7 Tips to Get the Most from Your GoPro
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- Опубліковано 21 лип 2024
- Action cameras are everywhere, but most of our videos could and should be better. Seven simple tips that will turn the GoPro footage you capture from dreadful to great.
www.storyguide.net
MXL MM160 Lavalier Microphone - bhpho.to/29f5JL2
Handy Recorder App - apple.co/29wph0u
Action cameras are great devices for capturing moments of exhilaration, drama and wonder. In the last few years they have become a “go-to” resource in video storytelling. But when, and how, should you use them?
You want your viewer to connect to your story. Really, you want them to feel they are there, experiencing the moment. That is the beauty of these cameras. But it only works if they have context.
Simply shooting the action won’t cut it. That means you need to capture everything before, during and after an event. Shoot more than you think you will need so you can pick and choose the best moments in editing.
These cameras, maybe more than any other, can transport a viewer to someplace fanciful, imagined or hard to get to. The beauty of a GoPro is they tell stories that are of the moment, unrehearsed, spontaneous. But that also means they are not the right camera for every story. Frankly, they are not the right camera for most shots.
I think of it this way, paprika is a unique spice, but it is not the main course of a meal. Use these cameras to spice up your story with unique points of view. And rely on a normal video camera or DSLR to capture the bulk of your footage. Capture unexpected angles that bring your viewer deeper into the story, but don’t make it the main meal.
We love these cameras because we can put them in unexpected places. They are tiny. We can mount them in spots where we could never attach a DSL or video camera. That means you need to use your imagination, asking yourself, “where can I put the camera to give my viewer an unexpected perspective on my story?” The lazy way to shoot is shoulder high, 5 feet off the ground. Get high, get low, get close. What will capture the moment?
No one wants to watch a video that is randomly shaking and moving. It is too much work for the viewer and they give up. Stabilization is critical for good video. Use a monopod, a flexible tripod or one of the gazillion mounts that are out there. When using a monopod of selfie stick don’t use a “death grip”. Relax your hand and try to absorb any shaking with your wrist. If you have to hold your camera by hand, move slowly and steady your hand as much as possible.
These cameras are phenomenal at capturing events that happen in the blink of an eye. Especially when you slow them down. There is inherent drama when you use slow-mo to give insight to your story. It can feel dreamlike, otherworldly. Most shots don’t lend themselves to slow-mo. But one well-placed shot that reveals something special can act as the climax of your story.
The shape of a camera’s lens directly affects the image. We describe different lenses by identifying their field of view, for example telephoto, normal, wide and fisheye. This really impacts interviews. A good talking head is usually framed head-and-shoulders, using a normal or telephoto lens.
By design, action cameras leverage a lens that captures everything. It is more forgiving when you have to guess at your framing. That’s why shooting an interview with a GoPro distorts the face when you fill the frame. The shot’s not very flattering to say the least.
On most action cameras you can adjust the field of view. Wide captures about 130 degrees of what’s in front of you. It is great for Point of View shots. Medium is about 110 degrees and while still a wide angle field of view, it is less distorted. Narrow covers only about 75 degrees, and uses only a portion of the image sensor. None of the settings are ideal for interviews. That’s why an action camera is my last resort for shooting an interview. I’ll use my smartphone before I use my GoPro.
The audio captured with a GoPro, blows. These cameras are optimized for capturing amazing images and audio is, well, more of an afterthought. If you need to capture audio that is critical to your story you need to come up with an alternative to the in-camera microphone. There is no mic input on the camera so you will need to use a mic adapter cable, but only if you take it out of the waterproof housing which probably defeats the purpose of using the camera in the first place.
My recommendation is to use an external audio recorder and then synchronize the sound in editing. You can use a professional solution like this Zoom H4N, or go simple and use your smartphone. My favorite combination is the MXL MM-160 lavalier and Zoom Handy Recorder app for the iPhone. I like the MXL because I can monitor the audio while recording, and the Handy Recorder app does a decent job of recording the audio with minimal drift. That means when you sync up the audio later on the picture and sound will stay in sync for more than a few seconds.
This dude is a pro story teller. Pro shots, editing, pace. Well done sir from a pro editor. You missed nothing.
Thank you. That is a very nice comment and we appreciate the feedback. We work to have the content not suck, even if it takes a little longer to create.
I've just bought a GoPo and I was totally lost about what to do with it. Really, thanks a lot. It is not about frames, it is about telling a story. Well done!
What a great video! Perfectly put together.
After checking out your channel that is high praise indeed. I am flattered. Thank you for the kind words.
StoryGuide I doubt you'll respond to this, but I'm going to use a GoPro hero 5 for scuba diving footage. I'm going to mute the audio and use music instead, but for predive backstory/kickoff, I don't have very many audio choices. It's basically the GoPro or nothing. I don't really have any way to synchronize the audio from say, a phone, to the video, as I have zero editing software of skills.
Lone Wolf you are not alone with the challenge. If you can, capture the before and after dive stuff outside of the waterproof housing (if you are using a pre-Hero5 model). There is risk on a boat from splashing as the saltwater would trash your camera, so be careful. And remember that the background sound of wind, boat motor and other voices will require you to be close when someone talks. I try to be within an arms length of the person speaking when recording sound and move them away from problem sound sources. Good luck!
StoryGuide Thank you.
StoryGuide q
Ive never seen a video with that many views and only that less dislikes. Its a really well made video. Thanks for the tips.
I just found your videos on youtube and immediately subscribed. Your content is exactly what I have been looking for to help with my videos. I hope you continue to bring us these very helpful videos.
Dude just carries around paprika?
My wife made the same comment when shooting. "Who carries paprika on the beach?" I needed a prop to make the point and so there you go. Good catch.
StoryGuide I guess you havent ever been in a south-western slavic country during a summer time :D
if you dont bring your paprika to the beach you aint cool
Paul Kragenbrink you don't?
Who doesn't?
jared robinson
wow, you're so much better than those other guys, you talk slowly & make the viewer interested all the way
I felt comfortable watching your videos,
you're really talented
thanks a lot
A great video. Just getting started with GoPro myself and already subscribed to your videos. Clearly a natural in front of the lens which helps but very easy to watch & informative. Keep up the great tutorials!
these are actually 8 golden tips! The eighth tip is the whole video putting all 7 tips together! Thanks for the tips and tricks!
I saw a lot of videos with tips about how to use a GoPro and your is one of the most helpfull. I also think about this gear as an extra. Thanks a lot !
I've used this cameras for years and this video still helped me with some new ideas. Thank you for posting.
Wow, this video is almost two years old yet its lessons are timeless. Thank you!
Your videos give some useful information and tips. So many videos state the obvious or pretty much read what the full gopro manual tells you anyway. What they don't tell you much about is not what the functions on the camera do but how to use them, and creatively. Well shot and to the point. Spot on mate.
This is a very helpful video. and to be honest its actually made so well! I can listen to this guy for hours. great job!
That was such a good video!! I wondered what you were using for audio. I will definitely use some of your tips! So awesome. Nice, tight, concise topic run.
One of the best videos out there ! Entertaining, awesome - but most importantly, message is clear
This video was so awesome and helpful! i got a go pro for christmas and have no idea how to use it so these tips were helpful and thanks to you it was visually mesmerizing and also enjoyable to watch! Thanks so much
Great to hear this info again...it's so easy to forget and this was a neatly packaged refresher...well done! Thanks!
we're only new to this. those tips were great to help us improve our youtube clips. love all your stuff keep up the good work
Awesome all around video. Definitely a thumbs up. Thanks for the tips.
Super well-put, almost clicked off with the Hertz convertible "before the action" cold-intro, but then I saw a sea turtle, a surf board, and then I saw a guy who is incredibly skilled at making basic concepts simply register, which is an incredibly complicated thing to do when it comes down to it. Thanks for this! #StoryGuide
Great video with high quality content. I really enjoyed watching it. I thought of getting an ActionCam and now I am totally convinced that it will be useful to add some spice to my videos. I loved the thing with the paprika !
Wow! You are such amazing story teller! Thank you so much!
Fantastic video! You gave off really warm vibes!
as someone who's new to go pro's and videography in general, these are some great tips/advice, thank you!
it's an understatement to say this video is pretty well put together....wow.
Thank you so much for the help! ive tried some of your techniques it helped me a lot
Awesome video for someone like me who just does this as a hobby. You just gave me so many tips to make my videos look more pleasing to the people that will watch them. Also u have been pulling out my iPhone for shots more also.
this is by far one of the best put together videos i found on youtube, brilliant!
Great work! Thanks for linking the Mics! keep on rolling!
greets from Germany
Excellent video...absolutely one of the best on improving the sound and use of a GoPro. Keep up the great work!
To my humble opinion, the best action camera tutorial video out there!
nice video!!!! and so simple but amazing tips!!!! THANKS!!!
This video was great! Really helpful tips that gave me a much better idea on how to get started.
Great video !! thanks for taking the time to put this together !!!
This is such a tremendously simple, effective, and informational video! Subscribed!
This video just gave me tons of ideas on how to use my "idle" GoPro.
Thank you for the nuggets!
Subscribed.
Love the way you present this video. Great job!
That was extremely well presented! Congrats! Leagues better than most Tips videos on UA-cam!
Great video and great advice! 👍 easy to understand and as others also said - inspiring! Thank you!
very nicely done with great advice!! thanks!
Really great video! Thanks for the advice.
wooaahhhhhhh
I LOVE this video Sir. liked and subbed instantly. will watch a bulk load of your others as I found you easy to watch and entertaining.
love how you editted this video especially the bit on the bike with get high, get low, get close. very good and you've inspired me.
Thanks
Great video! Thank you for all the advice!
Great video! Love all the different angles!
Excellent video. Thank you for sharing your knowledge
Great video with good advice. I'm a relative beginner to all this "video for an audience " stuff so always happy to learn new stuff. Thank you.
Wow. So well done and very helpful. Thanks for sharing!
I thought you where Steven Spielberg for a little bit, till not sure if your not
I was about to say the same. You look like Steven Spielberg
I love this guy - solid delivery
Great video my friend, well presented and wonderful examples.
Underrated channel for sure. Thank you!
Precise and to the point! well explained video. Thanks!
lovely place to be! Thanks for the tips.
awesome video with great tips! thank you!!
Thanks for the tips, this was AWESOME!
Thank you for the great tips, very helpful
WELL SAID. Really enjoyed your video. Thanks a Ton for sharing. Glad I found your channel. Keep up the great work.
Excellent video, well made, short, to the point and very informative
This was an absolutely superb eye opener.
Wow...great video!! Nicely done.
Thanks for sharing these tips!
This is gold, thank you for sharing. How did you pull off the audio on the scooter?
really enjoyed your video. well executed and nicely put together
This is amazing, i think you should be a director for all of the latest movies, i love the ideas presented in this video and i will be using at least 5 of them in my next shoot.
Thanks Man
Well done mate! Such a great video, cheers 👍
It's my first time to feel like i'm at home by just watching this video! Kudos! Very Profound Tips!
Your tips are soo valuable. Thank you so much sir.
Nicely done thanks for sharing
Thanks for all the tips ! it's definitely simple but useful to us.
Great video. Thanks for making it and thanks for the information.
One of the best YT videos I have ever seen so far. Great cutting and awesome video Quality. I wish I could give more then one thumps up. Unfortunately professional YT creators are so rare but I hope I can use your tips for my way to get more professional. Best wishes from Germany.
Nicely done! Thanks.
Amazing video man!!! I just got my GoPro today and this was very helpful!!! :)
Really enjoyable video and some great tips here, thanks!
this is definitely the best "how to" video I've come across. job well done
what an awesome video, I love how relaxing your surroundings seem to be, haha
Wow, a GoPro tip video that gave good advice. Most GoPro tip videos explain how to use the camera... Like I know about frame rates and how to use the camera. This video explains how to better your story with the camera. Love it! Good video!!
excellent, really helpful video. No waffle and great shots.
You had me from the beginning all the way to the end. And kept me thinking. Good Job
Well done video & great information!👍🏼
Thanks for this video. It was awesome and I learned quite a bit from it!
Excellent video! I am wanting a GoPro for certain shots. Like your video style. Would like to see more How To vids.
This was amazing!! Thank you so much. 😃
Thank you, Mr. Spielberg!!! You're the best!!
Story is king. Very nice video. Nice Storytelling and good videoquality. Its like the guide to film like casey neistat
Wow great stuff. Learned so much from just 7 things. Definitely will have to start stepping it up. Thanks.
The shots were basics and still deadly, great story my friend.
That was freakin amazing, never have I ever been so entertained by a tutorial video.
thanks for sharing. great video!
such an incredible tips. thanks sir
Sir you have all my respect... Thanks
Excellent stuff even in 2020. Thanks
I just got my very first pro camera for my bday, a GoPro. I am so happy! Always wanted a GoPro. Thanks for this video, great help for us noobs. For now I will have to manage with only GoPro (can't afford more stuff), but I think it will be GREAT!
Great tips! Thanks a bunch!
Really excellent video. Great job
Thank you very much, that were great tips.
wow. the video,way you present it just awesome :)
Thank you so much bradda! (brother) I learned a lot! I now can see why UA-camrs and filmmakers do all these angles. You inspired me to make better videos! Keep it up!