No Go with GoPro
GoPro is a good 2nd camera. GoPro is a GREAT POV camera!
The GoPro is arguably one of the most popular camcorders in recent history but it is not the right choice for filming hunts. It is designed to capture all the action. The size and weight makes it the perfect choice for surfers, mountain bikers, offroaders, snorkeling and deer hunters.
- High Dynamic Range Video + Photo: HERO12 Black takes its best-in-class image quality to the next level with HDR for both videos (5.3K and 4K) and photos. Great in environments with both shadows and bright light, HDR captures the subtle details of the scene that might typically blend into the darkness of shadows or disappear in the bright spots of your shot. The result is dynamic footage with true-to-life color and precision.
- Unbelieveable Image Quality: With 5.3K video that gives you 91% more resolution than 4K and an incredible 665% more than 1080p, HERO12 Black captures the action with crisp detail and cinematic image quality with High Dynamic Range (HDR) while also taking 27MP photos. You can also grab stunning photos up to 24.7MP of your favorite shots from your videos using the GoPro Quik app.
- Emmy Award- Winning HyperSmooth 6.0 Stabilization: HyperSmooth continues to set the bar for insanely smooth footage and has the hardware to back it up—a 2021 Emmy for In-Camera Sensor and Software Stabilization. HERO12 Black makes it even better by maximizing HyperSmooth AutoBoost performance with more stabilization while still delivering less image cropping. Bike, skate, ski, chase your kids through the park or get awesome pet POV shots—even the shakiest footage comes out silky smooth.
- Rugged + Waterproof to 33ft (10m): Completely waterproof and as tough as ever, HERO12 Black is ready to capture the fun on any adventure. Its legendary durability can take a beating and keep going, whether you’re ripping through mud, snow or water (down to 33ft/10m). A water-repelling lens cover even helps eliminate lens flare and other artifacts to make your photos and videos even more stunning.
- What's Included: HERO12 Black, Enduro Rechargeable Battery, Curved Adhesive Mount, Mounting Buckle + Thumb Screw, USB-C Cable
Is GoPro Good For Deer Hunting?
Not Really…Limited focal length is the main problem with the GoPro. It is not capable of zooming in your target. Any attempt to film a hunt leaves a lot to desired. Anything beyond 10 yards will lack detail and focus.
Below is just one example video from a GoPro. The camcorder is mounted on the deer hunters head and the deer is approximately 40 yards away. I was unable to see the doe until after the shot. The video is clear and the quality is fine but the problem is the zoom.
The video is set to start at 1:30 which is about 20 seconds before the shot. Can you see the deer??
The audio also lacks the strength of a more conventional deer hunting camcorder Canon HF G10. It does a great job picking up sounds in the treestand but that is where it stops.
GoPro Mounts for Hunting
The GoPro has a ton of cool mounts. These mounts make it very easy to hook the camera on the deer stand, bow holder, compound bow or even the gun.
GoPro is Perfect for POV
With a wide angle view, short focus and variety of mounts the GoPro is perfect for being a POV camera. The POV(point of view) is the perfect addition to a larger camcorder. Video from the POV can be used in the final editing process to show what the hunter is doing before and during the shot. It can really make for an exciting deer hunting video.
Here are some ideas for the GoPro POV camera
- High Dynamic Range Video + Photo: HERO12 Black takes its best-in-class image quality to the next level with HDR for both videos (5.3K and 4K) and photos. Great in environments with both shadows and bright light, HDR captures the subtle details of the scene that might typically blend into the darkness of shadows or disappear in the bright spots of your shot. The result is dynamic footage with true-to-life color and precision.
- Unbelieveable Image Quality: With 5.3K video that gives you 91% more resolution than 4K and an incredible 665% more than 1080p, HERO12 Black captures the action with crisp detail and cinematic image quality with High Dynamic Range (HDR) while also taking 27MP photos. You can also grab stunning photos up to 24.7MP of your favorite shots from your videos using the GoPro Quik app.
- Emmy Award- Winning HyperSmooth 6.0 Stabilization: HyperSmooth continues to set the bar for insanely smooth footage and has the hardware to back it up—a 2021 Emmy for In-Camera Sensor and Software Stabilization. HERO12 Black makes it even better by maximizing HyperSmooth AutoBoost performance with more stabilization while still delivering less image cropping. Bike, skate, ski, chase your kids through the park or get awesome pet POV shots—even the shakiest footage comes out silky smooth.
- Rugged + Waterproof to 33ft (10m): Completely waterproof and as tough as ever, HERO12 Black is ready to capture the fun on any adventure. Its legendary durability can take a beating and keep going, whether you’re ripping through mud, snow or water (down to 33ft/10m). A water-repelling lens cover even helps eliminate lens flare and other artifacts to make your photos and videos even more stunning.
- What's Included: HERO12 Black, Enduro Rechargeable Battery, Curved Adhesive Mount, Mounting Buckle + Thumb Screw, USB-C Cable
- Mount on the bow facing the target
- Mount on the bow facing the hunter
- Mount on the scope facing the deer
- Mount on a limb above the stand to film the hunter
- Mount on a scrape to film a close up of the deer
So if you already have a GoPro please put it to use. If you are thinking about buying one be sure you already have a main hunting camcorder. Several models and vintages are available and there are really some good deals on the GoPro available.
GoPro Feedback
Do you have a cool way to use the GoPro? Please leave it in the comments below.
Have you recorded a deer hunt with your GoPro? Leave a link in the comments below
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Gopro Hero 4 has 4 k video capability which in post editing you can zoom in without pixelation. I agree that for the most part they should be used as second angle cameras.