Sports Action Camera Questions(Go Pro or otherwise)

[kevinatfms]

Im trying to find an "action sports" camera that can take HD video and pictures for my brothers birthday. I was set on a Go Pro Hero 3 but am open to options. I have seen alot of videos on youtube and in our vids/pics section and am wondering if anyone has any other options over the Go Pro?

Here is what i was thinking for his birthday along with the selfie stick(he is that kind of person...).

Hero 3
http://www.amazon.com/GoPro-CHDHN-3...&qid=1434548213&sr=1-2&keywords=Go+Pro+Hero+3

Hero 4
http://www.amazon.com/GoPro-CHDHY-401-HERO4-SILVER/dp/B00NIYJF6U/ref=dp_ob_title_ce

Is the Hero 4 worth the extra $100? He is a huge extreme sports guy and will more than likely use it every day.

Any help is greatly appreciated. I plan on purchasing it this weekend and hope to find a deal.

Thanks!

 

[NorCal_03Cobra]

GoPro has great marketing and lots of accessories, but I wanted something different (conform with nonconformists).

After reading multiple reviews and watching some comparison videos I ended up going with the Sony Action Cam HDR-AZ1, which also has a watch accessory for remote start/stop recording that can be purchased. The camera is small enough to fit in the coin pocket of my jeans, which is great for every day use. Videos/images can be viewed using the watch accessory or the smartphone app.

Things to consider: What resolution & FPS do you want? Do you want image stabilization? Do you want to have to play with editing software? How important is audio quality important to you?

These videos, along with other side by side comparisons, really helped with my decision - especially the audio quality. I don't want to spend much of any time editing, I just want to record and watch.

/end salespitch


[video=youtube;bFc6TXSsb9w]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFc6TXSsb9w[/video]

[video=youtube;w8xZjhsbqzg]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8xZjhsbqzg[/video]

[video=youtube;ttYQkP6_Ze0]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttYQkP6_Ze0[/video]

 

[kevinatfms]

He is an extreme sports guy. Skateboarding, snowboarding, surfing, racing...etc. Image stabilization may be needed since he will more than likely be using it while doing something that wont be steady.

As far as quality. 720p i think is enough. He doesnt have a 4K monitor or TV so i guessing it wouldnt be needed on the Hero 4. This is why i was going for the Hero 3+ with the accessory package. If you could link to the Sony it would be appreciated. How much is the Sony compared to the Go Pro? Also, are there different levels of the Sony version like the Go Pro Hero 3+ and Hero 4?

Any accessories that are needed with the Sony? I know he would want a selfie stick and maybe a headband.

I saw that Garmin also makes one that seems to compete very well with the Sony and Go Pro. Anyone have any experience with it?

 

[NorCal_03Cobra]

Try these links:

http://store.sony.com/all-action-cam/cat-27-catid-All-Action-Cam

http://shop.gopro.com/compare?category=cameras

http://www.gizmag.com/compare-best-action-cameras-2014/34974/

I bought my Sony on Amazon with the remote watch for ~$300.

 

[sunburned]

Go with the Hero 3+ black edition. Touch screen on the 4 silver might be nice for controls, but you can use the remote or even set up the controls with your phone via wifi. I got my 3+ black around the same time the 4 game out and elected to stay with the 3. Don't go any further back than that because the cameras are bigger.