The GoPro Hero is everything you need in a casual outdoor video camera. It's the video equivalent of the common pocket digital point-and-shoot, and even better, it has all the fixins' you need to attach it almost anywhere. It's not fancy, so there isn't an endless list of modes and options you have to choose. Basically, you charge it up, turn it on, and start filming.
Since I bought it to film on the ski slopes, I chose the "helmet" version that comes with a variety of helmet mounts. It took me no more than 10 minutes to set up. The mount fit my helmet almost perfectly and is still solidly attached despite my friends' repeated attempts to knock the whole thing off with the bar on the lift chair. The battery charged in about 5 hours using USB power from a computer. You can buy a dedicated USB charger for it for about $25.
The first filming results are great. The picture is clear and well-focused. Even though I was using the waterproof door, I could easily hear sounds close to me. The housing didn't leak at all, and it easily resisted the normal bangs and bumps one gets while skiing.
You may have noticed that this camera doesn't come with a SD card. This is a minor downside, but keep in mind that this is the case with nearly all cameras these days. It's actually a plus; you don't get stuck with the manufacturer's choice of SD card. You can buy SD cards in sizes ranging from 2 GB to 32 GB, so you can choose how much space you need and how much you want to pay. It's still cheaper than having to buy film! I bought a top-of-the-line Kingston SD card from Amazon for about $65, which probably gives me more video time than the battery will last!
This video camera is an excellent choice for skiing, surfing, mountain biking, and similar sports. Remember that it is *not* (and I emphasize this) for snorkeling or scuba diving. The manufacturer doesn't claim that it is, but don't be fooled into thinking that the waterproof housing means you can take it to the bottom of your pool. I'm an underwater photographer, so I can tell you with assurance that this camera won't hold up to depths of more than about 5 feet. You can spray it with a garden hose or bury it in a foot of snow but that's about it.
Also, you should invest in some silica gel packs. You can buy them directly from GoPro, and maybe from other places. They make thin ones that will fit into the waterproof case. They prevent excess moisture from building up inside the housing. Underwater photographers use them all the time. Getting drops of water into the housing is inevitable unless you're in the desert (in which case you get grains of sand), and silica gel will slurp them up quick. This protects both the electronics and the camera case itself.
For the money, this is a wonderful toy. It really captures the excitement and experience of skiing. Open up your creative side, too! Start filming your friends and coming up with funny stuff to post to YouTube!
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