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.