Any GoPro users out there?

[Matt]

That's amazing! Which housing did you use?
Do you think a head strap would work better with controlling waving movement?

[macnmotion]

Hi Matt,

I used the standard waterproof housing that came with the camera, and it was foolproof.

I considered a headcam, wristcam, etc. but settled on the pole because as I said my goal was to plant the pole and leave it. That just didn't work. What you are seeing is only a small portion of a lot of video I have. Much of it is much more stable, there is just less activity. That makes sense I guess -- the more fish, the more likely I was to wave the pole to follow them. So I know it's possible to swim and dive with a stable grip on the monopod, I just have to remind myself to control movement when I'm excited about the fish I'm seeing.

The other thing I'm aware of after the fact is the wide angle. In reviewing the film I see a field of view much greater than I imagined as the camera was held out in front of me. So some of the side to side movement is not necessary since the fish I was trying to capture were already in the field of view.

With clearer water I would have gone with 1080/60, but due to the clarity issue as well as the late afternoon shaded water, I went with 1080/30. I think that /60 can do better when the light cooperates.

On a humorous note, the opening shot showing me swimming at the surface wasn't planned. I had planted the monopod between some rocks, and as I returned to the surface it tipped over, pointing directly up and capturing me swimming. Most of the other plants resulted in the camera tipped directly down. If I want to try planting the camera again, I have to have a better method of putting the monopod in place. Note that I was extremely careful so that I didn't do any damage to the reef -- that probably contributed to the lack of fixed monopod placement.

I'll have more opportunities to try this again, but probably not for a few months until after the rainy season. I absolutely can't wait -- this is the most fun I've had taking photos in a few years!!

[ApproachingLight]

wondering if anyone has tried this? I have the GoPro 3 but for someone who doesn't want to cough up those bucks but wants to try the concept, this looks like an inexpensive way. Just don't know if the quality is any good.

[Matt]

Sorry I didn't see this earlier. I have seen those listed on Woot on a few occasions. I read the reviews and was on the fence. I'm sure they will return and if I have a job at that time, I may pick up one for that "over the falls" idea. I don't quite trust myself to do that to the Gopro just yet.

[macnmotion]

720p is just fine for anything being uploaded to YouTube. I have not seen a Gear Pro out here in Asia -- the only other action cams locally are Sony.

[macnmotion]

I had another chance to use the GoPro today. I took my 5 month old puppy swimming for the first time -- found a Doggie Pool near my home in Bangkok. These are the home movies you could not get in the past!

http://youtu.be/plYX5JIFCdI (make sure to view in HD)

[BBvideo 700,419]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plYX5JIFCdI[/BBvideo]

Andy

[Brenda]

Great footage, Andy! Cruiser is getting big! They grow up too fast.

[Matt]

Great video! Weather looks fantastic there, as always... maybe I should extend my job search into Thailand