GoPro Hero4 Session and Accessories

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Over the last couple of years, I've been fortunate enough to see some of the most amazing parts of the world.  Ranging from Nicaragua, Hawaii, San Fransisco, Florida and Indiana (well, maybe not Indiana).  Just about everywhere I go, I grab my GoPro Hero Session 4.  I also added a couple accessories to make filming a little easier. 

The Camera, GoPro Hero4 Session

GoPro Hero4 Session

I've liked this camera since the day I got it.  I love how durable it is, and the size is amazing!  The camera, by itself, is waterproof up to 33', making it great for beach shots and pool shots.  I had to buy a couple accessories in order to dive with it, I'll discuss those later.  The camera takes a MicroSD card, and off you go.  One thing I like about the camera too, is that you can preview what you're filming and you can see what you've already filmed, without the need to connect the camera to a computer.  This is all done through the Capture App.  

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The camera also came with a handful of accessories to make it more versatile.  A base that would allow it to stick to a car window, and adhesive base to attach it to a helmet, and a head harness that would allow someone to wear it on their head.  I've had great luck filming with it.  From the heights of Mauna Kea in Hawaii, to the ocean floor in the Bahamas, it's been great.  Check out some of the videos I created with the camera and included software.  

Accessories

So I started off with a few included accessories that helped out.  Knowing I wanted to dive with it, and to a depth of 60-70 feet, I knew I had to do something to make it function at that depth.  The FitStill 45m Waterproof Housing was the answer.  

This clear housing for the camera allows to go to a depth of over 130 feet, and I certainly didn't plan on going that deep.  This case also protects the camera lens itself, which is needed when working with scuba equipment and bouncing around in the waves.  Next up, was the floating handle I bought.  This has been great too.  In the pool it's nice to let go of the camera and know it won't go to the bottom or get lost.  The orange color stands out, and the strap makes it easy to hang onto.   

Software

The camera came with three software pieces.  The first is the Capture software already discussed.  This is nice, allows some editing, and is great for mobile use.  

GoPro Quik is the first step in importing the videos from the camera to a computer.  This allows bulk editing and the creation of cool short videos that are automatically edited based on a song you select and highlights from longer videos.  I've loved the results from some of the videos it has helped me create.  

GoPro Studio is a full scale video editing program.  You can slow videos down, speed them up, add titles, music, and all the other bells and whistles.  I've only started to scratch the surface with GoPro Studio.  As I was messing around with a video, I did run into a glitch, which made me lose my progress.  This made me look towards iMovie on my Macbook, which may be better when it comes to producing the videos I want.  

Recommendation

If you are looking for a fun little camera, that's rugged, waterproof and with plenty of options, this is it.  If you are looking for great software pieces, check out Capture and Quik, but maybe look into other programs for full scale video editing, GoPro Studio may not be best.