Go Pro Hero Video Camera Review
Have you ever wished that you had a small, un-obtrusive, waterproof, tough, video camera that could capture your larger-than-life travel adventures or hobbies? The Go Pro Hero Cam may just be the end to your search. This camera is housed in a tough, clear plastic shell that seals the electronics safely even when submerged in water to a depth of 100 feet. The camera is easily removed from the shell by unlatching the hinged "back door". Don't worry about accidently opening the latch, it is sturdy enough to ensure the camera will remain in its housing until you release it. This allows you to use the included video cable to either plug it into a tv via the RCA jacks or your laptop via the usb port.
Instant viewing is easy once you set the video format, plug in the included video cable and click through the movies of the day to reveal them on your tv screen. Currently the camera captures standard tv resolution in a 4 by 3 ratio format, soon, however, you the new HD Hero Cam will be available, allowing you to display your video on a 16 by 9 wide screen at 1080 pixel resolution.
The manufactures boast that this is the world's smallest, wireless helmet and gear-mountable video camera and once you view the little thing out of its plastic shell you will swear that it is something that belongs in your kid's GI Joe collection or that it came out of a cereal box as a prize. Don't be fooled, this camera is a powerful little thing.
The 170° wide angle lens and 5 megapixel sensor provides the most immersive point of view for any video or photo from a wearable sports camera. You can capture up to 56 minutes of high-resolution video on a 2 gb SD card or 1 hour and 52 minutes on a 4 gb SD card (cards sold separately).
Sample Video:
This little camera solves one of the problems that I ran into when I first tried to mount a video camera to my bikes handlebars. The vibration in the handlebars caused my expensive Sony Handycam with a 40 gb hard drive to shutdown almost immediately plus there was the worry of somehow loosing the camera from its mount. I had visions of my $1000.00 Handycam shattered in pieces all over the road. I had to find a solution.
The Go Pro Hero Wide camera is shockproof! The camera is reliable in ultra-high vibration environments due to an entirely new internal circuit design. Strap it on your helmet, mount it on your handlebars, fasten it to your wrist, slap on the hood of your jeep or jump off a cliff with it tied to a stick and you will be able to capture the action. (Although you might want to have a parachute on when you jump off that cliff.) I think you will be amazed at the stability of the video and the camera's ability to capture the majestic view of almost everything around you.
Do you need to take a memorable snap shot? No problem, capture the view in 5 megapixel format as a still camera. Do you need to make stop-motion video? No problem, set the camera to take a photo every 2 or 5 seconds and you will get a stop-motion animation that you can edit together on your laptop.
The camera and plastic shell is the same in all Four different packaged versions: Helmet Cam, Surf Cam, Wrist Cam, or Auto Cam, what changes is the mounting methods.
The Helmet cam comes with a wide assortment of mounting methods for, of course, your helmet(s). There is an elastic band method if you do not want to use one of the peel and stick permanent mounts. This is also useful in sharing the camera with others. You can mount the camera on the top of your helmet or at eye level on the side of your helmet with the peel and stick mounts. For about $10.00 more you can get an attachment that allows you to screw the camera onto a tripod. 
Combine the tripod attachment with our handlebar mount and you will have a cool way to capture your motorcycling adventures.
There are only 2 negatives that I found in dealing with this camera. First, you will want to be sure and take the manufacturers advise about buying NiMH rechargeable triple A batteries. Alkaline batteries are spent quickly. The NiMH batteries will last approximately 3 hours. The low battery symbol leaves much to guess work so time your video recording sessions carefully to avoid missing any important video moments.
The second gripe that I have about the camera is the small LCD screen. It is positioned in front of the camera and the icon mode symbols are almost microscopic. I found that I had to take my helmet off to check on what mode I had the camera in or if I was recording video. The camera has but 2 buttons to control everything about the camera. One button powers on the camera and selects video, still photo, stop-motion, delete photo(s)/video or place the camera in settings mode. So you will want to make sure you have pressed the button for the correct amount of times to place the camera in the mode you truly desire.
Holding the power button down for more than 2 seconds shuts the camera off. The top button is the shutter button and allows you to begin videoing or to take a photo. Other than a brief flash from a red LED light it is difficult to tell at a distance what the camera is doing. The fact that LCD screen is on the front of the camera is also somewhat annoying.
However, having the LCD screen on the front is convenient for a buddy to help you select the correct mode but often captures a confused, squinty, ape look on your buddies face as he attempts to adjust the camera. I would have preferred a LCD on the back of the camera.
Overall, however, this is a "must buy" for me. I recommend it as a device that will get the job done. It is priced affordably and frees you from risking more expensive equipment on your travel adventures and hobbies. It is a solid performer and I can whole heartedly say that it is "road tested and rider approved!" You can buy with confidence!
