I finally took the plunge after all these years by getting the Hero 11, and I'm happy to say that I'm not disappointed.
The ability to record at high resolution is great.
The ability to configure for frame rate, resolution, image field, and multiple other customizations is almost dizzying with how many ways to adjust it.
I have alreay used it for one video of myself (using the head strap) successfully hunting a coyote.
The picture quality is excellent, and it captured the entire hunt just as I had hoped.
I have since learned that there is a preset that allows less of the "fisheye" effect when recording, so I have switched to that for most of my purposes.
Using that setting, I am able to get about 75 minutes of uninterrupted recording time, and operating at this setting makes the video much less distorted at the (no big deal for the style of recording that I want) expense of a narrower field of view.
Some things to know about the GoPro (or other action cameras) is that this type of camera can be susecptible to overheating, especially at max resolution and frame rate, with the camera moving (image stabilization working hard), and with poor or no air flow to cool the camera.
I have not had any of those problems, but then I have been using mine in cooler climate and with moderate frame rate and resolution, but I wanted to inform anyone apprehensive about overheating that there are some ways to avoid that issue.
I have researched the overheating issue, and here are some ways to avoid it:
1) Use the camera with good air flow or in a cooler environment.
2) If possible, run at a more moderate frame rate and resolution.
3) If in a very hot or poorly ventilated environment, don't run for long periods, as action cameras are mostly intended for videos of about ten minutes at a time.
4) This one is often overlooked, but a major way to help avoid overheating is to use the recommended class (speed) of microSD card that allows the camera to record with the microSD card able to keep up with the large volume of data being written to it, with GoPro recommending a U3 card.
It's tough to go into all the attributes of what makes a genuine GoPro so popular, but to summarize the basics for of you who don't already know:
1) This is a very rugged piece of gear, with the bare camera (there are hard cases that allow considerably greater waterproof ratings) waterproof down to 33 feet.
2) The camera can operate at various resolutions and frame rates, allowing both time lapse and slow motion video.
3) It has replaceable batteries, so you can keep spares on hand for long recording sessions.
4) The lens defaults to an extremely wide angle view particularly useful for capturing events with fast-moving action or for capturing movement going nearly horizon to horizon; but (as mentioned above) the angle can be adjusted more narrowly for less of the "fisheye" inherent with wide angle lenses.
5) The camera body is ruggedized, and it has an integral folding mounting bracket to allow the camera to be attached to one of the huge number of systems that allow the camera to be worn on a hat, on the head via a strap, onto the chest, onto a tripod, to a gimbal, or to just about any other system that can be adapted to the now ubiquitous GoPro mounting system.
Yes, this is an expensive piece of gear, but quality often comes with a bit more money spent, and I'm very satisfied with it.
Two upgrades to this camera that I would recommend are to get a remote for it (GoPro makes one, but there are third party ones as well) and a silicon lens cover because.
The lens covers available are held on by friction, and it's a bit of a mystery why GoPro doesn't include one.
The main reason that I find the remote a worthy purchase is because it's particularly useful when having the camera mounted where it's difficult to activate and be certain that it's recording, and the remote will power the camera on without having to touch it, start recording with a second press of one of the buttons on the remote, and show the battery charge level of the camera and the time of recording.
| Brand Name | GoPro |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 1 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 2.64 x 1.34 x 1.85 inches |
| Item model number | CHDHX-111-CN |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included) |
| Color Name | Black |
| Special Features | Waterproof |
