Just a follow up on What Camera Systems do you have?

I am a new GoPro HD user and have only recorded two videos. The first one was recorded on a dreary, rainy, overcast day, and it was ruined by moisture inside the camera housing and lens. The second video was recorded this past Sunday, on a bright sunny early morning, ruined by sun flare.

What settings ( whatever video camera you use ) works best for you?

Realizing that some of us remember information visually rather than in words, please include your camera settings and a video or link to the settings that work best for you. Sharing what works for you will help us newbies to sport cameras on a bike.

First video:

Recorded on a dreary, rainy, overcast day. (lots of humidity inside the camera housing and lens)
GoPro HD settings: (r2 - 720p @ 30fps)
GoPro HD accessories: (Chest Mount Harness, Handlebar and Tripod Mount)
Flash Memory Card - SanDisk Ultra - 16 GB - Class 6 - SDHC
Video Editing Program: CyberLink PowerDirector 8

Second video:

Recorded on a bright sunny early morning.( ruined by sun flare ).
GoPro HD settings: (r4 - 960p @ 30fps)
GoPro HD accessories: (Suction Cup and Handlebar Mount)
Flash Memory Card - SanDisk Ultra - 16 GB - Class 6 - SDHC
Video Editing Program: CyberLink PowerDirector 8

Third video:

Recorded on a slightly overcast day.
GoPro HD settings: (r5 - 1080p @ 30fps)
GoPro HD accessories: (Suction Cup and Handlebar Mount)
Flash Memory Card - SanDisk Ultra - 16 GB - Class 6 - SDHC
Video Editing Program: CyberLink PowerDirector 8

Fourth video:

Recorded on a bright sunny day.
GoPro HD settings: (r4 - 960p @ 30fps)
GoPro HD accessories: (Suction Cup)
Flash Memory Card - SanDisk Ultra - 16 GB - Class 6 - SDHC
Video Editing Program: CyberLink PowerDirector 8

NINJA ZX-14 MotoVlog

* Last updated by: KoflaOlivieri on 5/22/2012 @ 8:38 PM *

"14Rocketman1"...youtube...Gopro Hero 2 HD...set in 'std definition' mode....not HD.Tank mount with suction cup/brace dowel.

1 vid....Lower chin mount(improvised on chin of helmet) filming in "UPd" mode...'std def'.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 5/1/2012 @ 3:43 PM *

"14Rocketman1"...youtube...Gopro Hero 2 HD...set in 'std definition' mode....not HD.Tank mount with suction cup/brace dowel.

"14Rocketman1"....1 vid....Lower chin mount(improvised on chin of helmet) filming in "UPd" mode...'std def'.

NINJA ZX-14 MotoVlog

* Last updated by: KoflaOlivieri on 5/1/2012 @ 5:22 PM *

1 vid....Lower chin mount(improvised on chin of helmet) filming in "UPd" mode...'std def'.

Grn14, you are racing your bike with snow on the ground? lol From the videos I've seen on YouTube, lower chin and top helmet mounts seems to be the most popular location among GoPro users. Thanks for sharing!

NINJA ZX-14 MotoVlog

* Last updated by: KoflaOlivieri on 5/1/2012 @ 5:32 PM *

Kolfa, the first video I had seen and I thought you were using some sort of editing special effect to get the softness. It actually is rather pleasant to look at and fits the video.

The second vid also looks like some sort of special effect like a star cross filter was used.

I think you are getting a lack of clarity from moisture. I have seen a similar softness to the extreme outer edges of my GoPro video. I thought it was just smudging on the case.

There is nothing you will be able to do to control this through settings. Did you see condensation on the waterproof box? Or, is it possible that you have some kind of condensation inside the camera lens? I would shoot a quick movie with the camera out of the waterproof box. If that turns out blurred, you may need to return the cam for service.

Try to put it in a container with some rice overnight, it may resolve your problem!

Kolfa, the first video I had seen and I thought you were using some sort of editing special effect to get the softness. Did you see condensation on the waterproof box? Or, is it possible that you have some kind of condensation inside the camera lens? I would shoot a quick movie with the camera out of the waterproof box. If that turns out blurred, you may need to return the cam for service.

Rook, I noticed a lot of condensation inside the camera housing after I finished recording the video, so yes, there was a lot of moisture on the first movie. For that reason last week I ordered a dessicant kit from GoPro. The only editing was to shorten/trim the movie clips, no filters used.

The second video was recorded very early in the morning, I am assuming the sun was hitting the camera lens directly. I would be recording a quick video sometime this week, hopefully that should solve this problem.

Try to put it in a container with some rice overnight, it may resolve your problem!

Dragking, I'll try your suggestion while I wait for a dessicant kit I ordered from GoPro. Thanks!

NINJA ZX-14 MotoVlog

* Last updated by: KoflaOlivieri on 5/2/2012 @ 7:50 AM *

When that camera is running...it gets kinda 'hot'....it MAY be the housing is NOT the right one for your application?IDK...the dessecant kit sounds good...however.....cold air and a 'hot' camera in a closed up space could create a condensation thing.MAYBE...you could drill a couple of TEENSY holes like in the back of the housing there?Allow that moisture out?Mine has never misted up...yet..and I've filmed at some pretty low temps.Just an idea for ya.

IDK what setup you actually have...batterywise.I have the 'bacpac' battery deal....it attaches to the back of the camera...which means...the housing is deeper as well.So the stock HD Hero 2 MAY have a different housing venting thing.Just the 'addition' of another battery may be vaporizing any moisture that could be building up in there IDK.She will get warm while filming.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 5/2/2012 @ 11:16 AM *

the stock HD Hero 2 MAY have a different housing venting thing.

I usually use the door with openings in the back unless I am going out in wet conditions. I've had the camera out a few hours at a time in the winter with the non vented door but never a condensation problem that was noticeable.

* Last updated by: Rook on 5/3/2012 @ 8:16 AM *

you could drill a couple of TEENSY holes like in the back of the housing there?Allow that moisture out?

Grn, I travel to the Caribbean once or twice a year and plan on using the camera for watersports.

I've had the camera out a few hours at a time in the winter with the non vented door but never a condensation problem that was noticeable.

Rook, I placed the camera in a ziplock bag with dessicant packs. I am going to try to record a quick run this weekend and see what happens.

NINJA ZX-14 MotoVlog

Your camera should not be developing moisture in that housing.What's making it do that?I've ridden in rain...heat...cold wet mornings...even icy conditions...mine has NEVER gotten a speck of moisture inside there.I don't see what's going on with yours..the only thing I can think of...where you're mounting yours.When it's wet outside and high moisture in the air.You can see mine is usually behind the screen....there's very little wind flowing right in there.Maybe you having yours 'out there' in the windflow in wet conditions is forcing moisture in there.IDK.Supposed to be waterproof..right?There are times like early in the morning...that while riding at certain speeds...water will condense on my bike at places...cause drips of water from the fairing,mirrors...but nothing that's a problem.I guess with a camera running,at the right mounting spot...it COULD get some moisture in there?

How about...take the camera out of the housing...now submerge the housing(with it shut natch)and see if you're having a sealing problem.Maybe?It sounds to me like something isn't quite sealing around something there.Are you using the waterproof door?That other door...it will allow air in there.That COULD be all that's going on....One says...'for OVER 100mph filming'...the other...'for LESS than 100mph filming'...meaning...sound quality porting.Moisture could get in there depending on which door you're using.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 5/4/2012 @ 10:11 AM *

Grn14, I joined a GoPro forum to see if others are experiencing the "condensation and lens flare issue". Here is a link,
GoPro User Free Forum

Fog problems when recording

Moisture causing fogging

Are you using the waterproof door?That other door...it will allow air in there.That COULD be all that's going on

I am not sure what back door I am using but I'll be reporting sometime later this weekend! Thanks!

NINJA ZX-14 MotoVlog

* Last updated by: KoflaOlivieri on 5/4/2012 @ 2:27 PM *

One says...'for OVER 100mph filming'...the other...'for LESS than 100mph filming'...meaning...sound quality porting.

Ya...IDK.I'm not sure WHICH one I have on there...probably the one for 'over' 100mph.Don't really even know if it's actually different...I guess so.They both look the same ??????I use the bacpac on mine for the extra battery...so....it's not 'stock' for the model I have.

The backpacs require a special door. It is waterproof so no sound holes. The over 100mph door is basically just a waterproof door. The non-waterproof (under 100 mph) door has a two vents across it that let sound in. I don't know why they bother to tack on the under/over 100mph designations. The sound isn't going to be good at any speed unless there are holes in the door to let sound in.

* Last updated by: Rook on 5/5/2012 @ 10:23 PM *

I don't have any sound holes in mine...it comes out pretty decent.

Just uploaded two more vids at my site.I think the sound is quite good...nothin but MOTOR baby!!!!!!!!

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 5/5/2012 @ 11:35 PM *

Sounds good but maybe the sound is a bit muffled compared to a door wit sound vents.

here's what I'm talking about. To tell ya the truth, I dn't rem,eber what the dif was using the over 100 mph door. I just remember I liked the sound of the under 100 mph door better for all speeds. Prolly just louder biut you can edit volume if you want.

* Last updated by: Rook on 5/6/2012 @ 1:33 PM *

I remember reading that the sound quality will always be best with the under 100 mph door, even when you go over 100 mph. I think the over 100 mph door is good for waterproof operation and that is about all.

I found the " vented back door" inside my GoPro box. The one I've been using is the "sealed" backdoor that comes standard with the camera.

I don't have any sound holes in mine...it comes out pretty decent. Just uploaded two more vids at my site.I think the sound is quite good...nothin but MOTOR baby!!!!!!!!

Lol, I think I'll be using music on my videos, so I am not too worried about the GoPro annoying wind sound on my recordings.

On today's quick test I used the (r5) setting. I'll be using (r4) more often because I don't like the narrower view.

Today we had yet another overcast day. The video looks a lot better though, maybe is because I used a GoPro dessicant kit I purchased from GoPro. I'll be posting today's video test run as soon as it finishes uploading to Youtube.

GoPro Anti Fog Inserts

NINJA ZX-14 MotoVlog

* Last updated by: KoflaOlivieri on 5/6/2012 @ 4:54 PM *

Btw, I need to come up with a way to remember my last gopro bracket angle setup.

NINJA ZX-14 MotoVlog

Until I got used to where I mounted mine(on my 07)...I had three teensy pieces of electrical tape in the shape of pointers at three equal distances around the outside of the suction cup where she went on.(on the tank there).That seemed to keep me lined up.Mostly by eye though.After ya use it a while...you kinda know what it's gonna be filming like ...IF you're using the same R setting that is!

I rarely moved the arms once she was set in a good regular videoing viewpoint.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 5/6/2012 @ 6:42 PM *

I rarely moved the arms once she was set in a good regular videoing viewpoint

That is exactly where my main problem is. I've used the "suction cup" and the "handlebar mount" extensions in different locations. Trying to remember the exact angle everytime I use them is becoming a major pain. lol

NINJA ZX-14 MotoVlog

* Last updated by: KoflaOlivieri on 5/7/2012 @ 10:40 AM *

Trying to remember the exact angle everytime I use them is becoming a major pain. lol

you need the LCD bacPAc, at least for setup. Then you know exactly what the camera is seeing.

you need the LCD bacPAc, at least for setup. Then you know exactly what the camera is seeing.

You are right. I need to stop reading the BacPac bad reviews and order one, lol

NINJA ZX-14 MotoVlog

The BacPac has only made using the GP easier. No problems. It even displays text indicating what the camera mode/function/etc is when you press the button(s). Much better than the smaller than a postage stamp LCD digital display on the front. I don't know what half of those abreviations even mean, LOL. You can even use the LCD as a play back viewer. This is a vital part of the cam IMHO.

You will prolly need to update firmware but that is easy online and then the LCD will be your best friend. Worst thing I can say is that it sucks battery juice but if you want to leave it attached, you can shut it off and still roll film.

Worst thing I can say is that it sucks battery juice but if you want to leave it attached, you can shut it off and still roll film.

When I bought my camera I also purchased two extra batteries, just to be safe.

This video was recorded using (the r5 setting). From now on I'll be using (r4), in my opinion it gives a better wider view of the action.

NINJA ZX-14 MotoVlog