I, the Electronic Communications intern for Edmon Low Library Communication Services, recently took it upon myself to follow our own advice and rent something from the Tech to Go desk. I rented a GoPro Hero4, which came in a protective case that also held a remote, a tripod, several cases, two batteries, a charger and numerous screws to attach the camera to a selfie stick. I was surprised by the amount of items I got and astonished they trusted me with it all. After all, I walked away with an armful of technology in exchange for my student ID information.
I chose the GoPro because I wasn’t aware the Edmon Low Library offered them until I became a member of the faculty; similarly, any student I asked also had no idea they were available. The GoPro has gained widespread popularity in recent years for its ability to capture images that larger digital cameras and smartphones simply cannot capture as well. GoPros have also become known for their versatility and adaptability in filming action shots.
The GoPro can film narrow, medium or wide shots, giving you the option of exactly how much you want to capture in a photo. You can see in this photo inside Edmon Low Library that the bookshelves look warped; that photo was taken on the medium setting. By switching the view, you can alter how the images look to fit what you are wanting.
The famous GoPro look is a fish-eye shot, which shows a wide landscape in a panoramic view. This product isn’t ideal for family pictures, but it gives images a neat, angular aspect that would normally require a special lens for an average digital camera.
On our journey through Edmon Low Library, we primarily used a selfie stick attachment to capture footage. Unfortunately, the remote control was inactive, but that was but a minor setback. GoPro has its own smartphone application that acts as a remote, library and settings hub. When the camera is on, you are able to see exactly what the camera is capturing on your phone, which is incredibly useful if you don’t have a GoPro screen. You can use the app to take your photos then view and edit them once they are in the library. It is also an alternative to using the buttons on the actual camera.
The GoPro camera itself has three main buttons. The top button is the shutter used to capture pictures and begin regular or time lapse videos; it also works to activate wifi. The button on the front is the on/off feature, and a smaller button on the side is for changing settings, such as wifi connectivity and view preference. One thing I had an issue with was the default shot setting, which placed the camera in video mode when turned on, so I often started videos when I meant to take one shot.
The only other problem I had during my three day ownership was the quality of the photos. It may have been due to the protective casing, but the majority of my photos came out a little blurry. I look forward to renting a GoPro again soon to determine whether it was user error or equipment malfunction.
Overall, I was thoroughly impressed with the easy operation and unique photos. I would highly recommend a GoPro to anyone who wants to document any type of outing or event without hauling around a bulky (and potentially vulnerable) DSLR camera. With its various cases and attachments, GoPros go beyond normal cameras and provide unbeatable footage, whether that be strolling around a library or hiking through a rainforest.
It may take some practice to get your best shot with a GoPro, but it is much easier to master than a typical DSLR. After the initial process of discovering its uses, I found the GoPro to be a simple and useful gadget, and I hope you will too. When you are planning your next adventure, put the GoPro Hero4 at the top of your packing list, and don’t forget to check it out from the Tech to Go desk in Edmon Low Creative Studios. Watch this step-by-step tutorial for more detailed instructions on how to operate a GoPro.
Do you have any neat GoPro ideas or stories you’d like to share? Comment below!
