Go Pro Camera Review

GoPro Camera Review

Being an avid photographer and surfer, when I first saw the GoPro Camera a couple of years ago when it came out, I was very excited to get one. And in the summer of 2009 when my nephew came for his annual summer visit, I formulated the excuse I needed to get the full support of my better half, and of course it dawned on me that we “needed” the camera to capture memorable keepsakes of my nephew’s visit, for him and his entire family! Well, the excuse really didn’t work, but we did get the GoPro camera, and it turned out to be a really fun way to teach my nephew to surf and get a few pictures of myself. I haven’t had it out by myself on my primary board in bigger surf yet, but have used it two consecutive summers when teaching my nephew to surf and he loves being able to see how he’s doing and get some good snap shots of him surfing to show his family and friends at home. The pictures here are from sessions on the north side of Packery Channel in August of 2010. The following is my review based on the usage of the camera so far.

GoPro Camera Mounting System

My first concerns about using the GoPro Camera was the mounting system and how secure the camera would be when out surfing in substantial waves. Those concerns were quickly put to rest after taking it through waves paddling out and seeing how solid the 3m brand stickem plate sticks to the board. They say it comes off with a hair dryer, but I haven’t bothered trying as of yet, and most likely will leave it mounted on the family board.

Other than the mount, the only other concern was if it could actually come out of the mount, and due to the design of the mounting bracket and an extra little rubber leash that attaches to the stickem plate, that concern was addressed.

GoPro Camera Water Housing

The other major concern besides the mounting system was the water housing. The water housing on the GoPro is very good also and has a nice tight fitting rubber seal that prevents any possibility of water getting to the camera.

GoPro Camera Picture Quality

The GoPro camera picture quality is pretty good, considering, and they take 5 MP pictures. I got this camera before the HD version came out, and am very happy with the quality, but also am looking to get the HD version soon. I haven’t taken video out surfing yet, but from the samples I’ve seen on youtube.com of the HD video, it’s very good. The only negative I can point out is some water spots on some pictures, but considering that the camera is so close to the water and always getting wet, it kind of goes with the territory. That being said, only some pictures end up with water spots.

All in all, for less than $300, the GoPro Camera is a very nice addition to the surfing family’s quiver, enjoy!