GoPro’s action cameras are synonymous with innovation, consistently pushing the limits of user experience with features like live preview. This function allows users to see their cameraโs output in real-time on a connected device. Although live preview was always available, the specific capability to use it while recording was disabled in models Hero9 to Hero11 due to a patent dispute with Contour IP Holding. With the launch of the Hero12, GoPro has reinstated this functionality, rekindling discussions about technology advancements and user expectations.
*** Update (29/08/24): GoPro has enabled the live preview while recording feature on the GoPro Hero11. Please update your camera with the latest software update to enable this feature. ***
The Feature in Focus
Live preview while recording is essential for users who need to adjust framing and settings in real time, ensuring optimal control during recording sessions. This feature was specifically impacted in some GoPro models during the litigation with Contour, which alleged that GoPro infringed on patents integral to this technology.
Background on the Contour Lawsuit
The lawsuit by Contour claimed that GoPro violated patents related to remote camera operation and live footage viewing. Although GoPro faced initial legal challenges, they ultimately won, enabling them to reinstate the live preview while recording feature in the Hero12.
Hero12โs Enhanced Capabilities
The reintroduction of live preview while recording in the Hero12 has been well-received, but it also raises questions about the continued absence of this feature in earlier models.
Exclusion of Hero9 to Hero11
Possible reasons for not extending the update to older models might include:
Comparative Insight: Other Manufacturers
Interestingly, other manufacturers such as DJI, who offer similar features, have not faced the same legal challenges as GoPro. This disparity suggests that the legal issues GoPro encountered were specific to the patents held by Contour and their application. The fact that companies like DJI were unaffected by similar patent disputes raises questions about the uniqueness of GoPro’s situation and the specifics of the patent claims.
Consumer Response and Broader Implications
The selective feature reinstatement has elicited mixed reactions, illustrating the challenge companies face in balancing innovation with legal and market pressures.
Conclusion
The return of live preview while recording in the GoPro Hero12 exemplifies the intricate relationship between technological innovation, legal challenges, and consumer demand. As GoPro moves forward, the interaction between user feedback and strategic product development will be crucial.
Whether you’re capturing adrenaline-filled action shots or peaceful moments in nature, the choice of the right action camera can make all the difference. The GoPro Hero 11 Black and the DJI Action 3 are two leading contenders in the market, each boasting a unique set of features. This comprehensive comparison should help you decide which camera is best suited for your adventures.
The GoPro Hero 11 Black continues GoPro’s legacy, integrating a new sensor and wider lens for a better field of view. Renowned for its superior image stabilization, it’s perfect for recording high-action sequences without losing image clarity.
– Ability to shoot in 5.3K video at up to 50fps, ideal for capturing details.
– Best-in-class image stabilization for smooth, action-packed recordings.
– Flexibility in shooting with an 8:7 sensor, allowing post-shoot adjustment between vertical and horizontal orientations.
– The front display is view-only, with no interactive controls.
The DJI Action 3 retains the classic action camera design while adding valuable features such as a front touchscreen and an excellent magnetic mounting system. Its superior low-light performance outshines many, making it an excellent choice for underwater and low-light photography.
– Front touchscreen provides user-friendly controls.
– Enhanced low-light performance is perfect for capturing clear images underwater or in dimly lit environments.
– Excellent magnetic mounting system for fast and secure attachment.
– Doesn’t support 5.3K or open gate shooting
While the Hero 11 Black excels in high-resolution recording and superior image stabilization, the DJI Action 3 shines in low-light conditions. It captures brighter and more detailed images even in challenging lighting, making it perfect for underwater and low-light photography.
Both cameras adhere to the traditional action camera design, boasting replaceable lens covers and waterproof features. The DJI Action 3 stands out with its magnetic mounting system that allows for quick adjustments, while the Hero 11 Black has a built-in mount. The DJI camera also has a functional front touchscreen, while the GoPro’s front screen is only for viewing.
Each camera comes equipped with a long-lasting, cold-weather resistant battery, with DJI’s Extreme battery holding a slight edge over GoPro’s Enduro in capacity. When it comes to weather resistance, DJI Action 3 outperforms with an operating temperature of -20 degrees celsius compared to GoPro’s -10 degrees rating.
The GoPro Hero 11 Black retails at a higher price point of $799, while the DJI Action 3 is priced at $529. However, with GoPro recently lowering the Hero 11 Black’s price to $649, the gap has significantly narrowed.
One crucial aspect of using action cameras that often goes overlooked is the functionality offered by their companion apps. Both GoPro and DJI provide companion apps, Quik and Mimo respectively, to enhance the usability of their cameras. However, there is a key difference that could influence your purchasing decision: the ability to live preview your footage while recording.
Since the GoPro Hero 9, the GoPro Quik app has unfortunately disabled the live preview feature while recording. This decision has been met with disappointment by many loyal GoPro users, as the live preview feature is particularly useful when the camera is mounted in a location that’s beyond reach, such as on a helmet, car, or drone.
On the other hand, the DJI Mimo app continues to support live preview during recording, even when capturing in 4K resolution. This feature provides users with real-time feedback on the footage being captured, allowing for instant adjustments to the camera angle, position, or settings to ensure the best possible results. This is particularly beneficial when the camera is mounted at a distance or in a hard-to-reach spot.
In this aspect, DJI Action 3 holds a significant edge over the GoPro Hero 11 Black. This can be a game-changing feature for action enthusiasts who rely heavily on app-based controls and live feedback.
See full livestream compatibility list.
The GoPro Hero 11 Black and the DJI Action 3 each have their unique strengths, appealing to different users based on their specific requirements. The Hero 11 Black is ideal for those seeking high-resolution recording and superior image stabilization. Meanwhile, the DJI Action 3, with its superior low-light performance and user-friendly interface, is a solid option for underwater or dimly lit environments. If live preview while recording is high on your priority list, the DJI Action 3 could be the better option for you.
Remember, the key to choosing an action camera is striking a balance between your needs, the camera’s features, and your budget. Each camera offers unique advantages, so select the one that best resonates with your adventure aspirations.
Capturing stunning underwater footage with your GoPro Hero 11 requires the right settings to ensure optimal image quality and colour accuracy. In this blog post, we will explore the recommended settings specifically tailored for underwater footage. From frame rate and resolution to white balance and colour profiles, these settings will help you unleash the full potential of your GoPro Hero 11 and produce consistently high-quality underwater videos.
Choose either 30 or 24 FPS for smooth motion and cinematic-like footage. Set the resolution to either 2.7K or 4K for greater detail and flexibility during editing.
Select the Wide option to capture a wider perspective and include more of the underwater scene in your footage.
Set HyperSmooth to AutoBoost to enable the built-in stabilisation feature, reducing camera shake and producing smoother underwater footage.
Turn on Pro Controls to unlock advanced settings and have full control over your GoPro Hero 11’s features.
Enable 10-Bit Colour to capture a broader range of colours and achieve more accurate colour grading during post-production.
Choose the High setting to ensure the highest quality video encoding and preserve fine details in your underwater footage.
Set the shutter speed to Auto, allowing the camera to adjust the exposure on the fly based on the available light.
Adjust EV Comp to -0.5 to slightly underexpose the footage and prevent highlights from being blown out in bright underwater environments.
Set the white balance to 4500K to maintain accurate colours underwater and avoid the footage looking green or purple. This preserves the natural blue tones of the underwater world.
Set the ISO min to 100 for the best image quality with minimal noise. Adjust the ISO max to 400 to account for low light conditions, avoiding excessive noise.
Choose either Low or Medium to retain details while minimising sharpening artifacts that can occur in underwater footage.
Select Flat for a desaturated colour profile, allowing greater flexibility in colour grading during post-processing. Alternatively, choose Natural for more vibrant and contrasty footage straight out of the camera.
Turn off RAW Audio to disable RAW audio recording and save storage space. Underwater audio is usually less important and can be supplemented with music or ambient sound in post-production.
Disable Wind Noise Reduction, as it is not necessary for underwater footage.
Set Wi-Fi Band to 2.4Ghz in order to livestream underwater footage with Seavu camera system. See full instructions on how to set camera Wi-Fi Frequency to 2.4Ghz.
With the recommended settings for underwater diving footage on your GoPro Hero 11, you can capture breathtaking videos that showcase the beauty of the underwater world. Adjusting frame rates, resolutions, white balance, and colour profiles, among other settings, gives you full control over your footage and ensures optimal image quality. Remember to experiment with different settings and accessories to find the perfect combination for your underwater adventures. Dive deep and capture the hidden wonders beneath the surface with your GoPro Hero 11!
Underwater fishing filmmaking allows you to capture the excitement and beauty of your fishing adventures beneath the surface. To ensure stunning footage and create captivating fishing films, having the right gear and accessories is essential. In this gear guide, we’ll explore the must-have equipment for underwater fishing filmmakers, including action cameras, the Seavu underwater camera system, extension poles, dive torches for lighting, and an underwater tripod stand.
An action camera is the backbone of any underwater fishing filmmaker’s gear. These compact and durable cameras are designed to withstand underwater conditions and capture high-quality footage. Look for an action camera that offers excellent resolution, image stabilization, and waterproof capabilities. Popular options include the GoPro HERO and DJI Osmo Action series.
Seavu is a revolutionary product that brings underwater livestream capabilities to the hands of fishing and underwater enthusiasts. With its easy setup and compatibility with action cameras like GoPro, Seavu allows users to capture and livestream underwater footage in real-time to their mobile devices. Whether you’re trolling, drifting, or exploring underwater habitats, Seavu enhances your fishing experience by providing immediate visibility and connection to the underwater world. Its durable construction and versatile accessory options make it an essential tool for those looking to document and share their underwater adventures with ease and convenience.
An extension pole is a versatile accessory that enables you to capture unique angles and perspectives while filming underwater. It extends your reach and allows you to get closer to the action without disturbing the fish. The Seavu system includes a pole mount, compatible with most standard-size painter poles with a 3/4″ 5 thread fitting, avoiding the need to purchase an expensive camera pole. This cost-effective solution provides flexibility and convenience for capturing dynamic shots underwater.
Proper lighting is crucial for capturing vibrant and well-illuminated footage underwater. Dive torches that can be mounted on the Seavu Explorer housing provide an excellent lighting solution. These torches offer a powerful and focused beam of light to enhance visibility and highlight the colors of the underwater environment. Look for torches with adjustable brightness levels and a wide beam angle to cover a larger area. Popular options include the Kraken Sports Hydra 3500S+ and the BigBlue AL1800XWP. These dive torches provide reliable and efficient lighting to ensure your footage is vivid and detailed even in low-light conditions.
Having an underwater camera stand is of utmost importance for filming underwater, as it provides stability, flexibility, and convenience in capturing breathtaking footage. The underwater environment can be dynamic, with currents and movements that can make it challenging to maintain a steady shot. An underwater camera stand, such as the Seavu seafloor stand, offers a secure base that anchors the camera to the seafloor, even in strong currents. This stability allows filmmakers to focus on composition and capturing the perfect shot without worrying about camera shake or drift. Additionally, an adjustable mount on the stand enables precise positioning of the camera, allowing filmmakers to capture the desired direction and angle. By providing a reliable foundation, the underwater camera stand ensures that filmmakers can create professional-grade footage, showcasing the beauty and excitement of underwater fishing adventures.
As an underwater fishing filmmaker, having the right gear and accessories is vital for capturing breathtaking footage and creating compelling films. The combination of an action camera, the Seavu underwater camera system, an extension pole, dive torches for lighting, and the Seavu seafloor stand will elevate your filming experience and help you showcase the beauty of the underwater world. Remember to choose gear that suits your specific needs and always prioritize safety while filming underwater. With the right equipment, you’ll be ready to embark on unforgettable fishing adventures and document them in cinematic style.
GoPro cameras have become synonymous with capturing epic adventures, including the mesmerising world beneath the waves. To ensure you capture the best underwater footage with your GoPro, itโs essential to optimise the camera settings for the underwater environment. In this blog post, we will guide you through the best settings to use on your GoPro for stunning underwater footage. From resolution and frame rate to white balance and colour profiles, these settings will help you bring the underwater world to life in all its vibrant glory.
For capturing detailed and smooth underwater footage, select a high-resolution setting on your GoPro. Depending on the model, options like 4K, 2.7K, or 1080p are recommended. Higher resolutions provide more detailed images, allowing you to showcase the intricate beauty of the underwater environment. Additionally, choose a frame rate that suits your desired style of footage. For smooth, cinematic shots, 24 or 30 frames per second (fps) are ideal. If youโre capturing fast-paced action, consider higher frame rates like 60 or 120 fps for smooth slow-motion sequences.
Enabling the Protune feature on your GoPro gives you greater control over the camera settings, allowing for enhanced post-processing and colour grading options. Within Protune, you can adjust settings such as ISO, sharpness, and exposure compensation to fine-tune your underwater footage. Additionally, experiment with different colour profiles like GoPro Colour or Flat. GoPro Colour produces vibrant, punchy colours, while Flat provides a neutral colour profile that allows for more flexibility during post-processing, especially when colour grading.
Underwater environments have unique lighting conditions, and setting the appropriate white balance is crucial to achieve accurate and natural-looking colours. GoPro cameras offer several white balance options, including Auto, 3000K, 5500K, and Native. Start with the Auto white balance setting, which can work well in various underwater scenarios. However, if you notice colour casts or inconsistent hues, manually adjust the white balance based on the depth and water conditions. Experiment with different white balance settings to find the one that produces the most pleasing and true-to-life colours.
When shooting in challenging underwater lighting conditions, adjust the ISO and exposure settings in Protune to achieve optimal results. It is generally recommended to set the Max ISO to 400 to minimise digital noise in your footage. However, keep in mind that lowering the ISO may require adjustments to other settings such as exposure and lighting conditions. Adjust the exposure compensation to ensure your footage is properly exposed, taking into account the available light and the specific underwater environment. Balancing ISO and exposure will help you capture clear, well-lit footage with accurate colours.
Please note that individual shooting scenarios may vary, and itโs always a good idea to test and adjust settings based on the specific lighting and underwater conditions you encounter.
To improve colour accuracy and correct the colour cast caused by the waterโs natural tint, consider using filters specifically designed for underwater use. Filters help restore natural colours and reduce the dominance of blue or green hues in your footage. Depending on the water conditions and depth, choose filters that suit the specific colour temperature of the environment. Some common filters include red filters for tropical or bluewater conditions and magenta filters for green or freshwater environments.
Capturing stunning underwater footage with your GoPro is an exhilarating experience. By optimising the camera settings, including resolution, frame rate, Protune options, white balance, and the use of filters, you can bring the vivid and captivating underwater world to life. Experiment with different settings, fine-tune as you go, and adapt to the unique lighting and conditions of each dive. With practice and the right settings, youโll be able to create breathtaking underwater footage that showcases the beauty of the underwater realm.
See compatible GoPro cameras with Seavu