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Is the GoPro a no go?

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Spiri7o
Posts: 2163 - Karma: 1,100
Let me start by saying I have little to none knowledge about cameras.

That being said I am looking to purchase a camera in these next few months for ski season. All my friends and I are really interested in making edits of all the trips we take frequently during the week after school.

When the time comes I always figured I would buy a GoPro. I'm willing to spend a little and may even get some help for a Christmas present so I planned on getting the highest end model. I like how mobile and durable it seems, and the idea of skiing down a mountain with no worries while recording.

Now I find myself more interested in a much higher end camera. Most edits I enjoy I pick up on the fancy camera names. It's something I really am interested in and would like to have some similar qualities in my videos for my own personal enjoyment.

Can I not get this from a GoPro? How mobile is a much nicer camera? What type of cameras should I look at? I want similar quality/effects to members such as TaySwift.

All advice is appreciated, thank you
Sep 29 2013 3:23PM
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Forcillo
Posts: 3801 - Karma: 3,580
If your budget's around $500, (Gopro black) then I would say ditch the idea of a gopro and get a decent camcorder. If you want videos that look like most top-rated edits on here, you'll have to up your budget substantially. I recommend the Canon VIXIA range, anything from those in your price range will do you good.
Sep 29 2013 4:20PM
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Spiri7o
Posts: 2163 - Karma: 1,100
How much is substantially? What are some models you are referring too? With the Canon VIXIA is it easy to film with while skiing?
Sep 29 2013 4:31PM
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Forcillo
Posts: 3801 - Karma: 3,580
I'm referring to AT LEAST $700-$800 (T2i with good glass). And yes, very easy to film while skiing. The stabilization works well and the screen is nice and big.
Sep 29 2013 5:05PM
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Spiri7o
Posts: 2163 - Karma: 1,100
What about the Canon EOS 60D? I see that alot

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/slr_cameras/eos_60d

The price isn't too bad
Sep 29 2013 5:12PM
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BROLF
Posts: 1598 - Karma: 5,098
Panasonic camcorders are real nice, and not to expensive. Film in very high quality, I got one in late february and I love it. check this one out.

Sep 29 2013 5:16PM
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BROLF
Posts: 1598 - Karma: 5,098
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/839115-REG/Panasonic_HC_V500M_V500M_Full_HD_Camcorder.html

or this
Sep 29 2013 5:18PM
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Forcillo
Posts: 3801 - Karma: 3,580
The 60d is what I have actually, and I love it. I said t2i just because then you can get better lenses with what you have left over. The 60d has the same exact sensor, so you won't see too much quality difference at all. The 60d is more durable though, and that's one of the reasons I bought it.
Sep 29 2013 6:08PM
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Spiri7o
Posts: 2163 - Karma: 1,100
Not to be a bother, but what other reasons were there for purchasing the 60D? It's easy to ski around with and film?
Sep 29 2013 6:52PM
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Forcillo
Posts: 3801 - Karma: 3,580
I essentially got it for the durability, but the autofocus is better, the viewfinder is better, but it will produce the same image. I just got it for the weather sealing essentially. Any camera will be easy to ski around with and film.
Sep 29 2013 7:58PM
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Crazyman800
Posts: 55 - Karma: 85
I have the contour 2+ when i go out. Personally i only use it for the first person POV, and rarely to film someone else, or pass it off to someone to film my park laps. My friends all have gopros, and we swap footage at the end of the day and make our own edits with all the footage. If you are looking to film your runs, and your view of the mountain, id recommend the contour, but if you want to film others, and be the follower, then go with the 60d, or a decent camcorder, and stay away from the helmet/action cameras.
Oct 1 2013 9:44AM
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Belzebub
Posts: 451 - Karma: 812
You must understand that a 60d doesnt have autofocus while filming, to keep the footage steady you need a stabilizer, and it is nowhere near a gopro in terms of portability. If you get a gopro you can just throw it in a pocket and forget about it, while a DSLR would require planning when you go to the hill.
Buy one or two gopros or a camcorder if you want better quality.
Oct 1 2013 11:10AM
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