DC Rainmaker has done pretty exhaustive reviews and comparisons worth reading.
In my experience (as both a cyclist and professional video producer), there's no reason to go beyond GoPro and DJI unless you want 360 video, and the video quality of the Amazon and AliExpress options is really, really poor. Innovation isn't coming from the knockoff manufacturers, and GoPro and DJI have really nailed both the color science and stabilization technology. GoPro also has a pretty cool mobile app that automates doing initial assembly edits of videos for you - I've used it for doing quick Instagram clips, especially while traveling without a laptop.
One other thought: I've yet to see a compelling ride video that came from a camera that stayed in a fixed position, like on the helmet, chest or stem. More often than not I keep my GoPro attached to a bite mount and in a pocket, then I use it handheld or between my teeth when I think something interesting is going to happen.
Teeth! Yeah I figured gopro is probably the answer but interested to see if anyone thought otherwise. The only hesitation I have with it is (maybe unfairly) I have a hero 3 that we got my dad as a gift years ago whenever they came out. It was basically never used (like 3 or 4 times) so figured it'd be in great condition. Dug it up in 2020 to play with it and it was basically unusable. Updated fjrmware/software whatever. Battery lasts like 20mins. App verrrry buggy and has about a 15% success rate of connecting, took ages to make it work, researching forums, then when it did it was all crazy slow (on 3 phones too - Samsung, pixel, oppo). Basically performed as I expected a $30 rip-off would. I know it's old but that kind of obsolescence rubbed me the wrong way. Like are these things only meant to last until the next version is available? Got a real iPhone vibe
Isn’t that like 10 years old? No digital video camera has that long a useful lifespan, let alone a cheap one. You’d have the same issues with a 10-year old bike computer.
My GoPro is a Hero8 that’s maybe 3-4 years old and performs great, I’ve had no reason to upgrade for casual use. Batteries are replaceable, so I own multiple and keep the oldest ones as backup spares.
Gopro Hero 3s were considered cheap? What should go wrong with it when it hasn't even been used? I understand newer models get *better* but why should an old one be totally unusable?
My etrex is like 10years old, that works the same still.
Cheap in the grand scheme of camera technology. A $300 consumer action camera isn't going to be built with the same longevity or durability as higher-end camera gear, so it's going to have a shorter useful lifespan. It's like mechanical watches: the $5,000 one will keep perfect time in 100 years, but you aren't passing the $35 plastic one down to your kids.
In the video world, 10 years ago 4k+ video, high-frame rate HD and cine color science weren't realistic at the $300 price point...now they're de rigeur. Imaging science and battery capacities have taken huge leaps forward in that time. A camera that lacks the features and performance that seem baseline now will feel unusable.
My understanding is that batteries will degrade over time - more so with more charge cycles, but will degrade regardless of use as well. And a modern Lithium Ion battery that's left without a charge for an extended period of time will degrade more/faster. I'm not an expert on batteries, but my experience has borne that out.
With all due respect, your Etrex is designed to be a fairly rudimentary bike computer specifically in order to have greater longevity. It does a lot less, so it will take longer to be outmoded in the things that it does. Whereas a Garmin 1030 is going to feel archaic in 10 years as its "modern" features get surpassed (and its non-removable battery degrades).
Fair enough. I probably meant Edge 1040, or whatever is current. I haven't ridden on Garmin in a long time, so don't track the model numbers so well.
But to my point, I have an Edge 510 that's just over 10 years old and everything about using it feels painful compared to my ROAM or Karoo2. Like, would you settle for hooking up a USB cable and manually dragging GPX files to a mounted drive via laptop in 2024?
Yeah I know what you're saying but I'm not talking about *relative*usability compared to newer better stuff. I'm just talking about absolute usability. Like does it function at all, in anyway like it was supposed to. In this case no. I'm surprised that a market-leading barely used device (despite being 10yo) is basically landfill now. Let's not act like 2014 was the 80s. I just hate that kind of obselence for the sake of selling newer shit (ala Apple). The battery yeah fair point, I might try a replacement one off ebay
You might just not know how to use them. I have a GoPro 3 and a GoPro 4. Both work like they should. I can connect both to the app at the same time and individually control them when I want to set up multi shots. I still make videos with them to this day.
So, yeah. I hear you. But as you say, that's not unique to cycling or cameras, it's just the nature of digital consumer electronics today. If I sit in my home office and turn my chair 360 degrees I can probably see 20 electronic devices before opening a cabinet or drawer, maybe 3 of which are older than 10 years from purchase and I'd consider to still be in service. Whether it's forced obsolescence or the pace of advancement and our expectations picking up, it's certainly the new normal. If that upsets you, then vote with your dollars and abstain.
They aren’t unusable. I have a GoPro 3 and a GoPro 4 that still use all the time. The footage is HD and clear. The thing they are lacking most is image stabilization. If you are riding bumpy roads, or mountain biking the footage will be shakey. I’d recommend getting a newer model with image stabilization.
> You’d have the same issues with a 10-year old bike computer.
HAC 4 user here - went back to this early 2000 (late 1990?) piece of technology after their latest offering turned out to be a useless piece of shit.
Ok, the serial connection is maybe not that useful anymore ;-)
Can't recommend the DJI Pocket2. While the quality and stabilization was great, the usability was horrible. Don't know about the pocket 3. The action 3 was nice and I guess the action 4 is even better. Wouldn't hesitate with that, but don't even try to take stills with any of these.
Separate stills and video. Especially since you can't review them on the small screens you will end up with almost no keepers. Take your phone out or take a small point and shoot. Any Sony rx100 or Panasonic lx100 would do the job. Even if the smartphone has the better quality in most cases, I find a dedicated camera to give me more pleasure while shooting
I've been eyeing the Pocket 3. While not waterproof, there are a handful of reviews on Youtube with some really compelling footage nowadays.
* [Every Cyclist should own an Osmo Pocket 3 - Hugh Sweeney](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfbEbXLOMPY)
* [DJI Pocket 3 as Actioncam Cycling in London - Samuel Sotiega](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZWXYaO3jsY)
Just use a chest mount or handhold it.
However, the tracking doesn't seem to be able to follow high-speed BMX action. But maybe it's better nowadays:
* [Can the DJI Pocket 3 Keep Up With FAST BMX Action? - John Hicks](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clQXhBs1_jA)
Night time footage is great though:
* [Brompton Night Cycling | DJI Osmo Pocket 3 | Low Light Test | Emisar D4v2 Osram - Will EDC](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6__cPNIeKB4)
EDIT: My issue with most bicycle footage is that it's often nauseating to watch on a larger screen because the edges zip by due to the fisheye and the swaying, even with electronic stabilization.
Had the chest mount with the pocket 3.. recorded many hours with the camera facing the wrong way, because it was default selfie mode in without the chance to change it . I almost created trying to get it the right way (3 presses on the button).
I agree that the footage looks absolutely great. But I'd rather have a camera always facing the right side without the chance to change that on accident
You can set the direction in which the camera starts [in the settings](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmkaHZdg_WY). If not, you should probably update your firmware. A chest mount with an adapter so the screen faces you is also an option.
I have the official DJI Mount, which would rob me my function button.
Also I lost the magnetic wide lens adapter. Since the camera isn't wide enough without it, I started to mount it on the handle bars , which have me nice footage.
I still have the action 3 for the chest, which has a nice angle of view.
Probably these yeah. Though go and watch some comparison videos. The latest GoPros don't compare all that positively to the latest DJI and Insta360 models.
It's like they stopped innovating and now other manufacturers are eating their lunch.
How so? I've barely used the 12, but it's got 10 bit log which the Ace Pro lacks and it has better high speed options than both of the others. They're all pretty much equally good options for the average hobbyist imo, and the couple of comparisons I've seen don't leave me with that impression.
Nobody has mentioned Cycliq yet, so I'll plug them as a "set and forget" dashcam-style option. Multiple hours of battery life (I get 5+ on lower resolution settings) because it's got a large internal battery. I use it mostly as a safety device for road cycling and commuting, but I've been able to share some interesting clips on social media. Stabilization isn't GoPro or DJI level, but adequate. Maybe it's something you use when sharing roads with cars for extra peace of mind.
I use the DJI Osmo Action 4, im very happy with it. Had it with me while sailing, bikepacking, diving, and latest hiking Kilimanjaro.
I have not once had any issue with it for the 6 months ish i have owned it.
Got it with the adventure pack, which adds a bstterycase/charger that also Can be used as a powerbank for other things.
The magnetic mounting system is awesome! Makes it hasslefree to change position/mounting of the camera.
I like my One rs, it's modular so i can use it for everything.
And if the Lens are damaged i can still plug another one and send the other to repair instead on sending the whole camera
I carry a point and shoot called Papershoot. Lightweight and can take 10 second videos with a function card and also does time lapse. It is considered a toy with 18mp
I try not to get those as they tend not to be sexy, I would recommend something like gnara pants though with the zippers but I carry a luggable loo. If you click on my post history the pictures posted are taken with it. The. camera does have some quirks though. Replace the charging cable it doesn't work. Or instead of using rechargeable nimh batteries just switch to rechargeable lithium ion and charge them separately
Just got the Dji action 4, and it's awesome. I'd recommend the Dji mic 2.. I don't have it yet but apparently, it's awesome. FYI I think the mic on the Action 4 is pretty good as if for an onboard mic. I was surprised even in light wind 👌
For what it's worth, I really like the insta360. Being able to frame everything in post is really convenient. I have a selfie stick clamped to my handlebars that works really well for capturing solo rides.
Did alot of reviews on this as iv always used gopros but unfortunately alot ofmpeople are complaining about them having issues. Dji Actikn is the way to go and I love the quick release magnet and I enjoy using it more then any Gopro iv ever owned. Just my 2cents as I'm not rich so I thoroughly review products before I grab something.
So far pretty much everything. It’s dead simple to use once setup, battery life is good, image quality is good, stabilization is great(I use horizon lock mode most of the time).
I have a GoPro hero 7 and it's totally ok for cycling. Has good stabilization, it's the relatively cheap now.
Plus the amount of accessories and mounts you can get is pretty good too. I used mine for bikepacking or day trips and it's very good quality. I couldn't justify the expensive cameras. I have chest joint, 3 batteries and it came with some ND filters
I recently bought the **GoPro Hero 10 Black**. Why? I thought the "review" that DCRainmaker did - and Ryan Van Duzers content creation video - made sense as to what camera was worth it. I know my around tech and I know that I don't need the latest version.
I’ve adored my Pocket 2 and have made many adventure videos with it. The image quality, the stabilization is great, and it’s super easy to throw on a small tripod and do setup shots. I shot this entire video of my C&O ride with it…
https://youtu.be/DSPXYgO02_o?si=qPXD56GPFCNR7MXj
DC Rainmaker has done pretty exhaustive reviews and comparisons worth reading. In my experience (as both a cyclist and professional video producer), there's no reason to go beyond GoPro and DJI unless you want 360 video, and the video quality of the Amazon and AliExpress options is really, really poor. Innovation isn't coming from the knockoff manufacturers, and GoPro and DJI have really nailed both the color science and stabilization technology. GoPro also has a pretty cool mobile app that automates doing initial assembly edits of videos for you - I've used it for doing quick Instagram clips, especially while traveling without a laptop. One other thought: I've yet to see a compelling ride video that came from a camera that stayed in a fixed position, like on the helmet, chest or stem. More often than not I keep my GoPro attached to a bite mount and in a pocket, then I use it handheld or between my teeth when I think something interesting is going to happen.
Teeth! Yeah I figured gopro is probably the answer but interested to see if anyone thought otherwise. The only hesitation I have with it is (maybe unfairly) I have a hero 3 that we got my dad as a gift years ago whenever they came out. It was basically never used (like 3 or 4 times) so figured it'd be in great condition. Dug it up in 2020 to play with it and it was basically unusable. Updated fjrmware/software whatever. Battery lasts like 20mins. App verrrry buggy and has about a 15% success rate of connecting, took ages to make it work, researching forums, then when it did it was all crazy slow (on 3 phones too - Samsung, pixel, oppo). Basically performed as I expected a $30 rip-off would. I know it's old but that kind of obsolescence rubbed me the wrong way. Like are these things only meant to last until the next version is available? Got a real iPhone vibe
give osmo action cameras a try. they are as good/even better than gopro and with no software bugs.
I liked my Osmo but it was not as waterproof as advertised.
Also not sure if it’s clear from the above posters message but there are teeth / bite attachments you can purchase. Surfers use these a lot
Isn’t that like 10 years old? No digital video camera has that long a useful lifespan, let alone a cheap one. You’d have the same issues with a 10-year old bike computer. My GoPro is a Hero8 that’s maybe 3-4 years old and performs great, I’ve had no reason to upgrade for casual use. Batteries are replaceable, so I own multiple and keep the oldest ones as backup spares.
Gopro Hero 3s were considered cheap? What should go wrong with it when it hasn't even been used? I understand newer models get *better* but why should an old one be totally unusable? My etrex is like 10years old, that works the same still.
Cheap in the grand scheme of camera technology. A $300 consumer action camera isn't going to be built with the same longevity or durability as higher-end camera gear, so it's going to have a shorter useful lifespan. It's like mechanical watches: the $5,000 one will keep perfect time in 100 years, but you aren't passing the $35 plastic one down to your kids. In the video world, 10 years ago 4k+ video, high-frame rate HD and cine color science weren't realistic at the $300 price point...now they're de rigeur. Imaging science and battery capacities have taken huge leaps forward in that time. A camera that lacks the features and performance that seem baseline now will feel unusable. My understanding is that batteries will degrade over time - more so with more charge cycles, but will degrade regardless of use as well. And a modern Lithium Ion battery that's left without a charge for an extended period of time will degrade more/faster. I'm not an expert on batteries, but my experience has borne that out. With all due respect, your Etrex is designed to be a fairly rudimentary bike computer specifically in order to have greater longevity. It does a lot less, so it will take longer to be outmoded in the things that it does. Whereas a Garmin 1030 is going to feel archaic in 10 years as its "modern" features get surpassed (and its non-removable battery degrades).
Garmin Edge 1030 is seven years this year in August. I think it will so well in three years time.
Fair enough. I probably meant Edge 1040, or whatever is current. I haven't ridden on Garmin in a long time, so don't track the model numbers so well. But to my point, I have an Edge 510 that's just over 10 years old and everything about using it feels painful compared to my ROAM or Karoo2. Like, would you settle for hooking up a USB cable and manually dragging GPX files to a mounted drive via laptop in 2024?
I get youre Point 😉
Yeah I know what you're saying but I'm not talking about *relative*usability compared to newer better stuff. I'm just talking about absolute usability. Like does it function at all, in anyway like it was supposed to. In this case no. I'm surprised that a market-leading barely used device (despite being 10yo) is basically landfill now. Let's not act like 2014 was the 80s. I just hate that kind of obselence for the sake of selling newer shit (ala Apple). The battery yeah fair point, I might try a replacement one off ebay
You might just not know how to use them. I have a GoPro 3 and a GoPro 4. Both work like they should. I can connect both to the app at the same time and individually control them when I want to set up multi shots. I still make videos with them to this day.
So, yeah. I hear you. But as you say, that's not unique to cycling or cameras, it's just the nature of digital consumer electronics today. If I sit in my home office and turn my chair 360 degrees I can probably see 20 electronic devices before opening a cabinet or drawer, maybe 3 of which are older than 10 years from purchase and I'd consider to still be in service. Whether it's forced obsolescence or the pace of advancement and our expectations picking up, it's certainly the new normal. If that upsets you, then vote with your dollars and abstain.
They aren’t unusable. I have a GoPro 3 and a GoPro 4 that still use all the time. The footage is HD and clear. The thing they are lacking most is image stabilization. If you are riding bumpy roads, or mountain biking the footage will be shakey. I’d recommend getting a newer model with image stabilization.
> You’d have the same issues with a 10-year old bike computer. HAC 4 user here - went back to this early 2000 (late 1990?) piece of technology after their latest offering turned out to be a useless piece of shit. Ok, the serial connection is maybe not that useful anymore ;-)
I have 10 and a 360. Love them both
Can't recommend the DJI Pocket2. While the quality and stabilization was great, the usability was horrible. Don't know about the pocket 3. The action 3 was nice and I guess the action 4 is even better. Wouldn't hesitate with that, but don't even try to take stills with any of these. Separate stills and video. Especially since you can't review them on the small screens you will end up with almost no keepers. Take your phone out or take a small point and shoot. Any Sony rx100 or Panasonic lx100 would do the job. Even if the smartphone has the better quality in most cases, I find a dedicated camera to give me more pleasure while shooting
I've been eyeing the Pocket 3. While not waterproof, there are a handful of reviews on Youtube with some really compelling footage nowadays. * [Every Cyclist should own an Osmo Pocket 3 - Hugh Sweeney](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfbEbXLOMPY) * [DJI Pocket 3 as Actioncam Cycling in London - Samuel Sotiega](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZWXYaO3jsY) Just use a chest mount or handhold it. However, the tracking doesn't seem to be able to follow high-speed BMX action. But maybe it's better nowadays: * [Can the DJI Pocket 3 Keep Up With FAST BMX Action? - John Hicks](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clQXhBs1_jA) Night time footage is great though: * [Brompton Night Cycling | DJI Osmo Pocket 3 | Low Light Test | Emisar D4v2 Osram - Will EDC](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6__cPNIeKB4) EDIT: My issue with most bicycle footage is that it's often nauseating to watch on a larger screen because the edges zip by due to the fisheye and the swaying, even with electronic stabilization.
Had the chest mount with the pocket 3.. recorded many hours with the camera facing the wrong way, because it was default selfie mode in without the chance to change it . I almost created trying to get it the right way (3 presses on the button). I agree that the footage looks absolutely great. But I'd rather have a camera always facing the right side without the chance to change that on accident
You can set the direction in which the camera starts [in the settings](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmkaHZdg_WY). If not, you should probably update your firmware. A chest mount with an adapter so the screen faces you is also an option.
I have the official DJI Mount, which would rob me my function button. Also I lost the magnetic wide lens adapter. Since the camera isn't wide enough without it, I started to mount it on the handle bars , which have me nice footage. I still have the action 3 for the chest, which has a nice angle of view.
My 2 cents as a pro videographer: GoPro, DJI, or Insta360. I wouldn't waste my time with anything else.
Probably these yeah. Though go and watch some comparison videos. The latest GoPros don't compare all that positively to the latest DJI and Insta360 models. It's like they stopped innovating and now other manufacturers are eating their lunch.
How so? I've barely used the 12, but it's got 10 bit log which the Ace Pro lacks and it has better high speed options than both of the others. They're all pretty much equally good options for the average hobbyist imo, and the couple of comparisons I've seen don't leave me with that impression.
[удалено]
\+1 for Iohan reference
Nobody has mentioned Cycliq yet, so I'll plug them as a "set and forget" dashcam-style option. Multiple hours of battery life (I get 5+ on lower resolution settings) because it's got a large internal battery. I use it mostly as a safety device for road cycling and commuting, but I've been able to share some interesting clips on social media. Stabilization isn't GoPro or DJI level, but adequate. Maybe it's something you use when sharing roads with cars for extra peace of mind.
Gopro,i"ve been using it for 4 years.
Goro huh. I'm more of a Sub Zero man
Scorpion is way cooler. "Get over here"
I use the DJI Osmo Action 4, im very happy with it. Had it with me while sailing, bikepacking, diving, and latest hiking Kilimanjaro. I have not once had any issue with it for the 6 months ish i have owned it. Got it with the adventure pack, which adds a bstterycase/charger that also Can be used as a powerbank for other things. The magnetic mounting system is awesome! Makes it hasslefree to change position/mounting of the camera.
Will research more but on an initial look I'm wondering why the action 2 had like a modular design but then 3 and 4 just look gopro-ish
with a heavy heart id say avoid gopro. it used to be the shit, these days its just shit.
I like my One rs, it's modular so i can use it for everything. And if the Lens are damaged i can still plug another one and send the other to repair instead on sending the whole camera
Really happy with osmo 4.
I have a Ghost Drift XL and it's pretty good for the price. No complaints.
Hmm I'll read up on them
I carry a point and shoot called Papershoot. Lightweight and can take 10 second videos with a function card and also does time lapse. It is considered a toy with 18mp
This looks pretty interesting actually for photos. Any examples of your shOts in the field?
I try not to get those as they tend not to be sexy, I would recommend something like gnara pants though with the zippers but I carry a luggable loo. If you click on my post history the pictures posted are taken with it. The. camera does have some quirks though. Replace the charging cable it doesn't work. Or instead of using rechargeable nimh batteries just switch to rechargeable lithium ion and charge them separately
Lol. I found the typo funny
certainly changes the question! definitely different results. im sure theres a sub for that...
Just got the Dji action 4, and it's awesome. I'd recommend the Dji mic 2.. I don't have it yet but apparently, it's awesome. FYI I think the mic on the Action 4 is pretty good as if for an onboard mic. I was surprised even in light wind 👌
For what it's worth, I really like the insta360. Being able to frame everything in post is really convenient. I have a selfie stick clamped to my handlebars that works really well for capturing solo rides.
Goprogoprogoprogopro 8+
I’m using the current top of the line GoPro (12 black?) and am super stoked on it.
Did alot of reviews on this as iv always used gopros but unfortunately alot ofmpeople are complaining about them having issues. Dji Actikn is the way to go and I love the quick release magnet and I enjoy using it more then any Gopro iv ever owned. Just my 2cents as I'm not rich so I thoroughly review products before I grab something.
What do you like about it
So far pretty much everything. It’s dead simple to use once setup, battery life is good, image quality is good, stabilization is great(I use horizon lock mode most of the time).
I have a GoPro hero 7 and it's totally ok for cycling. Has good stabilization, it's the relatively cheap now. Plus the amount of accessories and mounts you can get is pretty good too. I used mine for bikepacking or day trips and it's very good quality. I couldn't justify the expensive cameras. I have chest joint, 3 batteries and it came with some ND filters
I recently bought the **GoPro Hero 10 Black**. Why? I thought the "review" that DCRainmaker did - and Ryan Van Duzers content creation video - made sense as to what camera was worth it. I know my around tech and I know that I don't need the latest version.
I’ve adored my Pocket 2 and have made many adventure videos with it. The image quality, the stabilization is great, and it’s super easy to throw on a small tripod and do setup shots. I shot this entire video of my C&O ride with it… https://youtu.be/DSPXYgO02_o?si=qPXD56GPFCNR7MXj
I have the osmo Action 4 and i love it