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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Controlling the HERO4

The GoPro HERO4 has three buttons:

• Power/Mode: This button acts as both a power button and a means of cycling through camera modes and menus.
• Shutter/Select: Press this button to start and stop video recordings, take photos, and toggle among menu settings.
• Wi-Fi: To turn the camera’s Wi-Fi signal on or off, hold this button for three seconds. This button also allows you to enter the Settings menu, connect to the remote, or connect to smartphones and tablets via the Capture app.

Turning the camera off

Powering down your GoPro requires you to hold the Mode button for a few seconds. Whatever you captured will be saved before the camera powers off.

Setting the date and time

Not setting the date and time on your camera would be the equivalent of not setting the clock on a DVR. All your pictures, including the ones you took during the summer, would be dated January 1. While you can do it on the camera, the easiest way to do this is connect to the Capture app and it will sync automatically.

Syncing your GoPro

Your GoPro connects to your smartphone or device via Wi-Fi so that you can control the camera, clear the media card, and update its firmware when necessary. More important, the Capture app provides a comfortable way to use the camera because chances are you’re not always going to be that close to the action, and if you are, then you can concentrate on what you’re doing. You can read more about the Capture app later in the chapter.

Downloading the software

The GoPro App is a free download away. Just go to Apple’s App Store or Google Play. You can find more information at http://gopro.com/apps.

Setting up the app

Here’s how you set up the app:

1. Activate Wi-Fi on the camera by pressing the Wi-Fi button on the side.

   The blue light blinks to show that Wi-Fi is activated.

2. Open the Capture app on your smartphone and then tap the Connect & Control button, shown in Figure 1-14.

3. If you see a No Cameras Connected warning, navigate to the Wi-Fi settings on your smartphone and make sure that the GoPro is selected.

   Often, your home Wi-Fi network is selected by default on your phone, and you need to select the camera.

4. Control the camera.

   Monitor the scene and make changes without ever touching the camera. You can change camera modes, adjust resolution settings, and access Protune settings on the Black Edition.

Giving the app a test drive

Although using the Capture app is intuitive, giving it a test drive doesn’t hurt. Follow these steps:

1. Launch the Capture app.
2. Tap the Connect & Control button.

3. Tap the video icon.

   By default, the video icon should be selected, but if it’s not, tap the icon that looks like a movie camera.

4. Point the camera at something, and check the scene on the monitor.

5. Make camera adjustments, if necessary.

   Chapter 4 offers detailed explanations of how these features work.

6. Tap the red button to start recording video.
7. Tap the red button again to stop recording.

Editing on the fly

After capturing whatever situation strikes your fancy, you can quickly turn it into a movie on your smartphone. Splice lets you assemble a series of clips together, add titles and transitions, and even has a music library to give your movie the right pizazz. Another app can automatically make a movie with clips and music so quickly it’s called Quik.

Quik

If you’re looking for an automated approach to editing movies, the Quik app is perfect for you. Create edits in a matter of moments by transforming a few clips into a movie with choices for soundtrack loaded in the program, or simply choose a song that’s already on your device. Quik automatically analyzes the footage, puts it together, and synchs it to the beat of your soundtrack. The music can come from files on your phone. Quik will automatically make a movie for you by selecting your best clips of the week, and even add a soundtrack (see Figure 1-15).

Here’s an overview of what you — er, Quik — can do:

• Choose video styles: Pick the style of the movie. Each selection has its own set of filters, graphics, fonts, and transitions.
• Custom text overlays: Add captions, Identifications, and emojis to give your movie the right pizazz.
• Soundtrack library: Allows you to pick the perfect soundtrack for your movie. Whether it’s something from your own music library. Whatever soundtrack you use, the app quickly synchs the action to the beat of the music for a really awesome video, regardless that it was automatically variety.
• Automatic video creation: Once a week, Quik will surprise you with a produced movie from footage found on your mobile device over the past seven days.
• One–button posting: Just tap save and you can share video on a variety of social media sites including Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also save directly to your device or on the Cloud.

It’s great to perform a quick edit in the field and share it immediately from your app, but it’s a little more comfortable doing it from your computer. The desktop version of Quik provides the same easy operation when it comes to offloading files from your GoPro. Just connect the camera and the software automatically downloads your movies and photos to your drive. If you’re a GoPro Plus member, it will upload directly to the Cloud, allowing you to access, view, and edit your content on any device wherever you are at the moment.

Splice

Splice brings the power of a desktop editing system to the convenience of your iPhone or iPad, so you can make pro-quality edits moments after you shoot them. You can easily add music, sound effects, and titles before uploading to a sharing site. (See Figure 1-16.)

Here’s what you’re able to do:

• Fully edit on your phone: Includes all you need to produce video clips. You can trim clips, crop the frame, as well as add titles and special effects.
• Great audio choices: Free music and sound effects allow you to overlay multiple tracks, adjust audio levels, or record a voiceover.
• Impressive outros: Lets you end your video in style.