Apart from being some of the most reliable, versatile and rugged action cameras, GoPros provide you endless possibilities of things you can do with them. If you want to create a vlog to share some tips or to document your own personal experiences or travels, GoPro is the camera you must choose! Many YouTubers prefer GoPros to create vlogs and other videos for their channels. So the question is: Is using a GoPro for vlogging a good idea?
We’ll find it out in this article.
Why GoPros Can Be Great for Vlogging
With wide angle feature, the nearly endless number of GoPro accessories to enhance footage quality and the possibility of underwater filming, GoPros provide a truly amazing vlogging experience.
Here are some of the major reasons why we recommend that you use a GoPro for vlogging:
Low Profile Camera
Since a GoPro camera is quite compact, you can use it in public for vlogging without drawing a whole lot of attention to you. Otherwise, attracting unwanted attention is inevitable if you carry a big DSLR camera for shooting your vlogs.
Great Video Quality (4k)
Despite being so compact, portable and relatively inexpensive, a GoPro supports superb 4K resolution videos. This is, in fact, one of the most impressive aspects of these action cams… as well as their impressive electronic stabilization feature, which will help you always get stable footage even when walking or moving very fast.
Start Filming with a Single Press
With QuikCapture, it’s extremely convenient to start shooting your vlog even if your camera is off. You just need a single press of the rec button to turn the camera on and immediately begin capturing your video. By pressing the button again, the camera will stop recording and powers off the camera.
Plenty of GoPro Mounts for Vloggers
GoPro Mounts and accessories are your best friend as a vlogger because they can help stabilize the camera and ensure that your video looks appealing to the audience. For example, you can create awesome travel or extreme sports vlogs with your GoPro mounted to your helmet, mountain bike or even your surfboard.
GoPro For Vlogging: Drawbacks
Although GoPros are great vlogging cams, they do have a few disadvantages that I experienced and I’d like to share. However, some of these drawbacks can be eliminated by using extra accessories (as mentioned below).
Mediocre Audio Quality
GoPro’s internal mics aren’t ideal for recording your voice if you want to record interviews with clean audio or share something important. If you plan to vlog with your GoPro, you might not get the quality you need from these internal mics. So, you should consider an external GoPro microphone, as this would make a huge difference in the audio quality of your vlogs.
Here are the two GoPro external mics that I recommend:
While the former (Vlog Setup by VIJIM) has everything required for a great audio quality of your vlogs, you need to get a GoPro Case with a cold shoe and a mic adapter for the latter (Rode Microphone).
Battery Life (Can Be Improved)
You don’t want to be left high and dry if the battery of your camera goes out while you’re in the midst of your vlog. Since a GoPro’s battery life isn’t all that amazing, there is a possibility of such a thing happening. But there IS a solution, thankfully! By simply adjusting your camera settings and keeping the batteries warm, you can extend the recording time by up to an hour.
👉 Have a look at this article for a detailed description regarding how to do it.
Flip Screen Only on GoPro HERO 8
For vlogging, most people look for a camera with a flip screen, because it’s much easier to control your image when you have a flip screen. It makes you aware of how you look or whether you’re in frame or not.
Sadly, only GoPro HERO 8 has a flip screen (GoPro designed this model keeping in mind the vlogging aspect). None of the other GoPro models have it. However, there is a solution if the GoPro that you own doesn’t have such a provision. You can “fake” a flip screen on HERO 4/5/6/7 with this accessory (it’s a mirror, basically):
What’s the Best GoPro for Vlogging?
All GoPros are good for vlogging if you know how to overcome the shortcomings of your model. I have given a few solutions above. But, if you ask me which one is the BEST GoPro for vlogging, then I would say: HERO 8 and Max. Why? Here are the reasons:
#1: GoPro HERO 8
From its compact, waterproof design to its incredible image stabilization and excellent video quality, GoPro HERO 8 is one of the best cameras you can have for creating your YouTube vlogs. This camera specifically targets vloggers with a new range of vlogger friendly hardware add-ons, which are:
- A shotgun microphone for improved audio.
- A small light to use in low light situations.
- A flip-up screen for self-shooting.
Although these accessories are optional, you must buy them for a hassle-free vlogging experience!
#2: GoPro Max
Max 360 is a three-in-one camera with a display perfect for vlogging! It’s equipped with:
- Two 180 degree lenses for amazing wide-angle footage.
- A ‘shotgun’ quality microphone providing great audio experience.
- A screen for vlogging.
In addition to all this, you also get horizon leveling. This feature keeps the horizon levelled and upright, no matter what orientation the camera is! This also allows for stabilized and perfectly aligned shots with very little setup needed.
4 GoPro Accessories for Better Vlogging
No matter which GoPro you use, here are the four GoPro accessories that will ensure a better vlogging experience:
#1: GoPro Vlogging Kit
This GoPro Vlogging Kit by Telesin provides a simple vlogging setup for GoPro HERO 7, 6 & 5 users. It includes:
- A Protective Housing Frame Case with Cold Shoe Mount
- An LED Video Light
- A Saramonic mini mic
- TELESIN Simple vlogging setup for GoPro Hero 7/6/5 users----TELESIN vlog housing case...
- Applied occasion---with this setup, you can vlog on the street or in outdoor, you can...
- Battery Free Mic---Easy to use, no battery is needed, you can plug directly to your...
What we like: This is a great kit that enables you to vlog outdoors or do a live YouTube broadcast. The battery-free mic can be plugged directly to your gear and is highly convenient to use. The lightweight and portable GoPro housing case is ideal for vlogging, video shooting, live stream and filmmaking. The LED light is also a great addition. It’s equipped with 4 color filters, which means that you can set it up in different environments using different color filters.
What we don’t like: There isn’t any significant drawback of this highly useful product for vlogging.
#2: Microphone
An external microphone is a great addition to ensure better audio quality of your vlog. To have detailed info regarding different types of microphones for your GoPro, visit this article.
Here are some great microphones in the market that we recommend:
- Lavalier (attach it on shirt):
- Directional (attach it on GoPro):
- GoPro Mic Adapter:
#3: Gorillapod / Selfie Stick
Selfie sticks and gorillapods are great if you want to capture your own footage for the vlog. Have a look at this article for in-depth information regarding some of the best selfie sticks in the market for your GoPro.
Here’s the Gorillapod for your GoPro that we recommend:
#4: Flash light
If you own a HERO 8, this GoPro official accessory: GoPro Light Mod is a must have if you frequently vlog in low light situations.
What we like: This compact LED flash light is tough and waterproof (down to 33ft/10m). You get four levels of brightness (up to 200 lumens) for crisp details in different lights. The built-in rechargeable battery provides an impressive 6 hours of runtime.
What we don’t like: There aren’t any significant drawbacks of this highly useful product if you want to shoot your vlog using your HERO 8 cam.
So, that’s how you can have a great experience using your GoPro (any model) to capture wonderful footage for that perfect and great-looking Youtube vlog of yours…
Do you already use GoPro for vlogging? Let me know in the comments below, and if you enjoyed this article, please share it with your friends 🙂
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