Microphone Test 6 GoPro HD Hero 2 with a $3.50 PC Clip On Microphone

I tried out another microphone I received. I bought it on eBay for around $3.50 shipped. It's a small clip-on corded microphone that says it's stereo, but as you will be able to tell, is mono. You can find them here:

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l2736&_nkw=3.5mm+Stereo+Mini+Lapel+Clips+Microphone
or
http://goo.gl/w2DjR

For what it costs, it could be a good microphone for a lavalier situation you may have. Perhaps in doing microphone reviews! :-)

I realized that I should probably switch to something less than the wide mode for these reviews since it tends to distort the image a bit.

The microphone obviously has some handling noise, that's because I had the clip resting against the microphone so any movement of the clip was picked up by the mic. You should isolate the clip from the mic element if you plan on using this. A twist tie or a bit of tape would do the trick.

I have one more microphone on it's way so...

More later,
Ambrose

Sima SL-20LX Video Lights with the GoPro HD Hero 2 camera

I bought a pair of small and very bright video lights for my Hero 2 which I've wanted to try out. Here's the video of it in use. They were about $15-20 each. They come with a small flash bracket which is helpful. Another neat feature (which I don't mention in the video) is that they can be clipped together so that you only need to use one flash bracket. They are battery powered and the batteries last about 1 hour. In hindsight, I should have aimed the two lights a bit farther apart so that it didn't create a hot spot in the middle like it does in the video. I tried this just now and it looks much better.

Cheap GoPro Handheld Stabilizer: Planning

I've always wanted to have a floating stabilizer similar to what the Steadicam Smoothee offers but was always hesitant to pay the going rate for a device of this type.

The Steadicam Smoothee goes for $150 or more. That seems to me to be way too much for what the device is!

 Let's look at the parts needed.

- Quick release bracket(to mount the camera)
- Gimbal ( creates the smooth floating effect)
- C shaped bracket (to act as the center-of-gravity lowering device)
- Counterweights (to create the balance to neutralize rapid movements)
- Handle to hold the device

All of these can be bought fairly inexpensively and put together to create your own GoPro stabilizer. Here's what I've collected so far:

My QR bracket is the Sima Quickonnect  $8
My gimbal is the Lensse 12cm gimbal  $20
My C-shaped bracket is the Adorama C flash bracket $10
My counterweights are large flat stainless steel washers you can buy at any hardware store $5
My handle will be 1/2" PVC pipe with a bicycle handlebar grip $1 or free!

Total cost is $44!

Photos and setup later,
Ambrose

Microphone Test 5 GoPro HD Hero 2 with a Cheap Flexible PC Microphone

I tested the GoPro HD Hero 2 with one other microphone.

It's a cheap $2 gooseneck PC microphone that claims to be stereo. Surprisingly, it sounded very good for what it cost me! You'll notice that I start this video with the built-in GoPro microphone and plugged the flexible mic in halfway through the video. The sound is funny for a second but then the microphone produced a very clear, very pleasant sound without the cricketing noise. I wonder if the GoPro is sensitive to the type of microphone used. This is the first external mic that doesn't produce the cricket noise with the GoPro! It also connects to both channels. Lastly, it seems to reduce the room ambient noise dramatically! That must mean that it's a unidirectional mic that helps eliminate background noise. Pretty cool for a <$2 microphone!

More later,
Ambrose

Microphone Test 4 with a Cheap $2 Pill iPod Touch Microphone

I tested the GoPro HD Hero 2 with an inexpensive "pill" mic I bought from Meritline.com for $2. Unfortunately, it doesn't work. The video below has no audio at all.

I have one more microphone I can try.

More later,

Ambrose

Baseline Test of GoPro HD Hero 2's Built-in Microphone

I forgot that I should have started this microphone test session of a baseline recording of how the GoPro HD Hero 2's built-in microphone sounds. Here I'm holding it about an arm's length away from me. You'll notice the tremendous amount of background hum. The furnace of is about 5 feet away to the left and the Hero2 picked up the sound very clearly. Not a surprise since the Hero2's mic is located on top of the camera and is an omnidirectional microphone!

Here, I do a recording of a stock Hero2 using it's internal microphone with the GoPro sitting on top of the iMac you see in the thumbnail above. I describe how well the HTDZ microphone is made!

More later,

Ambrose

Microphone Test 3 (HTDZ HT-320A Shotgun Microphone)

Third in line for testing with my GoPro HD Hero 2 camera is an inexpensive shotgun microphone I picked up off eBay for around $15. It's called the HTDZ HT-320A shotgun microphone. The build quality of the mic is actually very high. There's a switch built into the mic that lets you set the mic from Tele to Wide angle coverage. It takes one AA sized battery and comes with a cable and a windscreen. There's also a microphone clip that attaches to your camera's hot shoe! Nice!

Anyway, I didn't use the windscreen on this test and I should have. You'll also notice that the sound is only recorded on the left channel because of the cable that comes with it. If you want both channels connected, you'll need to find a cable that connects to both channels of the mic plug.

More later,
Ambrose

Microphone Test 2 (Beyerdynamic M500 Ribbon Microphone)

I used my GoPro HD Hero 2 camera with a series of microphones to test how the Hero2 works with them. Next up is the Beyerdynamic M500 Ribbon Microphone. It was the creme-de-la-creme of handheld vocal microphones because of how smooth the microphone sounded. I think it was designed for balladeers more than rockers. The output (as I discovered in this video) is very low so the sound is very quiet. You'll again notice that the cricket sound is there again. Also, you'll notice that the sound only comes out of the left channel. The cable is a mono cable so it only feeds the left channel. True stereo microphones would have a ring-tip-sleeve configuration for the jack so that it feeds both left and right channels.

More microphones coming up!

Ambrose

Microphone Test 1 (Griffin Multi-Use Stereo Microphone)

I did a series of quick tests with the GoPro HD Hero 2 with a bunch of external microphones. First up is the discontinued Griffin Multi-Use Stereo Microphone. Note: My GoPro Hero 2 seems to have a cricketing noise whenever an external mic is attached. I've contacted GoPro, but haven't heard back yet.

Forgive the quality and presentation skills of the announcer! :)

More microphone tests in a bit!

Ambrose

Cheap HDMI Cable!

In anticipation of getting my GoPro HD Hero 2 Professional, I ordered a very inexpensive HDMI to HDMI mini cable to connect the Hero2 to my HDTV. It arrived about 2 weeks before my Hero2. I had a chance to try it last night and it worked like a charm! The cable costs under $3 and is quite a bargain!

http://goo.gl/2HyOW
or
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=HDMI+to+HDMI+Mini+Display+Cable+-displayport&_sacat=0&_sop=15&_odkw=HDMI+to+HDMI+Mini+Display+Cable&_osacat=0&_trksid=p3286.c0.m270.l1313

Compare this <$3.00 cable to this expensive one which costs 10X as much!

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=10788688&CAWELAID=619564586

I finally had a few minutes to try and make a camera frame for the GoPro HD Hero 2 camera today using The Frugal Filmmaker's idea for a PVC camera stabilizer. I had already bought all the PVC parts I needed except for the 1/2" PVC pipe , which I thought I had on hand already. However, I quickly realized that I actually had 3/4" pipe instead and only one 2 foot length of 1/2" PVC! Here's what I was able to do...

Here's the incomplete 1/2" rig.

Here's how it looks completed in 3/4" PVC which I had on hand.

Here's what they look like next to each other. The 3/4" model looks much tougher and sturdier. I think it would be perfect for an SLR rig!

Oh, if you're wondering how the GoPro looks with the FF Rig, here it is!

From the looks of it, I may need to downsize this rig in order to make it a bit more practical for the GoPro!

More later,

Ambrose

New Time Lapse with GoPro HD Hero 2

I did a time lapse movie of my drive home from work last friday night, 12/9/2011. It's very dark when I leave the office. I wanted to see how well the new GoPro HD Hero 2 did in lower light situations. Overall, I'm very happy with the result! I only wished that I had cleaned my windshield a bit! :)

Be sure to watch it in 720P at a minimum.

More later,
Ambrose

My GoPro HD Hero 2 finally arrives!

I had to wait almost 5 weeks before my GoPro HD Hero 2 arrived, but arrived it did! I'm eager to try it out and post some results. Here's the box opening sequence. It's a Motorsport edition which isn't exactly what I wanted, but the GoPro Suction Cup Mount should be good to have.

Today Only! 12-8-11 Free LCD BacPac with Hero2 purchase!

I found this on the GoPro website. If you order your GoPro HD Hero2 Outdoor Edition from the GoPro website linked below, you will get the $80 LCD BacPac for free! That's an incredible deal and one of the best I've seen! But hurry, this is a limited time offer (today only) so act fast before it's gone! :)

http://goo.gl/NezXJ
or
http://gopro.com/p/hd-hero2-camera-lcd/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=cpm&utm_campaign=youtube-homepage-hero2&utm_content=banner-static-youtube-homepage-buy

Good news on the GoPro HD Hero 2

I've been patiently waiting for my new GoPro HD Hero 2 to arrive. What I thought was a shipment notification to me was actually a shipment notification to my dealer in the mid-west. Oh well, you know what they say about a watched pot... As for the camera, it turns out I am getting the Motorsport model rather than the Outdoor model. The only difference is that the Motorsport model has a suction cup mount versus a Head strap mount with the Outdoor edition. I conjured up an inexpensive suction cup mount very similar to the official GoPro version except mine uses the GoPro tripod mount. I never used the head strap mount and my cheap suction cup mount wasn't very stable so I'm okay with getting the suction cup. The main problem with my mount is that it mounts the camera farther away from the base which allows the camera to bounce a bit more and introduces some jitter into the captured video. I hope the shorter GoPro mount will be more stable. More later, Ambrose

Another Great Review of the GoPro HD Hero 2!

While I sit here patiently waiting for my new GoPro HD Hero 2 to arrive, I spotted this review by a well-respected website called cameralabs.com. They did a review of the Hero2 versus the Hero1.

Here's Part 1. You should really watch it on the Youtube site: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgssGBnbju8 at 720P or 1080P if your system can handle it.

Part 2 is on Vimeo and is here:

http://vimeo.com/32424497

Enjoy!

Ambrose

TheFrugalFilmmaker on Youtube

As someone who firmly believes that everything that can be bought expensively, can be made inexpensively, I discovered The Frugal Filmmaker on Youtube and on the web. He is truly pennywise and does a great job finding ways around expensive bits and pieces for the budding videographer. I've watched quite a few and the production quality is top notch and his ingenuity is also terrific. I've already bought quite a few bits from his suggestions. First thing is a PVC pipe cutter from Harbor Freight! It just happened to be on sale for $3.49 when I dropped by my local HF this week! I love a bargain.

Anyway, watch some of his videos. They are quite inspirational. I've already got most of the parts for many of his projects, but I'm planning both a Frugal Floater and the Trolley Dolley next.

http://www.youtube.com/user/thefrugalfilmmaker

Ambrose

Great (and creative) review of the GoPro HD Hero 2

I came across this site today.

http://provideocoalition.com/index.php/lightscameraaction/story/the_gopro_hd_hero2/

The writer goes over all of the features of the new "2" model and uses it for some very unusual purposes as well! The Dog Cam, the Horse Cam, the Muddy Truck Cam, etc.

Enjoy!
Ambrose

Novel use of a GoPro!

I saw this video on Youtube and had to share it. The guy puts a GoPro into his dishwasher! He also adds a couple of lights so that it's not pitch black inside!

More later,
Ambrose
(who's dying to get his GoPro HD Hero 2!)

Quick Release Buckles through Eyeofmine.com

I'm not sure what happened to my original post, but let's just say that Blogger is buggy with Safari on the iPad and that the Blogger app for the iPad is no better!

I've wanted to pick up some additional quick release buckles for the GoPro but didn't want to spend the $20 to buy a whole Grab Bag of Mounts from GoPro. I was very happy to find the buckles by themselves along with the long handle screws and hex nuts for $3 each at www.eyeofmine.com!

I bought 3 and shipping was also reasonable. Highly recommended. http://www.eyeofmine.com/store/index.php?_a=product&product_id=133

 More later, Ambrose

Amazing video shot with GoPro HD Hero multi-camera setup

I just saw this video on Youtube and had to share it. It's a surfing video shot with the multi-camera GoPro HD Hero setup. I'll post a link to the setup later, but I just had to share the video now!

My new favorite GoPro video

This is the intro video from GoPro for the GoPro HD Hero2 Pro camera. It's full of amazing images and extremely high quality footage from all over the world and in many climates!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUEZCxBcM78

I'm already really looking forward to the GoPro HD Hero2!

Ordered a GoPro HD Hero2 Professional today

Having heard the news of new GoPro HD Hero2 Professional camera, I've decided to order one. The final straw was seeing the quality of the video compared to the original HD model. Thanks to ConradB212 for taking this comparison video. Be sure to check it out directly on Youtube.com and be sure to select the larger 720P size. The differences between the two is startling.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aoo3W-DLIDk

Colors are more saturated, there is much less blowout, and there is much less stair-stepping. The camera now captures 11mp stills and can do 3 angles for the 1080P videos instead of only the 127 degrees of the original HD camera. The low light performance is particularly better.

Take a look at this image and you can really see the improved sharpness of the GoPro HD Hero2 on the right. Be sure to click on the image to see it full size. Thanks Alex84 for the image below.

1. No stairstepping in the GoPro Hero2 image on the right.
2. The building is MUCH sharper on the right.
3. Everything in the block is sharper on the right.
4. Finer details in the branches in the GoPro Hero2 image on the right.

http://img18.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=249399543_GoProHeroHDvsHD2test720P_122_30lo.jpg#

I won't get it for a few weeks but I've already sold my current camera so can't wait to get the new one!

More later,
Ambrose

New GoPro Hero2 Pro

As you probably know by now, GoPro has introduced a new model camera. It's called the GoPro Hero2 Pro which has better sharpness and color as well as a much wider variety of focal lengths and Wi-Fi Remote control and streaming capabilities with the Wi-Fi BacPac.

All the details are here:

http://gopro.com/hd-hero2-cameras/

Looks like I'll need to upgrade soon!

Ambrose

Size comparison of the Sanyo Xacti sound recorder with a GoPro HD Hero

I couldn't wait for the Sanyo Xacti sound recorder to arrive so I spent a few minutes and made a life-size model just to see how I could possibly mount it close to my GoPro HD Hero.

This thing is small! It's 1.5 x 3.8 x .4" large. I could simply attach it to the top or back of the GoPro HD and be done, however, I don't want to cover up the LCD too much. I'll play around a bit and see what I can figure out.

More later,
Ambrose

Stereo audio recording with the GoPro HD Hero via Sanyo Exacti

One major feature which I've really wanted for the GoPro HD Hero is stereo sound recording capability. The GoPro HD Hero's spectacular image quality really begs for stereo sound recording since the quality is so high. Missing that feature, I've been looking for a way to add it to the GoPro.

I subscribe to Woot.com and a SANYO Xacti ICR-XPS01M linear PCM digital sound recorder was the sellout item on Sunday the 16th. I grabbed one. Product info here.

http://sanyo.com/soundrecorder/

It's a slick looking device that offers stereo recording, super thin design, high quality stereo mics and long battery life. The functions are pretty straight forward. A big record button, digital VU meter. Touch screen interface, etc.

I'll have to figure out how to mate this recorder with the GoPro HD. Syncing them will be fairly straightforward. I need to use a trick like the Hollywood studios use. Simply make a loud clap noise when you start captures on both devices and then sync it up in iMovie or whatever video editing app you use. The spike will be very clearly visible.

The other challenge will be to come up with a very powerful wind screen since I plan on using it on my ebike going over 40mph at times and if there's a headwind, the wind noise will be immense!

More later,

Ambrose

New mounting position for the GoPro on a bike

I had a chance to video my bike ride with our girls this morning. I spent a few minutes making sure the location of the mount would work well and this was made very easy with the LCD BacPac.

The bike mount allows the camera to sit dead center and high up so that the view was unobstructed.

Off-Topic - Google + (Plus) Invites

Sorry for the off-topic posting, however, I've been able to get a Google + account and want to pass along my good fortune to others who may want one. Just send an email to my Gmail account here:

ambroseliao at gmail dot com

Of course, remove all the spaces, replace the "at" with an "@" and replace the "dot" with a "."

If you don't know what Google + Plus is, it's the new social networking site that's a direct competitor to Facebook. It is a bit more open and seems to be a bit more secure than FB as well as being more capable and infinitely less burdened with ads, "pokes" and other fluff.

I'll try to get the invite out to you as quickly as possible.

One note:After giving out invites for a day or two, I've found that Gmail and Yahoo email accounts get an invite almost immediately and others either are delay or don't get them at all...

Keep that in mind when you send me the request.

Thanks,

Ambrose

New Epic GoPro Video: Monster Energy Supercross 2011 Highlights

Amazing video.

Music is dramatic video footage is amazing!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2fejJhCt6Y

Enjoy!
Ambrose

GoPro LCD BacPac Arrives!

I finally received the GoPro LCD BacPac over the weekend. Total of $62.70 shipped!

It's a chunky little package but I'm loving it so far. It turns the GoPro HD Hero from a film based camera (where you have to wait until the film is processed) to a true digital camera! No waiting!

Sima SL-20LX 40 LED light

I couldn't resist this little bitty light to go along with the GoPro since it will help in low light situations. This is the one area where the GoPro HD Hero is not great. Images can be grainy without enough light.

This should do the trick at least for close-in objects. What's especially nice is that it comes with a bracket so that it can be mounted much more easily on cameras that don't have a hot shoe!

http://goo.gl/RsiCI

Using a hiking pole as a extension arm...

I saw this hiking pole on sale at Meritline.com and thought immediately of using it as an extension arm for the GoPro HD Hero. It's small and light, is extend-able and has a pivoting tripod mount near the handle. I had to give it a try.

http://www.meritline.com/telescopic-aluminum-shock-absorbing-hiking-pole-camera-mount-walking-stick---p-64589.aspx

The 1/4"x20 mount is located underneath the compass. Just twist off the compass and mount our GoPro.

I put the GoPro HD tripod mount on the polycarbonate case of the camera and mounted it to the hiking pole. My technique really stinks right now and so the video below is tilted and wobbly, but you can get an idea of what a low angle shot looks like.



This is of my soft-coated wheaten terrier named "Cosmo!"

More later,
Ambrose

GoPro LCD BacPac Ordered!

I just found this great deal on a motorcycle racing website for the GoPro LCD BacPac for $62 shipped!

I used it over the weekend and found it difficult to frame without an LCD so I decided to splurge on this one. It really is kind of necessary when using it in a new situation...

http://www.wisconsinsportbikes.net/public_html/forums/showthread.php?p=164932

The purchaser is doing a group buy and is expecting to place the order tomorrow, the 30th so if you want to buy one cheaply, I suggest you go there fast!

Ambrose

Mounting a GoPro HD on your dSLR

I've always wanted to mount my GoPro on top of my dSLR so that I could take videos of my photography. Silly, isn't it?!?

I saw this on eBay and wanted to give it a try. It's very inexpensive and does a nice job.

1/4x20 Hot Shoe Mount

There are two version of this mount. One with one locknut and the other with two. I opted for the two version since it allows you to lock the mount to the camera and the GoPro to the mount.

Here's what it looks like mounted on my Canon 30D.

I'll post some video taken with this mount shortly.

More later!

Ambrose

Small Car Accident and Broken GoPro Clip

I use my GoPro to record my daily commute to and from work. Last Friday, the 4th, I was involved in a rear end collision. It wasn't bad and I wasn't hurt, however, I broke my GoPro clip when I removed it from my windshield mount. I obviously wasn't taking great care in my rush to grab the camera, but I don't think it should have broken. I have contacted GoPro through their support page, but haven't received confirmation that they have sent the replacement clip.

They requested that I send a picture of the broken clip. Here it is!

Oh, another thing. Here's a clip from the accident.

This is of course, very helpful when proving that you weren't at fault in the accident and to show the damage and to capture the license tag information from the other driver, which I originally forgot to do!

More later,
Ambrose

Treefrog Mount and Adobe Photoshop Elements and Premiere Elements

I've needed a flexible mount and some editing software for a while now, so when I spotted this deal over at Buy.com, I had to grab it. It's a Joby Gorillapod type of mount that can hold the GoPro since it uses a compression grip instead of a regular tripod mount (1/4"x20). The price is very fair as well. Normally, Adobe Photoshop Elements and Premiere Elements go for around $60-100 EACH, the price I paid $40 sounded like an incredible deal. The package looks like this:

The contents:

There's a lens cleaning kit that comes with a watertight case, the flexipod, and the DVD with the software on it. The best part is that the software is the full versions of both programs, not the "light" versions as is often the case with inexpensive bundles. Now, the only difference is that this is Adobe PSE and PRE 8 versus the newest version of 9, but I don't mind being a version behind.

More later,
Ambrose

GoPro Hero HD LCD BackPac available for ordering!

I've spotted the fact that the long-awaited GoPro HD Hero LCD BackPac is now available for ordering. It gives much of the missing capabilities of a "normal" camera back to the GoPro HD Hero.

A) a way to check the framing of your shots!
B) a way to play back your vids/photos
C) a way to see full regular English menus instead of the shortened and cryptic commands on the small front LCD.
D) a larger speaker so that you can hear the audio better

GoPro has been very thoughtful with this kit and have included:

1 LCD BacPac screen
1 Waterproof LCD backdoor for HD HERO housing
1 Waterproof LCD backdoor for HD Wrist housing
1 Non-waterproof LCD Skeleton backdoor for HD HERO housing
1 Non-waterproof LCD Skeleton backdoor for HD Wrist housing
1 Year Warranty

This allows you to mount  your GoPro HD with the LCD BackPac installed and still use all of your mounts. This is a great addition to the lineup.

The only down size is that the GoPro LCD BackPac is not usable with the GoPro HD Hero 960 since it doesn't have the expansion connector on the back of the camera. For those with the full 1080p HD Hero, this one is a must-have!

Here are a couple of videos showing the LCD BackPac in action!
http://vimeo.com/19270772
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSwa0P-Kpp4

Ambrose

GoPro HD Hero Lost and GoPro HD Hero Found!

This is a happy video for a skiier who lost his GoPro HD Hero without knowing it and a Good Samaritan kid who turns it into the Lost and Found. Happy Reunion!

As with all GoPro HD videos, always select the 720P or higher resolution to view them!

http://www.ratedesi.com/video/v/bF6ByNVjHvg/GoPro-HD-camera-flies-off-and-is-lost,-then-found

Here's a big tip for you. Always put your name and phone number on any of your tech gadgets. If they get lost, they have a much greater chance of being returned to you! I have a label on both the camera itself and on the external case!

Ambrose

The best Accessory!

Looking at all of the mounts available for the GoPro HD, I had a bit of a problem with some of the prices for 'em. In particular, the suction cup mount from GoPro. It's priced at $30.

If I didn't know better, I'd say that seems a fair price for a versatile device. However, I've seen this type of mount on eBay for a lot less!

There are many for under $6 with free shipping! Just search for "car suction cup camera mount" on eBay and you'll find lots of these mounts:

To me, they are identical looking to the GoPro model. Functionally, the only difference between them being the tripod mount instead of the GoPro custom adjustable bracket mount. In order to use the eBay suction cup mount, you need to buy the GoPro tripod adapter. I ordered the GoPro tripod adapter for $6 from Amazon.com and I ordered one of these eBay suction mounts. Total cost? $12! I did pad the order above $25 in order to get free shipping from Amazon, but that was not an issue since I bought a GoPro Bike Mount for $20 at the same time.

More later,
Ambrose

New Blog Intro!

Hello!

I'm a relatively new owner of a brand-spanking new GoPro Hero HD camera. I thought I'd start this blog because I love the idea of this camera and wanted to share some of my experiences with it. I hope you will enjoy following along and if you don't own one of these little gems, grab one and start using it too.

Ambrose