NYFalls.com Talk

I just bought a gopro for a huge project I'm working on. I got the Gopro Hero 3+ Black (think they need more names to add on to their models. AmIright?)
I know NOTHING about gopros. Apparently they don't even have live-view LCDs... Which is odd for that price.

So.. what is the essential gear I need? What do you use it for (I'm look for ideas until i get my project rolling)?

I'm curious too. They looked interesting to me. But I couldn't really justify one since I don't really know what I would use it for.

I was thinking I would strap it to my head and record when i walk trails, post up captures of points for trail guides.

You could always get one of those helicopters we had talked about.

I had looked at these, and saw some footage, but could never imagine using one. They seem to be best used by daredevils jumping off cliffs or surfing 30 foot waves. Anything I would use it for would be pretty boring. Strapping one to your head and hiking a trail might be cool, but how would you keep it steady? Wouldn't it just be a continuous bouncing image?

Ok... here's the secret. I just designed, on paper, a custom Phantom drone build, for which I picked up my gopro. I'm probably going to buy it in the spring, out of pocket, and use it for NYFalls videos (please please buy things through the amazon links ). It would also be a great way to explore (how about the upper part of Havana Glen?).
I will have the gopro mounted on a gimbal, so video is smooth, and i hope to have some time of first-person-view feed going from the drone to the radio controller, so I can see what the drone sees.
My issue is that the autopilot system, which keeps the drone flying straight and allows it to return home if it loses signal or gets low on battery, runs on GPS. In places like Watkins Glen and other deep trenches, it's tough to get and maintain a GPS signal. I'm going to be a very experienced pilot and perhaps risk losing my drone if i take it into places like that.
I think my first project is flying it over and around letchworth.

What kind of video can this rig capture?

Here are some examples from people that built similar rigs, all shot on the gopro3 hero

[BBvideo 700,419]https://vimeo.com/83001237[/BBvideo]

[BBvideo 700,419]https://vimeo.com/83187924[/BBvideo]

[BBvideo 700,419]https://vimeo.com/83186544[/BBvideo]

This one is a bit over-proccessed but cool
[BBvideo 700,419]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWedSayZ64A[/BBvideo]

It would also be a great way to explore (how about the upper part of Havana Glen?).

That's cool, congrats! I was thinking what if you add a balloon to the rig. Something to take some load off of the motors to extend the life of the flight. Be careful of the up drafts and crazy air currents from the large falls and gorges.