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Follow cam tips for GoPro

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The_Hannes
Posts: 285 - Karma: 63
Lots of my friends bought GoPros this year, and I was wondering if any of you guys had tips on how to do the best follow cam with a GoPro? Use 1 or 2 hands? Use the pole mount, some other kind of mount or none? The biggest problem is that the footage is getting really shaky, especially when doing bigger jumps.
Please post any tips that could help us, Thanks alot!
Dec 4 2011 4:53AM
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eheath
Posts: 61107 - Karma: 118,279
pole mounts seem to be the best.
Dec 4 2011 5:26AM
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mikk
Posts: 451 - Karma: 107
heli folo cam
Dec 4 2011 5:30AM
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I_Am_Mod
Posts: 13214 - Karma: 3,753
i agree 100% with this statement ...

also for good followcam shots the filmer should have a short run-through with the rider so they both know what they're going to do and can anticipate on eachother ...
Dec 4 2011 5:35AM
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mehregan15
Posts: 779 - Karma: 741
definitely. switch up your angles a lot too, no one wants to see footy from behind the rider the whole time. and get up nice and close, gopro's have such a wide lens for a reason.
Dec 4 2011 5:39AM
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freestyler540
Posts: 13046 - Karma: 18,292
I swear gopros are the easiest things to ise. They are the embodiment of point and shoot. The best thing to do to know your camera is play around with it. They watch and compare the footage to you your angles and distances.

Since it comes with sticker support, you can put them anywere...just make sure its above freezing temperature.A simple broken ski pole, with the end flatten; you tape the mount on the pole is the best and cheapest solution.

Gopro has an image stabilizer. If you stay fluid with filming, you will get better video.
Dec 4 2011 8:40AM
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MBskier95
Posts: 128 - Karma: 25
The one thing with GoPro's it that they dont have good depth perception so stay close to what, or who your filming you'll get better results, and the lens is wide angle so dont worry about missing your shots
Dec 4 2011 10:08AM
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bleevus
Posts: 1308 - Karma: 2,049
use a flat mount on a cut down hockey stick shaft. hands down the best mount ive ever used.
Dec 4 2011 10:11AM
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skodeo7
Posts: 14949 - Karma: 9,234
Definitely. If you can ghettorig up some sort of simple counterweight on the opposite end of the pole it will really smooth out shots.
Dec 4 2011 11:23AM
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cdecski72
Posts: 127 - Karma: 21
The best and cheapest solution for this would be to take the mount that the camera comes on out of the box (the plastic plate one). Cut that mount so all the thin plastic is gone and just the mount remains. Take that and bore a little hole in the center for a screw and screw it to the top of your pole. If your your pole has a screw already in the top for you pole strap use that. You can also use glue or expandable foam to secure it more if it does quite match up with the top of your pole. Its honestly the best solution and you'll always have it on you without having to carry around an extra stick and you don't have to pay a dime. And when you don't wanna film you still got poles to ski with. Thats my two cents.
Dec 4 2011 11:39AM
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aquinn
Posts: 824 - Karma: 217
film closer than you would expect because the wide angle kinda sucks w/ distance
Dec 4 2011 11:44AM
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bgrehan
Posts: 57 - Karma: 28
dont shoot with the cam facing the sun. (try your best anyways)
low angles and high angles look best.
filming in front of the rider looks sick.
point the camera ahead of the rider (rule of thirds)
film everything!
the longer the pole the smoother the shots.
dont be afraid to get close.
make your shots dynamic.(always move the camera)

Thats about all i can think of for now.

just study edits. Travlin circus is good to watch if your interesting in filming rails.
Dec 5 2011 3:52PM
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bgrehan
Posts: 57 - Karma: 28
sorry for the dub post but one more thing.

remember that people watch edits to see things they dont normally see. that means tricks and skiing from dif POVs. i always see skiing from head hight so switch it up. hence the low and high angles.
Dec 5 2011 3:55PM
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Trojan~Man
Posts: 1996 - Karma: 1,357
what do you mean by this?
Dec 5 2011 3:56PM
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skodeo7
Posts: 14949 - Karma: 9,234
Something as simple as duct taping some large metal washers to the end of the pole (add a few pounds of weight to the opposite end of where the camera is). Seems like a ridiculous idea but could really improve shots by smoothing them out.
Dec 5 2011 4:46PM
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Swaggermager
Posts: 2576 - Karma: 951
I did almost the same thing but made it more complicated Because I drilled a hole in the pole and I just thread a screw through there. I really like the idea of a top-pole mount because the you dont need to mess around with an extra pole. Good thread OP, theres a lot of good ideas in here
Dec 5 2011 4:58PM
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DIX~
Posts: 4695 - Karma: 6,502
Haha we've taped a bunch of rocks to ours and it helped a ton
Dec 5 2011 5:06PM
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NotGhood
Posts: 2809 - Karma: 1,255
ive never used a gopro for follow cam but im planning to this season, im assuming that if you mount it on a regular ski pole you'll be able to see the basket and stuff in the shotn which wont be the best, that being said i dont want to carry around part of an old hockey stick all day, are there any other suggestions on how to mount it for good follow cam?
Dec 5 2011 5:28PM
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juicedrummer11
Posts: 1960 - Karma: 1,331
like this...take notes..jed slays


and billy knows how to follow cam...nuff said
Dec 5 2011 5:32PM
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Blindsurfer
Posts: 2252 - Karma: 2,785
threads for when i get my gopro

and also the thing about pole mounts is true, and i saw something about switching up the angles, thats also key, my friend does an angle where he sits in the chairlift while we hit rails underneath him, makes for some sick shots
Dec 5 2011 5:48PM
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juicedrummer11
Posts: 1960 - Karma: 1,331
well if you mount it on the handle you could hold the back of the pole or you could take an old pole and cut off just above the basket a bit and mount it there (thats what i did)
Dec 5 2011 5:54PM
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Dr.Brown
Posts: 588 - Karma: 21
Definitely pole.

Has anyone tried to make a rig like you see at X-games? Most half pipe runs are filmed with that particular, V-shaped rig.

I know its kind of useless considering how light a GoPro is compared to their cameras, but would it help smooth things out?
Dec 5 2011 6:02PM
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bgrehan
Posts: 57 - Karma: 28
best tip for smooth shots. ski smoother.
i mounted my gopro on the handle of my ski pole and i hold it just over the basket so the basket is snugged up against the bottom of my hand. tends to work well.
Dec 5 2011 6:15PM
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tall_pants
Posts: 663 - Karma: 446
i hear those work really well
Dec 5 2011 6:33PM
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extravert
Posts: 1112 - Karma: 3,174
how does mounting it on a pole help? Is it just so you can get closer to the skier?
Dec 5 2011 6:50PM
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Its_Greg
Posts: 262 - Karma: 80
Omg I've been wanting to use that song for like the past month.. Thanks for crushing my dreams by posting that edit lmao..

On topic: I'm definitely trying out some pole mount follow cams this season.
Dec 5 2011 7:17PM
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.Roockley.
Posts: 3857 - Karma: 4,000
mount the gopro underneath the pole if you dont have a counter balance, it weighs that end down making it smoother than being on top of the pole
Dec 5 2011 7:35PM
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DIX~
Posts: 4695 - Karma: 6,502
Makes it a lot steadier. If it's handheld every little movement will show up, but when that movement occurs a couple feet from the source the effect is greatly reduced. The longer the pole the steadier the shot (in theory)
Dec 5 2011 7:39PM
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extravert
Posts: 1112 - Karma: 3,174
^ counterintuitive +k
Dec 5 2011 7:44PM
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RenegadeZ3
Posts: 452 - Karma: 38
As everyone said, followcam is undoubtedly the way to go. I put mine on a pvc pipe using a single elbow at the end. This way when you want to stop using it, you can just pocket the camera with elbow mount, and leave the pvc pipe on the side of the trail or at the lift line. If someone steals it or you forget it there, they're less than a dollar to replace. Plus, you can always change lengths of the pole for a couple cents based on how you want to film that day.

Click for larger image
Dec 5 2011 7:51PM
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fnacke
Posts: 37 - Karma: 57
I've been using this for a few months now, works great, adjustable length, great control. http://i40.tinypic.com/wbtmjp.jpg
adjusted the handle a bit, electrical-tape closest to the (below the grip) "stick" shuv bicyclehandle over > Voilà!
If anything id suggest one of these!
Dec 5 2011 7:53PM
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ECDomain
Posts: 86 - Karma: 10
this.
Dec 5 2011 7:56PM
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bgrehan
Posts: 57 - Karma: 28
^^^^ creative setup. props

I have mine setup with the pole mount and extenders so i can bend it so the cam lens is in line with the pole. no pics tho. Has anyone tried converting the display mount they give you into a chest mount? I've been thinking about trying it but im lazy.
Dec 5 2011 7:57PM
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belden...
Posts: 2914 - Karma: 1,273
do you really need the counterweights? cuz i think im just gonna get a handlebar mount and put it on my pole when i want to.
Dec 5 2011 8:01PM
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KarmaInitiative
Posts: 2028 - Karma: 174
ya i dont think thats true
Dec 5 2011 8:49PM
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dispatchQ_main
Posts: 2619 - Karma: 629

Hockey stick for follows and helmet for filming myself.

Best go pro edit out is........

voila.

One Minute with Shea Flynn and a GoPro from SJP on Vimeo.

Dec 5 2011 8:57PM
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skodeo7
Posts: 14949 - Karma: 9,234
Definitely not at all necessary, just an idea for people who were looking to experiment and mess around with getting smoother shots.
Dec 6 2011 2:31PM
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*jwill*
Posts: 218 - Karma: 21
loved it. getting my 1st gopro soonish. very inspiring
Dec 12 2011 5:15AM
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TheQuailman
Posts: 7381 - Karma: 144
threads
Dec 20 2011 10:16PM
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Inline.
Posts: 4424 - Karma: 432
my hockey stick rig: i just handsaw'd off the blade and stuck the GoPro mount on the end. simple, really.
Click for larger image
Dec 20 2011 10:36PM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24704 - Karma: 29,687
This is what I used in the setup I made for my contour, only I kept the blade and mounted the camera on there. That way, the boom NEVER gets in the way of the camera when filming, and you have a bit of overhang to play with.

I got the idea from how audio booms work, as many are set up to give you plenty of overhang on the target in order to give you more angular range to get the mic in the 'sweet spot' if you will.
Jan 22 2012 5:32AM
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belden...
Posts: 2914 - Karma: 1,273
Why are you guys bothering to bring an extra pole to the hill instead of just mounting it on your skipole?
Jan 22 2012 9:11AM
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I_Am_Mod
Posts: 13214 - Karma: 3,753
i was just thinking the exact same thing ....

my handlebar mount works so nicely and gopro + mount still fit inside my pockets, so much easier than making a special pole for it ...
Jan 22 2012 9:40AM
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mike_d
Posts: 503 - Karma: 79
I use the gopro pole/handlebar mount as well, and its legit, but I would rather have a pole mount based on the quick release, as opposed to having to unscrew and take off the gopro mount...if you are switching between pole mount to helmet, etc, its better to have a quick release system. I originally made one for my pole but it wasn't super durable hence why I got the gopro pole mount. Gonna go back to the homemade tho as soon as I figure out how to make a more beastly one.
Jan 22 2012 12:18PM
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MRoden
Posts: 753 - Karma: 211
I'm in the process of using a rc heli and then mounting a suspended rig under it to reduce vibration. Should work pretty good.
Jan 22 2012 12:21PM
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Parks.
Posts: 5612 - Karma: 1,093
Get closer than you think
Jan 22 2012 12:46PM
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yhprum1720
Posts: 363 - Karma: 496
Be careful about leaving a handlebar mount on your pole when you are not using it. I crashed and mine got ripped off and I never saw it again. Now I use a flat adhesive mount on the end of an old lacrosse stick.
Jan 22 2012 2:44PM
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Clark_Griswold
Posts: 1283 - Karma: 48
multiple reasons
1. I had 1 extra pole laying around in my garage
2. It fits in my back pack after I'm done using it
3. only use my actual poles when I'm filming myself
Jan 22 2012 3:09PM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24704 - Karma: 29,687
Because you can only do so much with a ski pole. If I'm doing some followcam in the park, I bring my hockey stick boom so I can do more.
Jan 22 2012 4:20PM
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Dibs
Posts: 496 - Karma: 86
is he using a pole mount?

Jan 22 2012 5:44PM
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