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Author Topic: GoPro on my head  (Read 2667 times)

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« on: June 04, 2019, 15:55 »
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**Disclaimer: I know very little about shooting video. Have never submitted any stock footage**

I went on a hike today up a mountain near me and put my new GoPro 7 on a strap meant for my head. I actually was recording on my way down the mountain. I just got home and started watching some of the footage, and now I want to vomit. It is nauseating watching the footage move up and down with my head. I thought the GoPro 7 had image stabilization? Anyway, obviously it was a terrible idea to strap it to my head.

I also own the DJI Pocket. I bought in January for my trip up Aconcagua. Didn't really end up using it then much. Though I also tried it today on my hike up the mountain. I had it strapped to my backpack strap, by my chest. The footage was a lot easier to watch when compared to the GoPro, way less up and down shaking. Reviewing the videos at home, my thought was, those videos are way boring to watch.

I'm leaving for Denali next week. At this point, I don't really care if I get any useable stock footage from my trip, because it is obvious to me I have no idea how to record videos that don't suck, but I would like to figure out how to shoot some videos that I can show friends and family post trip. Hopefully videos that is not going to induce vomit :P

Tips please!!!

P.S. I'll probably go on Youtube and see how other people filmed their mountain climbing videos for their own personal use and take some notes.


georgep7

« Reply #1 on: June 05, 2019, 01:55 »
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A simple rule is that you do not film the entire time.
Whenever you beleive that "this" is a good moment or point to film, use the remote and keep your head steady or make gentle moves for a start. Chest mounted gimbals is the most common solution i think, for POV clips.
GoPro7 produce great linear hyperlapses but you must check some Youtube videos for settings i don't know exactly which is best.
A simple way to not make "boring" videos is to make use of the wide/extreme wide angle of view, showing landscapes, odd angles, clouds timelapses etc. Keeping in mind to not put objects or people nowhere else except center of the frame to eliminate distortion...
I clearly remember years ago "learning" my first actioncam indoors in home. You will be amazed of all the possibilities you have to film from inside the fridge, inside a sink opening the faucet, under a bed recording footsteps, whatever. Your fantasy is the only limit. Learn by actually playing and experimenting. Well, you will need some time to explore all options and menus... But: And then you can go outdoors and shoot with confidence! :)

Edit, ahh... And get ready to buy all those bells and whistles from suction cup to jaws to extensions to clamps to domes, to more bases to.. To... to... If you make good use of them they will pay you back with great non "boring" frames!
« Last Edit: June 05, 2019, 02:03 by georgep7 »

« Reply #2 on: June 05, 2019, 02:51 »
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First tip... don't just point the camera where you are walking and turn it on forever.  you have already seen the results. Boring, if not totally nauseating.

So... what do you shoot?

Put that camera in your HAND. not on your head or vest.  When you see something interesting developing, STOP WALKING.  Now shoot the interesting subject.  Don't try to mix your movement with the movement of the subject.  You might be able to do that successfully in a few years, but not when starting.

i keep my Osmo Pocket (used to be my GoPro7, but I now only use that in environments likely to destroy the OP) in my... pocket. Yep, just like it says. Keep it in your pocket ready to pull out.

Also, your subject should have some inherent movement that makes it interesting.  It is pretty darn hard to scan over a static subject and have the result interesting.  Look for action around your tent when setting up or tearing down. Your campfire while cooking dinner, or playing music around it at night, or... well, I think you get the idea.

I travel a lot (82 countries so far).  Way less than 1% of my "successful" clips involve me panning over a landscape or cityscape or pile of fish at a market.  The "good clips" are always when the subject is moving.  Hikers walking under a waterfall. Hikers barely walking over a log to cross a river. A customer buying something from a vendor.

Lots of opportunities of good stock footage everywhere you turn.  Just remember to be specific in what you shoot.  Just trying to record your life with a helmet cam is the surest way to produce a snooze-fest and get nothing salable.

« Reply #3 on: June 05, 2019, 09:26 »
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Thanks for the tips, I've taken note!!!


 

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