I’m in the market to purchase a used GoPro or similar device. I want to be able to mount it on my bicycle helmet or maybe on the handlebars of my bicycle. I’d like for it to be weatherproof and have proper image stabilization. As it’ll be my first purchase of such an item, I’d like not to break the bank.
Does anyone have a favorite or recommendation?
The early GoPro versions didn’t have any image stabilization at all. You can always add it in editing software.
A GoPro is only weatherproof if is it enclosed in the box made for it, and only if the back is water-tight (they make an open back option for better audio pickup).
I think you’ll have a hard time getting a unit that isn’t defective from eBay, if that’s where you plan to look. I suggest you take a look at new units because of the warranty. The expense might be worth it in the long run.
There are a lot of GoPro clones that sell, new, a lot cheaper. I haven’t used any, so I hesitate to recommend one. But the GoPro line isn’t so special anymore.
True, the older versions don’t have stabilazation; it needs to be done in Post.
This is wrong. GoPro’s have been natively waterproof for either three or four generations now. You are correct that the older versions were only waterproof in the case. For a given case, there are two backs; one that is closed (waterproof) & one that has openings (better for sound). While they can be changed out by the user, I wouldn’t do that in the field. However, either back should be good enough for cycling, even in the rain. I wouldn’t use the open back in a pool or snorkeling/scuba diving where they are being submerged, though.
Another thing that is wrong. Unless it is stated in the title/description things sold should work & you can probably get your money back, from eBay if something you bought doesn’t work & the seller won’t make good. Of course there may be dings & more importantly degraded battery performance.
GoPro is the best action camera out there & the 800-lb gorilla in the market. Garmin was as good as them in optics & had the added bonus of GPS metrics so you could see how fast you were going, as well as things like vertical ascent/descent. If you’re going used, I’d look at a Garmin Virb.
However, if you’re looking for a bike camera rather than a more generic ‘action cam’ I’d go with a Cycliq Fly (not that the Fly can’t be used for other things). The Fly 12 is the front camera & has a built in white light to illuminate the road in front of you if you’re ever riding in the dark, this includes that last mile home if you got delayed to fix a flat. The Fly 6 is the rear camera & has a red light. I know that they are temporarily out of the Fly 6 (factory shutdown due to the pandemic) but other retailers may have some in stock. Their battery life runs circles around the GoPro. Even if you’re only riding 30-45 mins at a time you’re going to need to recharge the GoPro after every ride to have it work thru the next ride while the Fly 12 rechargeable battery lasts up to eight hours!
A new GoPro Hero 8 Black & a Fly 12 are both $299. What is your budget, GrizzRich & why do you want one? To capture some gnarly jumps you’re doing? As a safety factor in case of an accident/incident? If the latter, it’s recommended that you get both a forward & rearward facing cameras to catch all of the action because you don’t know where the jerk will be. As for why you might want one for security, just look at that page on their website. Some people are assholes!
Cycliq is coming out with a new version of the Fly 6; sign up for preorders starting next Monday (June 1st).
While I’d be leery of a brand new product, this is an upgraded version of an existing product/company that works well. While there might be some teething issues on the new version, I’d expect that it works & works better than the old version & if I were in the market for one I wouldn’t hesitate to signup for one.
What did you get, GrizzRich?