Does the GOPRO app work well?
 

Looking at getting a gopro for my son (yep, that's it...for him!) and they just released a version of the base model that includes wifi/Bluetooth for $199. This gives app interaction.

For those that use these things with the app...is it worth it? Does it work smoothly?

Thanks,

It works great once you figure it out. Much better interface than what's on the camera. The biggest problem I had was figuring out how to actually connect to it.

I have a Hero3+, which has WiFi but not Bluetooth. The app 'is "OK"; it's great for validating camera settings and framing your shots, but the wifi sucks the battery and physically heats up the camera. Don't waste your money on the WiFi remote, which has less functionality and costs a lot more than the app.

As an aside, there's a bunch of GoPro video's on youtube of the Syrian war. These cameras are affixed to tanks. That has to be some sort of endorsement...

an aside: you have to factor in the cost of a proper sd card.

SD cards are stupid cheap these days.... ;)


I usually use the app to get the camera aimed like I want it, then turn the wifi off on it. If you leave it on it really kills the battery.

I got a 64Gb card for ~$40

well that's what I was thinking. played with a gopro my cousin had and it's like you set it up on faith and hope it's doing what you want (older non wifi, non screen model).

80 bucks in Canada. Canadian pesos.

My GoPro experience:

I have a Hero 3 "black edition" (because I'm racially sensitive)
I've only used it maybe 8 times since I purchased it new, and it is now a brick.

https://gopro.com/support/articles/getting-started-with-gopro-app
When I bought the camera, I downloaded the android app. This is really a great idea because the camera does not have a viewfinder. With the app, I can see what the camera sees, allowing me to position it for best picture. The app also allows me to start and stop the video remotely, so I don't have to be at the camera. And the app lets me change format, mode, etc.

There are other features, but those were the ones I made use of.

I never had any trouble getting the camera and phone to communicate, but sometimes the video feed would not show up on the phone; that is, I could not see what the camera was seeing. This could be frustrating.

The most frustrating thing is that the camera recently "froze up". I used the tips for resetting it, and it worked. Once. Then about a week ago it froze again. None of the tips worked. It is just an expensive plastic brick now.


https://gopro.com/support/articles/camera-freezes-up
"If your camera is freezing up, that usually means that you need to update the camera's software or there are some issues with the SD card."

I take issue with this. First, if the camera worked on Sunday, then it should work on Tuesday. The camera does not magically decide it needs a software update. Second, I use the SD cards sold on the GoPro website. Third, if the camera will not even power on, then how the **** do you apply that software update?

Chances are, I'm going to replace my POS GoPro with an Amkov AMK5000.
It's a lot cheaper. And if it breaks, I can buy 4 more for what I spent on a single GoPro.

I have a 3+ black and interface it with iPhones and iPads. I have to say that that camera is probably my top most satisfying gadget purchase of all time. I'm not a techie but I'm not out of touch either. I've found everything about that thing to be very easy and it has never let me down. I'm not saying there aren't other products even better or cheaper...I just don't have thing one to complain about.

I trust it so much I chose it as the only camera to take on a family hike and camp to the bottom of Grand Canyon.