Body
Capturing Sound on the Scene
Preventing Audio Problems
Working with Headphones
Part 3: Movies Are Made in Postproduction
Chapter 9: Equipping Your Edit Station
Picking a Computer Platform
Understanding Workstation Requirements
Accessorizing Your Station
Picking Software That Suits Your Needs
Chapter 10: Getting to Know GoPro Studio Edit
Why Use GoPro Studio Edit?
Breaking Down the Interface
Bringing in Media
Using GoPro Edit Templates
Implementing an Efficient Workflow
Delving Deeper into GoPro Studio Edit
Chapter 11: Editing with GoPro Studio Edit
Creating Your Movie Project
Putting the Pieces Together in the Edit Pane
Assembling Clips in the Storyboard
Managing Audio Matters
Working with Titles
Chapter 12: Presenting Your Movie
Converting Your Movie Files for Export
Getting That Movie Out There
Where to Go from Here
Sharing and Sharing Alike
Finding the Best Archiving Solution
Part 4: The Part of Tens
Chapter 13: Ten Fun Ways to Use Your GoPro
Attach It to Your Bike
Take GoPro in the Snow
Explore Underwater
Make the Coolest Selfie
Walk through a Crowded Space
Take It Out on an ATV
Shoot the View from the Sky
Get a Dog’s-Eye View
Make a Time-Lapse Movie
Capture Your Own Band from the Stage
Chapter 14: Ten Professional Uses for GoPro Cameras
Professional Photography
Documentary Filmmaking
Wedding Videography
Real Estate Sales
Multimedia Reporting
Television News Production
Independent Filmmaking
Home Security
Traditional Sports Shooters
Extreme Sports Shooters
Chapter 15: Ten Pitfalls to Avoid
Not Using the GoPro App
Pausing When You Didn’t Mean It
Keeping Your Body Parts Out of the Picture
Staying Out of Harms Way
Not Protecting the Camera
Capturing the Scene Too Wide
Losing Control of Your Drone
Getting the Most Out of Audio
Keeping the Camera Safe Near Water
Power Outage Cutting the Shoot Short
Chapter 16: Ten Ways to Improve Your Moviemaking Skills
Planning Each Shot
Telling a Concise Story
Shoot to Edit
Use the Proper Mounts
Understand GoPro like the Stats for Your Favorite Team
Using Light to Your Advantage
Never Skimp on Composition, A.K.A. Occupy Frame!
Remember to Get Enough Cutaways
Don’t Forget about Sound
Watch Lots of GoPro Movies
About the Author
Connect with Dummies
End User License Agreement
Guide
Cover
Table of Contents
Begin Reading
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Introduction
Compared with traditional camcorders, the GoPro is a superhero, able to leap tall buildings in a single … er, smartphone click. Your first inclination when hearing about such a unique camera is to think it costs a lot of money, but that’s not the case. The GoPro is cheap. Very cheap.
The GoPro challenges conventional notions of where you can put a camcorder and continually challenges users to find new and exciting places to capture movies and photographs. You can control the camera from a distance through an app on your smartphone, thus keeping you out of harm’s way. It’s waterproof too, so you can capture video footage under the wettest of circumstances, submerging the camera to record stunning underwater sequences right out of the box.
The capability to work in weird places would go only so far if the GoPro’s image quality were subpar. In fact, the GoPro can capture 4K video at a rate of up to 30 frames per second (fps), depending on the model, so you can capture unique high-quality video at an affordable price. High-definition (HD) offers even higher frame rates, up to 240 fps.
This rugged little camera can go anyplace and produce exciting new perspectives. It works for everyone from amateurs to pros. Families use it to document their daily lives; students experiment with it; photographers use it to supplement camcorder footage. GoPro has even spread to the professional arena, with an increasing presence in broadcast news programs, movies, and television shows.
I’ve had a blast making movies and playing with my GoPro, so I hope you’ll think that I’m the right dummy to introduce you to this camera.
About This Book
The new and improved GoPro Cameras For Dummies helps you make sense of GoPro moviemaking. Through my experience as a still photographer and a television producer, I describe how to use your GoPro to make movies, take still images, and make time-lapse sequences with fresh techniques and the latest cameras in the line.
Think of this book as a quick information stop where you can find out what you need and get back to work. It includes cinematic tips, effects that will impress your audience, advice on effective edits, and even some cool uses for your GoPro.
I wrote this book for people who have different proficiency levels but have similar ambition for making compelling movies and pictures. Some readers have already made their mark in conventional video production and want to add one more weapon to their arsenal. Others come from the still-photography sector and are fascinated by the GoPro’s still and time-lapse capabilities. Still photography is an untapped resource for GoPro, thanks to its ultra-wide-angle lens and unlimited mounting ability. Simply put, it’s a great camera for capturing images with a unique perspective. Hobbyists, family documentarians, students, and now artists are all looking to understand this new, exciting phenomenon. The goal of this book is to make sure that everyone gets the knowledge he or she needs to use the GoPro.
How This Book is Organized
GoPro Cameras For Dummies is divided into four parts; each part details the phases of understanding GoPro moviemaking as effectively as possible. You will no doubt have a preference for a particular area. You may relish the section that pertains to understanding the camera, or you may skip ahead to the filmmaking techniques or the cool places you can use a GoPro.
Part 1: Getting Started with Your GoPro Camera
Part 1 provides the reader with a swift overview and capability of the updated GoPro camera system. Whether you’re a beginner looking to make movies with this unique camera, a working professional creating fresh visual perspectives for your movie or segment, or anyone in between, this group of chapters covers the newest GoPro models, types of users, and important accessories for making movies.
Part 2: Moviemaking Technique
If you think the chariot scene in the classic film Ben-Hur was spectacular, imagine if they had GoPros back then. The GoPro changes the way you shoot action, yet regardless of the device or camera, the language of cinema remains the most important aspect for making a movie. The following chapters explain filmmaking technique specific to the camera so you can produce an impressive movie with your GoPro HERO.
Part 3: Movies Are Made in Postproduction
Shooting video is only the first part of the process, unless you want to simply play your raw footage and bore your audience with a few moments of the good stuff, and the rest the warts and blemishes. Editing lets you show the viewer exactly what you want, thus creating the “wow” factor. This section covers editing your movie on a computer loaded with GoPro Studio editing software.
Part 4: The Part of Tens
The Dummies version of a top ten list will provide insight into fun places to mount your GoPro, professional applications, and making your movies and pictures better by avoiding the pitfalls of using it.
Icons Used in This Book
What’s a For Dummies book without icons pointing out great information that’s sure to help you along your way? In this section, I briefly describe the icons used in this book.
This icon marks a generally interesting and useful fact — something you may want to remember for later use.
This icon points out helpful suggestions and useful nuggets of information.
When you see this icon, you know that techie stuff is nearby. If you’re not feeling very techie, feel free to skip it.
The Warning icon highlights lurking danger. With this icon, I’m telling you to pay attention and proceed with caution.
Beyond the Book
Like every For Dummies book, this one comes with a free Cheat Sheet that brings together some of the most commonly needed information for people learning to use, in this case, GoPro cameras. To get the Cheat Sheet, head for www.dummies.com and enter GoPro Cameras For Dummies 2nd Edition Cheat Sheet in the Search box.
Part 1
Getting Started with Your GoPro Camera
IN THIS PART …
Understand the GoPro camera.
See what you need to get started.
Find the right mount.
Choose the right accessory.
Chapter 1
Getting to Know GoPro
IN THIS CHAPTER
Discovering GoPro’s magic
Finding out what GoPro can do
Comparing the different models
Working with the GoPro apps
You’ve probably heard the old saying, “Good things come in small packages.” Sometimes it’s true, as in the case of a diamond ring. That sparkly rock is small, and many people would agree that it’s good. But a mosquito, which is smaller than a diamond, isn’t good at all, especially on a warm summer evening.
Small cameras rarely solicit as much disdain as mosquitoes do. Most of us accept the compromise of function for size, understanding that it’s acceptable for a camera to have less quality and fewer features in exchange for traveling well.
The GoPro, however, shatters that compromise like a rock on a plate-glass window. This pint-size wonder not only fits in the palm of your hand, but also easily mounts anywhere. Put it on a bicycle helmet to capture the rider’s perspective. Mount it on a surfboard and not worry about frying the electronics, thanks to its watertight housing. How about mounting it on an inexpensive remote-control drone (more appropriately known here as a quadcopter) and recording overhead footage and something that was out of the realm of possibility for consumers a few short years ago? (Check local ordinances first so you don’t fly your airship too close to a restricted area or violate privacy and security of others. More on that in Chapter 6.)
Introducing the GoPro
The GoPro is a pint-size, consumer-priced camcorder that yields professional results and does lots of cool stuff thanks to its Wi-Fi capability, superior performance, and extreme portability.
The GoPro doesn’t take up much space, so it’s easy to pack, carry, and mount in interesting places. The most feature-rich model, the HERO5 Black is a shade under 3 inches long, so it would take a bagful of these cameras to occupy the same amount of space as a conventional camcorder. The HERO5 Session and HERO Session are even smaller. Regardless, the diminutive stature of GoPro becomes even more important when you mount several cameras in a confined area and that’s a good thing, because these little guys are often used in bunches.
“The bigger they are, the harder they fall” doesn’t apply to the GoPro because it weighs ounces, not pounds. Since the camera is small and lightweight, you can place it almost anywhere with little concern that it will fall because it’s too heavy. Earlier GoPro models captured movie files on an SD card, but because the camera got smaller and lighter with each upgrade, it now uses a petite microSD card (see Figure 1-1) that holds up to 128 GB of pictures and movies.
FIGURE 1-1: SD (left) and microSD (right) cards.
Wishing for the existence of such a camera just a mere generation ago was quite a stretch, like wanting a Pegasus in your barn. Fret no more. Your sanity is safe — at least when it comes to the existence of a durable, inexpensive camera that goes anywhere while capturing high definition video and even 3D video. All it takes to accurately capture whatever situation you have in mind is an optional, inexpensive mount.
Use it anywhere
Just a few years ago, ambitious users who attempted to put an expensive camcorder in a place where it didn’t belong usually didn’t get a compelling piece of work; rather, they often had to pick up the pieces of their smashed cameras. That’s less a worry these days, thanks to the design and durability of the GoPro.
Beyond being small and well designed, a GoPro can go anyplace you go and mount almost anywhere. Moviemaking has always had the dubious distinction of being a cumbersome endeavor, usually because of the size and weight of the equipment. It’s quite refreshing to have a high-quality camera with ultra-wide optics that fits in the palm of your hand and that has a mount for almost every situation.
Capturing footage in nonconventional places is the GoPro’s job description. The tougher the situation, the more impressive the results. The GoPro is shock-resistant and waterproof, which are good qualities for a camera that can mount on almost anything, moving or otherwise. The next time you’re inspired to mount the camera on Fido for a dog’s-eye view, feel free. Shock your friends and neighbors when you decide to take the camera into the pool to shoot an underwater sequence (see Figure 1-2).
Photo courtesy of GoPro, Inc.
FIGURE 1-2: The GoPro HERO5 Black can do a lot in, out, and under the water.
Forget conventional camcorders
The GoPro doesn’t resemble a conventional camcorder, nor does it behave like one. It looks more like a small square box with a protruding lens than a sleekly designed camcorder. Although you can hold it like a traditional camera, it is equally effective (if not more so) when it’s attached to something.
Here are some of the qualities that differentiate a GoPro from standard camcorders:
Size:
The current GoPros are quite small compared with most camcorders and significantly smaller than their predecessors.
Most models don’t have a viewfinder:
Though the viewfinder is one of the main parts of a camcorder, only one current GoPro includes a viewing screen. That’s okay because you wouldn’t look through a viewfinder for most situations. The lack of a viewfinder doesn’t mean you have to imagine where the action will take place. Simply use Capture (discussed later in this chapter), which transforms your smartphone or tablet into a monitor.
Wide-angle view:
The GoPro captures an angle of view up to 170-degrees that provides an ultra-wide view unavailable on any camcorder.
Better than a camcorder
Just a few years ago, merely having a moderate wide-angle view on a camcorder was a minor coup. Going reasonably wider often meant using one of those poor quality wide-angle adapters that screwed on the filter or clamped over the lens. Adapters produced exaggerated distortion, especially on the edges, creating a foggy appearance. The GoPro provides a wider perspective than those old accessory lenses, as shown in Figure 1-3, and does it with impressive optical quality.
In a way, the GoPro represents the elusive go-anywhere camera that’s everything the camcorder never was: durable, mountable, and affordable.
FIGURE 1-3: An expansive view from the GoPro’s wide-angle lens taken relatively close to the subject.
Here’s why:
Waterproof housing:
Thanks to its polycarbonate body on the HERO5, (and Session) and plastic housing on other HERO models, you can use your GoPro in, around, and under water.
Wearability:
Although it’s not the kind of accessory that fashionistas clamor for on the catwalk during Milan Fashion Week, the GoPro is still quite fashionable. You can not only wear it, but also capture some pretty impressive video with it.
Here are a few ways to wear it (More will be discussed in Chapter 2):
Chesty:
The Chesty harness allows you to transform yourself into a living dolly. Instead of moving the camera through the scene and capturing choppy footage, be one with the camera and move through the scene in Zen-like splendor.
Head Strap:
The headband attaches to your head so you can get that walk-through look in your video (see
Figure 1-4
).
Hand and Wrist Strap:
Allows you to wear the camera on your arm or wrist. Capture timely footage simply by twisting your wrist or moving your arm.
Bicycle helmet:
Wear the camera mounted on your helmet to get the unique perspective of a cyclist.
Seeker:
Include mounting options of Seeker backpack.
FIGURE 1-4: Mounting your GoPro on the Head Strap lets you establish a subjective perspective simply by moving through the scene.
Seeing What a GoPro Can Do
What can a GoPro do? Here’s a more relevant question: What do you want it to do? Asking this question is more like asking yourself about your own wishes and desires for unique video footage. When you determine what you want to capture, all you must do is connect the camera to the appropriate mount and press the Record button.
The following sections cover a few special capabilities of the GoPro.
Take still photos
Although still-photo capability rarely (and rarely means almost never) finds its way onto the list of reasons to buy a video camcorder, GoPro is the refreshing exception to that rule. It not only gets up close and personal with its ultra-wide-angle view (see Figure 1-5), but also does it with extreme sharpness. You can take still capture even further by capturing a scene at preset intervals to create a time-lapse movie. Although the current editions of the GoPro have excellent still-photo quality, it increases with each model.
FIGURE 1-5: Still capture with the GoPro is remarkably good, especially at a unique angle.
For details on still-photo specs, see “Comparing GoPro Editions,” later in this chapter.
Capture the scenes of your dreams
The GoPro liberates your imagination by allowing you to capture situations that in the recent past seemed like fantasies. Since the early days of motion-picture capture, people always had the desire to present each shot with a unique perspective. At some point or another, we’ve all wanted to mount a video camera on a car bumper to capture compelling footage or fly it remotely over the action on some hobby craft, but doing so was never feasible or practical. The ambitious efforts of the more adventurous often ended in a crash landing.
Now, with GoPro, those creative ideas are not only possible, but also practical thanks to the camera’s durability, unique mounts, and Wi-Fi communication. Here are a few things that GoPro makes possible:
Connect it to an extension pole to get an overhead shot of the scene.
Put it on a guitar.
Attach it to your dog.
Use it on a surfboard.
Mount it on a car.
Capture HD and 4K video
Although all current GoPro models let you capture full-frame high-definition (HD) video, the quality and frame-rate options increase with the 4K setting. Using H264 compression, the GoPro compresses captured video files to fit more information on the microSD card, and the compressed files maintain substantial quality when opened. 4K is a high-resolution setting for video capture. Think HD and then quadruple the quality.
The 4K mode captures 3820 × 2160 resolution with a frame rate of 30 frames per second (fps) on the HERO5 and HERO4 Black Editions. The higher frame rate cuts down the choppiness when capturing action sequences. The HERO4 Silver Edition and HERO3+ Black Edition capture at 15 fps. The HD modes on all current HERO models capture between 30 and 120 fps. The HERO4 Black and HERO5 Black can record to 240 fps in the 720p mode. The more frames a camera captures, the smoother the playback. At 15 fps, situations that have less movement render much better than those with fast action.
Attach to anything
The GoPro system can make you feel like Inspector Gadget. There’s something very spylike about securing your GoPro anyplace you want — high or low, moving or stationary— and then monitoring the scene on your smartphone. Thanks to the camera’s various mounting plates, you can put it almost anywhere, even a boat rail as seen in Figure 1-6.
Connect the camera to a skateboard, or mount a bunch of cameras inside and outside a car as it plows through dunes. You can even hold a GoPro underwater with an extension pole to capture underwater video. I talk more about mounting devices in Chapter 2.
Photo courtesy of GoPro, Inc.
FIGURE 1-6: You can easily use the Large Tube Mount anywhere, including on a boat rail for a quick family portrait.
Connect to your other devices
Wi-Fi capability doesn’t mean you can check your fantasy-football scores when shooting, but it does provide some pretty radical communication between the camera and your smartphone or remote. You can control the camera over Wi-Fi with your smartphone, tablet, or Apple Watch. You can also use devices as a monitor. The HERO5 also can automatically upload to the GoPro Plus Cloud. You will need a subscription to do it. Check it out at http://shop.gopro.com/subscription/gopro-plus-monthly/GoProPlusMonthly.html.
Here’s more of what you can do via Wi-Fi:
Update firmware.
Check battery level.
See microSD card info.
View still photos and video.
Comparing GoPro Editions
The latest GoPro line, HERO5, features two cameras with varying features and quality levels. Each model offers Wi-Fi capability. The HERO5 Black closely resembles the size and footprint of the previous model, though it no longer needs a waterproof housing. The HERO5 Session looks like its predecessor, but internally it’s been given a power jolt too. With 4K video capture, voice control, and some cool night functions, both models are equally amazing when it comes to quality, though each has features consistent with your needs.
Let’s delve further into each model.
HERO5 Black
Once upon a time, it was a range of tonal names that differentiated the GoPro HERO, including the Silver and White editions. And while many of these models are still viable choices, the latest version is only about the Black. It’s the big kahuna of the HERO line and it has been revamped so much that there’s only a need for a single model of this size. The most obvious difference with this model is its ready-to-go waterproof design, good for depths as low as 33 feet (10m), and face it, how many times do you need to go deeper? A lot, you say, then just use the optional Dive Housing; it’s good for close to 197 feet (60m).
Besides the built-in water protection, the latest entry is pretty feature-packed. Not only does it capture 4K video that can make your audience feel like they’re in the middle of the action, but also it can capture it with one-button simplicity.
Internal improvements help stabilize video in shaky situations, capture crystal-clear audio, and provide pro-quality photo capture. Combine that with voice control and GPS, the HERO5 Black packs a lot of punch in such a portable camera. (see Figure 1-7)
Other new features over previous HERO models include:
Touch screen display:
There’s no more guessing at what you’re capturing or controlling the camera thanks to a built-in two-inch screen that allows you to view the scene, change settings, and edit footage. You can even upload footage to your GoPro Plus Cloud account, and access it on any device.
Voice control:
If you’re going to deal with those funny looks when seen talking to your GoPro, it’s nice for the camera to reciprocate. The voice command function will let you control the camera with hands, er, fingers-free operation. It understands 12 commands such as “GoPro start recording,” or “GoPro turn off.” As you can see by these examples, you must precede the action with GoPro, so the camera knows you’re talking to her.
Stunning 4K recording: Capture 4K video at 30 fps as well as 2.7K at 60 fps for ultra high-resolution video.
Impressive HD video:
Record HD video at up to 1080p (progressive) up to120 fps for capturing maximum detail. The higher frame rate also provides the best quality applying slow motion in GoPro Studio.
Improved audio capture:
Thanks to the three-microphone system you can capture the clearest audio ever on a GoPro, both above and below the water. Internally, there’s advanced audio processing and improved wind-noise reduction.
Auto Low Light:
The camera adjusts exposure when light values change by changing frame rates to compensate when you move between dense shadow areas and bright spots.
Better control over photos:
Lots of reasons. First, there’s Protune for photos, which provides the same control over still photographs as you have for video. Like what? Changing the ISO setting, exposure compensation, white balance, color profile, and sharpness on still images and time-lapse sequences. You can shoot in RAW for increased flexibility in Photoshop, and the WDR modes capture maximum shadow and highlight detail.
Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth:
Allows you to control the camera remotely through the Remo (waterproof voice-activated remote), smart remote and the GoPro App. It also enables auto upload to your optional GoPro Plus Cloud account.
Photo courtesy of GoPro, Inc.
FIGURE 1-7: HERO5 Black Edition
HERO5 Session
Most of the power of the HERO5 Black, but half its size, makes the HERO5 Session a great choice when you’re looking to carry a little less camera without sacrificing a whole lot of quality. Not only can you mount it using a wide range of accessories, but you can wear it on your lapel like a corsage and capture the world with this incredibly portable camera. Stunning 4K capture, along with one-button simplicity makes this waterproof powerhouse a force to be reckoned with. (See Figure 1-8)
Other new features over previous Session models include:
Voice control:
This camera is so small that when you’re talking to it, a bystander may just assume you’re talking to yourself. But it’s a necessary function on a camera that’s so small to control to get hands-free operation. Like the HERO5 Black, it understands a dozen commands such as “GoPro start recording,” or “GoPro turn off.”
Stunning 4K recording
: Capture 4K video at 30 fps as well as 2.7K at 48 fps for ultra high-resolution video.
Expanded modes:
Added Time-Lapse, Night-Lapse, and Night Photo modes expand the possibilities for creativity.
Auto Low Light:
The camera adjusts exposure when light values change by changing frame rates to compensate when you move between dense shadow areas and bright spots.
Impressive HD video:
Record HD video at up to 1080p (progressive) up to 90 fps for capturing maximum detail. The higher frame rate also provides the best quality applying slow motion in GoPro Studio.
Protune for photos:
Provides the same control over still photographs as you have for video. Change the ISO setting, use exposure compensation, or adjust white balance on still images and time-lapse sequences.
Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth:
Allows you to control the camera remotely through the Wi-Fi remote and the GoPro App. It also enables auto upload to your optional GoPro Plus Cloud account.
Photo courtesy of GoPro, Inc.
FIGURE 1-8: HERO5 Session
HERO Session
Not only is it the smallest GoPro in the lineup, but it’s also the most inconspicuous. Easily worn, or mounted, it allows you capture impressive video and pictures in the smallest spaces. One-button operation makes it easy to start recording, but its small size provides less control on the camera. That’s no problem, since you can control the camera from your app.
Some aspects to consider:
Waterproof:
No need to worry about a waterproof housing, since the camera is already waterproof to depths of 33 feet.
Impressive quality:
Sharp, professional-quality video capture at 1440p at 30 fps or 1080p at 60 fps. You can record at the higher frame rate of 100 fps at 720p for amazing slow-motion playback.
Great photo capture:
Captures still frames at 8MP and photo bursts up to 10 frames. In addition, it captures time-lapse at intervals from 0.5 to 60 seconds.
Built-in intelligent battery:
It only uses power when you're recording; otherwise it shuts off the camera. You can capture continuously for two hours or more on a full charge. On the downside, you cannot swap out the battery, so if it dies, you must fully charge the camera before using it again.
One-touch recording:
A single button powers on the camera and starts recording video or time-lapse photos automatically.
Few buttons:
The camera must be controlled through the Capture app to change settings.
Always captures right side up:
Even if the camera is upside down, it will automatically capture the scene right side up.
Protune:
When capturing video, it provides more control for camera settings, including white balance, exposure, ISO, and color. In addition, it captures with less compression than the non-Protune setting.
Previous GoPro Models
Don’t worry if you’re not using the latest model. The last few generations capture HD video, and even 4K.
HERO4 Black Edition
Every bit as relevant as its HERO5 Black successor, you can do everything with this model with minimal quality issues. Just like the new line, it captures 4K video at 30 fps as well as 2.7K at 50 fps for ultra high-resolution capture. It doesn’t have the built-in waterproof case, nor does it have a touch screen. But since it’s waterproof to deeper depths in its housing and you can always add an optional LCD Touch Screen Back, this model remains highly relevant.
Here are some of its features:
HD video capture: Captures HD video at up to 1080p (progressive) at 120 fps, making it possible to capture maximum detail even when applying slow motion in GoPro Studio.
More powerful processor:
Twice as fast as its predecessor, so you can capture video at increased frame rates with more detailed image quality, increased sharpness, and better color.
Auto Low Light:
Automatically adjusts exposure by changing frame rates to compensate when you move between dense shadow areas and bright spots.
Protune for photos:
Apply the same control over images as you have for video. Change the ISO setting, use exposure compensation, or adjust white balance on still images and time-lapse sequences.
Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth:
Allows you to control the camera remotely, using the Wi-Fi remote with the GoPro App. For this model, the remote is sold separately.
Set tags on your video: The HiLight tag makes it easy to find the best part of your clip by setting markers while capturing footage.
HERO4 Silver Edition
The HERO4 Silver is loaded with features, captures 4K video, and was the first GoPro to include a viewfinder. While it can record 4K video, it does so at 15 frames per second, which is great for still or slow-moving subjects, but not so great when they move fast. On the HD side, this camera is impressive with capture up to 60 fps, making it possible to capture maximum detail even when applying slow motion in GoPro Studio.
Other features include:
Auto Low Light:
Automatically adjusts exposure by changing frame rates to compensate when you move between dense shadow areas and bright spots.
Protune for photos:
Apply the same control over images as you have for video. Change the ISO setting, use exposure compensation, or adjust white balance on your still images, as seen in
Figure 1-9
, and time-lapse sequences.
Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth:
Allows you to control the camera remotely, using the Wi-Fi remote with the GoPro App. For this model, the remote is sold separately.
Set tags on your video:
The HiLight tag makes it easy to find the best part of your clip by setting markers while capturing footage.
FIGURE 1-9: Protune provides the most control for video and photos.
HERO
The most no-frills model of the HERO lineup provides excellent image quality but not much else. It has a built-in waterproof housing with a built-in battery. There’s not an accessory port, so you can’t add a monitor, extra battery pack or Wi-Fi, so there’s a little more guessing with this one since you can’t see what you’re shooting.
CHALLENGES IN USING A GOPRO
GoPro does so many things well, such as capturing HD video at a high frame rate and shooting high-quality time-lapse sequences, that it’s easy to forget that using it involves some challenges:
Steep learning curveLower quality in low lightShort battery lifeFixed focal lengthFew controls on camera.Lack of a viewfinder on most models, making it harder to compose the sceneA lag of 2 to 3 seconds when you monitor a scene on a mobile deviceSetting Up Your GoPro
At first glance, the GoPro resembles a miniature version of an early 20th-century box camera or maybe the Instamatic still camera of the 1970s. Its design is simple: nothing more than a small box with a protruding lens, a few buttons, and a small LCD screen up front on most models.
One very important piece doesn’t come with the camera: the microSD card. Guess what? The camera won’t work without it. Ideally, you purchased one when you bought your GoPro. If not, get one before you set up your camera (see the next section).
Setting up your GoPro takes a few minutes (not counting battery-charging time) but is easy. Follow these steps:
Take off the GoPro’s protective waterproof housing.
(Skip to the next step if you’re using a HERO5 Black or Session.)
Like a turtle uses it shell for protection, so does the GoPro. But you need to take the GoPro out of its case to set it up. Pull the black latch on the top front of the camera. You’ll need to pull it back hard because it locks in place. Lift the latch and pull out the camera.
Put the battery in the camera.
(Skip to next step if you’re using a Session.)
Slide off the battery door, place the battery inside the camera, and put the door back on. The battery comes partially charged and can be used right out of the box, but it’s a good idea to charge it fully (see Step 4).
Load the microSD memory card.
Insert SD card on bottom door where battery is located. Push the tiny card into the card slot until it locks in place. If you’re using an older model, the door on the side of the camera slides off. Then slide the door back on.
Charge the camera.
Plug one end of the charger cable (the one with the mini USB plug) into the camera and the other end into your computer or USB power supply. While the camera is charging, the LED lights turn on; when the camera is fully charged, they go off. You can also use the optional GoPro Super Charger, which charges your HERO5 up to 70% faster with the USB-C cable. And you can charge your phone or other device at the same time.
Power up the camera.
Press the Power/Mode button. The LED indicators blink, and the camera beeps three times.
Shoot some video.
Once your camera is charged, you’re ready to start recording. The video mode is the default mode when you turn on the camera. Press the Shutter/Select button to record video; press it again to pause it.
Take a still photo.
Press the Power/Mode button to find the Photo button, which looks like a camera. You can also pick other still-photo choices like Burst Photo and Time-Lapse, but more on that in Chapter 3.
THERE’S ALWAYS A GOPRO CHARGER
Because the camera uses a USB mini connector, those old cell phone chargers used by BlackBerry and others work perfectly with charging the camera. So, take them out of the drawer when you need an AC charger for your camera. Newer models now come with a USB-C connector with a mini plug. Those need an adapter.
Controlling Your GoPro
If you’re a first-time user, you’ll find that the GoPro differs from any other camera you’ve operated. It can take some time to get used to the lack of a viewfinder on the Session (as well as some older models), the camera’s ultra-wide-angle lens, and its dependence on Wi-Fi.
