Looking for Waterproof Video Camera Recommendations - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Pinhead · 10-19-2015, 10:07 AM

I've seen quite a few great videos from you guys and am thinking about getting a waterproof video camera for myself.

I am seeing a ton of options on the net, ie....head mounted, pole mounted, cheaper models, spendy models etc....

Just looking for recommendations for a reasonable option, with decent quality & features, moderately priced, easy to use etc...

Appreciate any advice ;-)

Phishphood · 10-19-2015, 11:53 AM

Depends what kind of quality of video you're looking for, but older gopro's work just fine. Couple bucks for a tripod mount for them and a buck for the right screw and some PVC and you've made your own pole mounts. Put them in the front of yak, or in rod holder behind the seat etc. Plunk down some $$ for a wireless remote (wrist wearable, I think most gopros from 2 and 3 are wifi enabled) for remote power/recording options and you're good to go.

That said if you're looking for much better quality video, newer cameras are the way to go (but much more $$$). They'll give you higher framerates so you can slow it down to .5x or less and still be super smooth at HD quality. 4k video is up to personal preference but I think it's unnecessary. Sony did come out with a 4k action cam though that I'm really liking. Not for the 4k aspect but because it has in-camera stabilization. This is huge, as you're probably seen most gopro vids are shaky etc just from holding it. No clue on mounts for it though.

Long story short- what are you planning to do with the footage and how much are you willing to spend?

WARRIORMIKE · 10-19-2015, 12:31 PM

get the gopro session . Perfect setup for someone just starting out.

Also use the GOPRO templates until you get familiar with editing. You will have to install the App on your computer

JJ · 10-19-2015, 03:32 PM

Check out WASP Cameras.
This is a Canadian company that has a camera very similar to the GoPro.
The Wasp shoots at 1080p, and has its own waterproof housing.
No external housing required.
It has zoom capability and even has 2 led lights for a little bit of light.
It also comes with a huge bundle of accessories so you don't get nickel and dimed like GoPro does.

I was talking to some guy who was giving it a test drive.
He was impressed with what it could do.
He really liked the better sound quality since he wasn't shooting through a waterproof housing, like you would with a GoPro.

I've been using 2 GoPros and love them.
The WASP seems to be a more affordable and user friendly alternative.
I wouldn't mind giving the WASP a try.

JMHO.

Good luck.
-JJ-

Iceman · 10-19-2015, 03:48 PM

Go Pro Hero 2 is plenty good for what I want it to do. I bought a pair on E bay refurbished for $80 each, plenty of packages on there for a little over $100.

Pinhead · 10-19-2015, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phishphood

Depends what kind of quality of video you're looking for, but older gopro's work just fine. Couple bucks for a tripod mount for them and a buck for the right screw and some PVC and you've made your own pole mounts. Put them in the front of yak, or in rod holder behind the seat etc. Plunk down some $$ for a wireless remote (wrist wearable, I think most gopros from 2 and 3 are wifi enabled) for remote power/recording options and you're good to go.

That said if you're looking for much better quality video, newer cameras are the way to go (but much more $$$). They'll give you higher framerates so you can slow it down to .5x or less and still be super smooth at HD quality. 4k video is up to personal preference but I think it's unnecessary. Sony did come out with a 4k action cam though that I'm really liking. Not for the 4k aspect but because it has in-camera stabilization. This is huge, as you're probably seen most gopro vids are shaky etc just from holding it. No clue on mounts for it though.

Long story short- what are you planning to do with the footage and how much are you willing to spend?

Video quality is not all that important. I just need to have it clear and stabilized enough so my buddies in Idaho can see my mug, my fish, the great weather they left behind and turn green with envy ;-)

Thanks for the good advice. Looks like a few other suggestions are coming in on this thread as well. Love this Forum!

Batmann · 10-19-2015, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iceman

Go Pro Hero 2 is plenty good for what I want it to do. I bought a pair on E bay refurbished for $80 each, plenty of packages on there for a little over $100.

Here is a another option for a refurbished GoPro directly from the manufacturer. It also comes with the standard one year warranty. I think the remote is a key feature when used on a kayak. It shoots awesome video IMHO. $270.00 for the camera and remote.

http://shop.gopro.com/cameras/refurb...CHDNH-B07.html

King Saba · 10-19-2015, 08:52 PM

If you want a camera that can shoot 1080 @ 60fps, but only has so so stablization capabilities I'd look into the Xiaomi Yi. It's 70 bucks.

Stuck20 · 10-19-2015, 09:19 PM

GoPro is a good option. Their "GoPoles" fit perfectly in rod holders, too. Lots of used ones out there so you can find a bargain. My hero 3+ works well for fishing, snowboarding, whatever.

Pinhead · 10-20-2015, 07:54 AM

I'm off to chase down a video camera.

Thank you for all the good suggestions and info. I really appreciate it.

Mr. NiceGuy · 10-20-2015, 08:40 AM

Take a look at the Fuji XP80 for extra features, built in flash, broader applications, lower price and richer Fuji colors. The XP80 is more of a hybrid between a GoPro sports camera and a handy general purpose pocket camera.

https://www.google.com/search?q=Fuji...utf-8&oe=utf-8

All sports cameras have their image quality and low light limitations, but they serve their purpose in ways you would not want to risk better and more expensive cameras.

In that image quality range, iPhones work good too. LifeProof is the "standard" for waterproof enclosures. West Marine has them next to the cash register for about $80

http://www.amazon.com/LifeProof-iPho...of+iphone+case

There are clones and other universal pouch options all the way down to about $8

http://www.amazon.com/FRiEQ-Universa...f+iphone+pouch

WARRIORMIKE · 10-20-2015, 08:59 AM

If you are a cheap ass like me, selfie sticks can be made out of PVC pipe. Just cap the two ends with PVC glue. What you will need to purchase is the GoPro handlebar kit. Then attach to the PVC. You can also attach the kit to your rails on your PA

OR get the 3M sticky mounts and apply one on your PA or Kayak. These work good too. The clip already comes with the GOPRO.

Suction cup doesnt work for crap on PA. I hate the head strap, gives me a headache, but the chesty is good. Just turn the camera upside down.

Like someone said earlier, gopros are great. But the attachments do nickel and dime you quickly. Iceman made a good point. Go refurbished on them

Oh Get the floaty thing too!

10-19-2015, 10:07 AM	#1
Pinhead We all Stink Sometimes! Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: San Diego Posts: 171	Looking for Waterproof Video Camera Recommendations I've seen quite a few great videos from you guys and am thinking about getting a waterproof video camera for myself. I am seeing a ton of options on the net, ie....head mounted, pole mounted, cheaper models, spendy models etc.... Just looking for recommendations for a reasonable option, with decent quality & features, moderately priced, easy to use etc... Appreciate any advice ;-)

10-19-2015, 03:48 PM	#5
Iceman Administrator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: 1-2 miles off the point Posts: 6,948	Go Pro Hero 2 is plenty good for what I want it to do. I bought a pair on E bay refurbished for $80 each, plenty of packages on there for a little over $100. __________________

10-20-2015, 08:40 AM	#11
Mr. NiceGuy Manic for Life Join Date: May 2015 Location: San Diego Posts: 839	Take a look at the Fuji XP80 for extra features, built in flash, broader applications, lower price and richer Fuji colors. The XP80 is more of a hybrid between a GoPro sports camera and a handy general purpose pocket camera. https://www.google.com/search?q=Fuji...utf-8&oe=utf-8 All sports cameras have their image quality and low light limitations, but they serve their purpose in ways you would not want to risk better and more expensive cameras. In that image quality range, iPhones work good too. LifeProof is the "standard" for waterproof enclosures. West Marine has them next to the cash register for about $80 http://www.amazon.com/LifeProof-iPho...of+iphone+case There are clones and other universal pouch options all the way down to about $8 http://www.amazon.com/FRiEQ-Universa...f+iphone+pouch __________________ Another ho-hum day in Paradise Last edited by Mr. NiceGuy; 10-20-2015 at 09:10 AM.

10-20-2015, 08:59 AM	#12
WARRIORMIKE Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 303	SELFIE STICK If you are a cheap ass like me, selfie sticks can be made out of PVC pipe. Just cap the two ends with PVC glue. What you will need to purchase is the GoPro handlebar kit. Then attach to the PVC. You can also attach the kit to your rails on your PA OR get the 3M sticky mounts and apply one on your PA or Kayak. These work good too. The clip already comes with the GOPRO. Suction cup doesnt work for crap on PA. I hate the head strap, gives me a headache, but the chesty is good. Just turn the camera upside down. Like someone said earlier, gopros are great. But the attachments do nickel and dime you quickly. Iceman made a good point. Go refurbished on them Oh Get the floaty thing too! Last edited by WARRIORMIKE; 10-20-2015 at 09:16 AM.

10-19-2015, 11:53 AM	#2
Phishphood Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Posts: 346	Depends what kind of quality of video you're looking for, but older gopro's work just fine. Couple bucks for a tripod mount for them and a buck for the right screw and some PVC and you've made your own pole mounts. Put them in the front of yak, or in rod holder behind the seat etc. Plunk down some $$ for a wireless remote (wrist wearable, I think most gopros from 2 and 3 are wifi enabled) for remote power/recording options and you're good to go. That said if you're looking for much better quality video, newer cameras are the way to go (but much more $$$). They'll give you higher framerates so you can slow it down to .5x or less and still be super smooth at HD quality. 4k video is up to personal preference but I think it's unnecessary. Sony did come out with a 4k action cam though that I'm really liking. Not for the 4k aspect but because it has in-camera stabilization. This is huge, as you're probably seen most gopro vids are shaky etc just from holding it. No clue on mounts for it though. Long story short- what are you planning to do with the footage and how much are you willing to spend?

10-19-2015, 12:31 PM	#3
WARRIORMIKE Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 303	get the gopro session . Perfect setup for someone just starting out. Also use the GOPRO templates until you get familiar with editing. You will have to install the App on your computer

10-19-2015, 03:32 PM	#4
JJ Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Thousand Oaks, CA Posts: 80	Check out WASP Cameras. This is a Canadian company that has a camera very similar to the GoPro. The Wasp shoots at 1080p, and has its own waterproof housing. No external housing required. It has zoom capability and even has 2 led lights for a little bit of light. It also comes with a huge bundle of accessories so you don't get nickel and dimed like GoPro does. I was talking to some guy who was giving it a test drive. He was impressed with what it could do. He really liked the better sound quality since he wasn't shooting through a waterproof housing, like you would with a GoPro. I've been using 2 GoPros and love them. The WASP seems to be a more affordable and user friendly alternative. I wouldn't mind giving the WASP a try. JMHO. Good luck. -JJ-

10-19-2015, 08:52 PM	#8
King Saba Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: SGV Posts: 848	If you want a camera that can shoot 1080 @ 60fps, but only has so so stablization capabilities I'd look into the Xiaomi Yi. It's 70 bucks.

10-19-2015, 09:19 PM	#9
Stuck20 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Rancho Cucamonga Posts: 100	GoPro is a good option. Their "GoPoles" fit perfectly in rod holders, too. Lots of used ones out there so you can find a bargain. My hero 3+ works well for fishing, snowboarding, whatever.

10-20-2015, 07:54 AM	#10
Pinhead We all Stink Sometimes! Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: San Diego Posts: 171	I'm off to chase down a video camera. Thank you for all the good suggestions and info. I really appreciate it.