Quote: (04-07-2014 07:09 PM)Sweet Pea Wrote:
I need a quality camera to record regular hd videos for my travels, but I don't need cinema quality. I do need, however, a camera that has a decent battery life and water/shock/dust resistance. I've been researching the GoPro and it seems that the newest incarnation is great, save for the fact that beyond 4 feet, the picture quality is actually worse than previous models due to a different lense being used. I saw someone mentioned the ion air pro 3 as an alternative.
This camera will be used for tubing, mountain climbing, cycling, running, snorkeling and SCUBA diving, etc. I'd love to hear some feedback from you guys since I've never purchased a camera or camcorder before.
Oh, and my price range is probably up to $400.
My sisters husband was just looking for the exact same thing as you and was leaning towards GoPro. GoPros are cool don't get me worng and they are a good camera but in my mind GoPro is kinda like the iphone, its not the best product, it's high priced but its got the name recognition. Also my sisters husband liked GoPro's editing software but I was telling him there's a million softwares out there don't buy the camera just for the software.
I'm a huge fan of the iOn Air Pro. I like that it's automatically waterproof and protected, no need for an additional shell like the GoPro which a. costs more money and b. is essentially an extra lens to look through so not as clear video. I also don't like how GoPro has the digital screen, when out in the sun you cant see it, it gets a glare and is also dim, small, and hard to see. I like the simplicity of the buttons on the iOn Air Pro as well. read a Review
I'd also suggest you watch some youtube vids of side by side reviews or comparisons. All cameras have their pros and cons. Some are better in low light than others, some are better with sun shining into the lens, some have better image stabilization. Where as GoPro may be better low light ion air pro has a clearer picture sometimes and better image stabilization. I like watching the side by side videos as it really illustrates which is better in different conditions.