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