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Are there any decent, cheap GoPro alternatives that people can recommend, or would I be better off getting a second hand GoPro?
Same question for those 360 degree camera things too.
Just wanting a bit of fun / dabble so don’t want to spend too much.
TIA
The SJ Cam range were pretty good but were also getting into the price range of second-hand GoPro's.
Stabilisation starting with Hero 8 is actually powered by witchcraft. I don't understand it but it's so damn good a second-hand GP Hero 8 would and is my choice. 360 cameras, no idea but I guess it's more editing.
Someone did suggest a GP Session as it's smaller and gathers less dust on the shelf.....
I keep looking.. I prefer video from the 360 camera, as the depth is actually visible but the overall image doesn't seem as good as the go-pro's. The DJI Action series look interesting but latest apparently have a focus issues.
As above Hero 7 black upwards has the imagine stabilisation, note the 8 has a fixed lens which can't easily be replace if scratched IIRC (3rd party options are available).
@pieface, did you make a decision? I am having the same conundrum and looking at 2nd hand GoPro, also spotted a Welsh company called Olfi that gets good reviews as a budget camera. Insta 360 look good but heading into the ££££££ again
@jojnjn2000 I think I'd prefer the 360 degree camera, but I haven't really found anything cheap 2nd hand. Was hoping to get something cheap for playing around with, but it will probably end up being another breadmaker / sandwhich toaster type device.
That's been my dilemma for years. My last entry into the Action Camera field was a Sony AS30. Quality looked ok but never as good as the then current GoPros. Image stabilization was a let down. Colours were always washed out. As a result, I barely used it.
Looking again recently I thought the Insta360 at least offered the option of more variation of shot. GoPro stuff has become very samey. Then I thought about who would actually see my cinematic masterpieces anyway and came to the conclusion that I just couldn't justify the cost of another toy.
I ended up buying a small drone. That's mainly being used as a "remote tripod" for stills as opposed to movies. There are real projects I'm doing for which it makes a difference and, as regards an audience, more folk (including me) are likely to look at a few photos than a shonkily-edited video clip.
I've a GoPro max I'm looking to sell it anyone is in Sheffield.
johnjn2000
@pieface, did you make a decision? I am having the same conundrum and looking at 2nd hand GoPro, also spotted a Welsh company called Olfi that gets good reviews as a budget camera. Insta 360 look good but heading into the ££££££ again
I've had an Olfi for a while now. Great bang for your buck. Not great low light performance, but then that's true of most action cams.
Not feeling a huge need to switch, but when I do I reckon I'll go Insta360. Love the modular idea and the lure of a 1 inch sensor is strong (but admittedly spendy).
@colournoise. Interesting to have 1st hand review of the Olfi. Other than the low light performance which, as you say, they all seem to suffer from, what other elements make it buget? If you put a Olfi youtube clip next to a GoPro clip where would we see the £300 benenfit of the GoPro..................or would we?
Just bought the lad a GoPro 11 mini for Xmas. Social media is what it's all about apparently lol
Not sure John, I don't know what an insta360 is if I'm honest
If you put a Olfi youtube clip next to a GoPro clip where would we see the £300 benenfit of the GoPro………………or would we?
A few thoughts on this...
First, remember that any 'pro' clips you see from GoPro will have been recorded using carefully chosen manual settings under optimal conditions and then processed to show the camera in its best light. Most of the Olfi stuff that's out there is user generated as far as I can see. You'd need to compare ham-fisted amateur to ham-fisted amateur to see a proper comparison.
One difference would be (I think) in terms of stabilisation. Current GoPros are state of the art in terms of this, and the Olfi's stabilisation is much more agricultural but still does its job.
Resolution is the other key difference. The Olfi tops out at 4k 30fps and the GoPro obviously goes way beyond that. It's arguable how much real-world difference that makes once YouTube, etc. have mauled your footage though.
Biggest consideration for me is your user case. If all you want us to throw together some footage for you and your mates them the Olfi will be bang on. If you want pro-level results and are willing to put the time in to achieving those then GoPro all the way. Personally (as you'll know if you've seen my photos on here anywhere), I like a bit of lofi grunge and often deliberately choose to use old gear so the Olfi's potential limitations don't bother me - quite the opposite!
Digital lomography FTW!
The only reason I'm vaguely looking at the Insta360 is that I'm also drawn to the idea of one do-it-all rugged camera for both stills and video that isn't a (relatively) delicate phone or more traditional camera. The modular concept would also give me access to 360 footage and that 1 inch sensor.