Second GoPro Hero 10 Black Gotcha - Camera Overheating

I've been using the GoPro Hero 10 Black for a bit now,  The last time I posted, I complained that there was no real preview option.  That issue still exists and is still annoying.  There have been more than a few times where I've discovered that my framing is off-center or is not capturing what I require.  I'm almost to the point where it's so annoying that I may replace this camera.

There's another annoying thing that's occurring.

I want to capture in 4K reslution at 60 FPS when I'm at the firearms range.  My range visits are usually an hour long but I don't shoot during that whole hour.  I only record when I'm shooting, and between shooting, I've to load mags or retrieve/replace the target.  I'm finding that the camera can never get through the session while being turned on.  At the last 10 minutes of the range session, I always find that the camera has shut down due to overheating.

This is highly annoying, as sometimes I don't even know that the camera is off...it doesn't audibly alert me (I can't see the camera, as it sits on my head, on a ball cap, using a hat mount).

Note that the range I frequent is an indoor range that is AC-cooled. Ambient temps are cool, to the point that I usually wear a jacket/hoodie.

The camera gets hot just by being on, it seems, then when it's recording, it gets hotter.  I've configured the camera to not have the camera screens on (I view the framing and control the camera using the Quik app on my phone).  Dialing back the resolution is a very LAME workaround, but that's what I think I'll have to do to prevent this from occurring.  :/

The lack of live previewing can be negated by just buying a 360 camera.  I'm sure most 360 cameras that aren't made by GoPro will not overheat.

This is depressing because I've invested (financially) in using this camera.  I suppose I can sell it and every GoPro accessory I own to attempt to recoup financially.  I also spent a lot of time in researching if this was the camera for me.

So, the hunt begins for yet another camera.  One thing I haven't done is use the Osmo Pocket 3 at the range, and I think it will perform fine, but I really think a good inexpensive 360 camera will work...I don't need to use the $600+ Pocket 3 to replace the Hero 10.

UPDATE (8/13/2024):  I should've shared that the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 also shuts down due to overheating. As with the GoPro, the OP3 overheats when recording in 4K (30 FPS), which is sad.  It's obvious that there are limitations with the higher resolutions.

The Pocket 3 Has Arrived!

I received the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 on Thursday (3/21).  Initial thoughts are below.

I was surprised at the small size of the box!  The camera is also smaller than I expected.

The camera's battery had a a 45% charge, so I got to immediately activate it, which was pretty easy - I hear it's easier to set up if you've an iPhone or iPad.

Now, since I'd not been able to purchase Amazon's insurance (the transaction borked but the transaction for the Pocket 3 went through), and the DJI activation process was asking me if I wanted to purchase DJI Care Refresh (which is a protection program), I bought 2 years of that, which is $55.  Now I don't have to worry about the camera being damaged.  Note that although the unit is covered by insurance, to replace the camera, the owenr would still need to pay $35.  As well, I get four replacement instances, if need be.

I was also worried about the battery eventually depleting, but that is covered by DJI Care Refresh, as well.

I bought a 30W charger a few days before I received the Pocket 3.  It works well and the Pocket 3 Fast-charged to 100% in like 25 minutes.  As much as this camera costs, you'd think they'd include a charger -- maybe they think that folks will already have chargers (30W isn't really commonplace for chargers, though).

The camera easily mounts on a tripod, as it includes a tripod extension that attaches to the bottom of the camera.  I've been using it with a desk tripod.

I recorded some test videos, using the camera as a standalone camera.  I also recorded test footage using it as a webcam (using Photo Booth and QuickTime).  I recorded 1080p footage and the results were astonishing.

I used the following video to get the camera's settings to a baseline state (for me):

I now have the camera configured to use 1440p/60fps as the default video resolution and speed.  I recorded some test footage and the result is absolutely astounding!  I was able to use face tracking and even used object tracking (I was presenting a firearm and had the camera track it while I handled it).  I later posted that footage to YouTube, after editing it with DaVinci Resolve and rendering it (it took a bit for me to determine how to render it in 1440p - I had to render it a second time before I had it correctly configured).

I also have installed LightCut (which is editing software that is published by a company that DJI is partnered with) on both my Macbook Air and my iPhone.  I will take a look at the MBA editor tomorrow to see if it'll be worthwhile in using.  I do not care to use it on my iPhone, though - I can't imagine editing videos using a smartphone.

The camera isn't waterproof and it's gimbal is probably easily damaged, so my next purchase is probably going to be a case (there's nothing I can do about it not being waterproof, though).

The next following purchase will probably be the Mic 2 transmitter, although the test footage seems to indicate that the mics on the camera are adequate (for me).  Or, maybe I should purchase the extra battery handle.  Maybe I'll just flip a coin to determine which to get.

I have a lane at the range reserved tomorrow.  For now, I'll keep using the GoPro but I might take the Pocket 3 and set it up on my left side on the range table, just to see what type of footage it'll capture.

I'll post updates on my experiences.

UPDATE (8/13/2024):

I've been using the OP3 to capture video footage for my YouTube channel and the captured footage is astounding in quality.  What's really cool is that I can set it on my desk and then lock the focus on a particular object - if the object moves (for example, a dog), the camera lens follows.  If I have something in my hands and I'm moving my hands around, the camera will follow.  Even when using it as a desk camera, capturing my face, if I lock my head as a focus and move my head, the camera will shift slightly to ensure my head is center-frame.

The camera feels fragile but that's why I have DJI Care.  I'm considering a 3rd party protective shell, as the gimbal sometimes moves when the OEM shell is mounted onto the camera.

The camera bag/case is too small, in my opinion.  I'm looking for a bigger case.

I have used it once while taking a scenic walk around my neighborhood and was shocked at the resulting  footage (was daylight with no clouds; in the spring).  That's the only time I've used it outdoors but I think I should use it more when outside.

Update on Vlogging Camera Purchase

I posted here about trying to decide on a good vlogging camera.

I went ahead and purchased the Pocket 3.  I bought the base kit, but I also purchased a 30W charger for this camera, as well as 2 years of Asurion insurance.  

As I begin to use the camera, I'll purchase what I feel I'd need for me to collect my normal video footage.  I don't necessarily need a desk tripod, as I already have two of them, plus an actual floor tripod.  If I find I need extra battery life, I'll buy the battery pack.  I may need extra things such as a travel case or BT microphone, but I'll buy those later.  

I already have microSD cards, as well.  

I've been trying to decide this for approximately 6-8 months.  The Pocket 3 is just more versatile than everything I was already considering.  GoPro doesn't have anything like it and there are things I hate about GoPro.  The Insta cams just aren't on the same level as the Pocket 3, either.  If I find I'm having issues, I can lean on the Asurion insurance like I did when I had trouble with the Akaso (I should've never even considered that camera).  

I'll post my experiences with the Pocket 3 as I use it!

UPDATE (3/20/2024):  I ordered the Pocket 3 on the 10th of March.  It is now late night on the 20th of March.  Amazon has been showing the past 10 days that it would be delivered between 19 and 21 March, with no other notification, which is odd.  Only today did it say that it was shipped.  I'm not sure if they (Amazon) got a large shipment of equipment from DJI, or, maybe the unit shipped from China to the DJI factory?  Also, I'd wanted but couldn't afford the Creator kit.  The difference between the Creator kit and the basic kit is $150, price-wise, but the Creator has like seven (7) extra accessories and the total price for those accessories when bought separately is approximately $327!  I was going to return my basic kit and purchase the Creator kit but shipping is a long wait and I've heard it's gotten worse since I've ordered...folks are complaining of a 30 day wait through Best Buy, Amazon, and even DJI.  This could be due to folks thinking that DJI will be banned from selling some hardware (drones).  So, I guess I'll keep the basic kit and separately buy the more important pieces of hardware (Mic 2 transmitter, wide angle lens, and battery handle).

Used DaVinci Resolve to Create My First Video from Hero 10 Black Footage

I was able to successfully record some good footage using my new Hero 10 Black.  

As well, instead of taking the footage to one of my Macs so that I could edit it using iMovie, I tried DaVinci Resolve (free version), on my Dell G7.

UPDATE (5/24/2024):
I've since been using DaVinci Resolve on my Macbook Air M1.  My Dell G7 is equipped with an older i5 variant and that laptop was bought just as the COVID-19 pandemic hit, so it's not a recent laptop.  That system also has an Nvidia GeForce RX2060 (mobile) graphics card, which Resolve leverages when crunching videos.  The G7 gets noisy/loud and sometimes hiccups during the video crunching process, which sometimes shows in the resulting footage.  With the Air, I've none of those issues.  In fact, the Air processes videos far quicker than the Dell G7.  I'm probably going to end up purchasing a license at some point...the software is that good.

I thought that I'd have problems using DaVinci since I've heard that it was somewhat more technical than iMovie, but it was easier than I thought, because it was very similar in usage to iMovie and Cyberlink PowerDirector.

It is posted here:

First GoPro Hero 10 Black Gotcha - Preview Not Available

I've run into an very irritating issue that a shitload of folks appear to be complaining about with the later version of GoPros.  It's not really an issue with the action camers, but an issue with the Quik software.

Folks expect to be able to use the GoPro Quik app as a camera viewfinder while recording video footage.  That's how I've been using my Hero 4.  That's also how I'd been using the Akaso Brave.  That's also how I'd been using the Polaroid Cube+.

The issue is that, for later GoPros (Heroes 10, 11, and 12), the app will not preview while recording.  It only allows you to preview before recording.  If you try to preview while recording, the following message shows:  "Preview Not Available".

At first I was super angry about this, but then I realized that the newer cameras are super capable and the preview feature has limitations (probably bandwidth-related) in showing the footage as it is being recorded.  Now, if the GoPro folks admitted that, I'd be OK with it, but in almost all cases, when customers complain about it in the Support forums, they never give a straight answer to their customers.

Now, this is the only bad thing I've found thus far, and it's not so bad that it overshadows the good things about the camera.  Previewing is important to most folks, though, and it goes beyond previewing - being able to look at the footage as you're recording means that if you see mistakes, you can immediately stop and correct the issue(s).  You can't do that if you can't see how the camera is recording or framing the footage.  

This issue is why I hate GoPro.  They've always acted like they're the only action camera company in existence.  Luckily, I didn't pay all that much for this camera.

If I keep finding out bad things about GoPro, I'm going to pivot to DJI and never look back.

UPDATE (12/27/2023) - Here's more info, for clarity-sake (and GoPro, for once, being direct and clear on the issue):  GoPro 9 - 'Preview not available' when recording

GoPro Hero 10 Black - Received!

I posted that I bought a refurbished GoPro Hero 10 Black from Amazon and that I was awaiting the package to arrive.

The package arrived yesterday.

I was surprised when I opened it.  Why was I surprised?  Well, the product description stated that I'd be receiving only the GoPro itself and no accessories.  I was expecting nothing other than the camera (I also expected that no battery would be included).

This (<=== link is here) is the one that I bought.

I received the camera, two batteries, a USB-C to USB-A charging cable, two mounts and a case.  I was shocked.  I basically got everything that I'd get if I bought a new product.

The camera doesn't appear to be refurbished at all.

About the only thing that was off-putting was that I had to charge the the batteries sequentually with the battery compartment door left open.  The charging process was long in duration, as well.  This was so much of a pain that I immediately began searching for a dedicated battery charging caddy, which I didn't initially anticipate needing to purchase.  I bought the GoPro Enduro 2-battery & charger combo pack from Best Buy (local purchase) for $59, just so I wouldn't be having to charge each battery sequentially.

I haven't really used the camera yet, as I'm actually afraid to go out and about - around here, there's a lot of chaotic last-minute Christmas shopping going on and traffic has been horrendous.

I've got the camera set up to use with the Quik app - was easy to set up.  It can be used with my other GoPro fittings and attachments (many of them were designed by 3rd party attachment makers).

I've also developed a To-Buy accessory list:

I can't wait to use this camera while at my next shooting activity!

Out with Akaso Brave 7 LE - In with GoPro Hero 10 Black!

I bought an Akaso Brave 7 LE in December of 2021.  I was trying to buy an action camera to replace my aging GoPro Hero 4 Silver.  It came with a huge accessory pack with many clips and fittings.  I bought an extra battery for it.  It had some features that my Hero 4 didn't have.  It's smartphone app was actually pretty nice.  I could also use it as an web cam.  It also had a tripod mount on the bottom of it.  It's UI was nice.  Also, it had two displays, one in front and one in back.

I ended up being somewhat disappointed with it because the video footage wasn't as crisp as my old ass Hero 4!  Audio wasn't all that great, either.  I stopped using it for a while.

Maybe a month ago, I began to use it again.  I sorted out the video footage issue.  The main issue was that when indoors, the captured video footage was grainy.  When in somewhat dark settings, the grainy footage was even worse, but I found out that I the Brave has light settings that I can control manually.  I tried the various settings and found that the footage was actually pretty decent!

Not long after, I was changing the battery and the battery door on the camera cracked.  A day later, the cracked portion detached completely.  This was devastating since the door couldn't close properly - the battery would move around in it's compartment.

Luckily, I'd bought a 3-year warranty with Asurion (I bought both through Amazon).  I submitted a claim and they approved it.  They wanted me to send the camera back to them.  I sent them the camera (and the detached piece of battery compartment door).  As soon as I sent it, they reimbursed me.

I've never had anything fail that I'd bought Asurion insurance for, until now.  I'm very glad I bought it.

So, I took the funds they returned to me and, after some researching, bought a refurbished GoPro Hero 10 Black that comes with an extra battery.  I bought it through Amazon.  I bought 2 years of Asurion insurance for it.  What's cool is that I can buy additional insurance on a refurbished product.

I'd looked at the Hero 11 and 12, but those were beyond my budget.  I looked at the Mini but it has a non-removable battery (that's something I don't want).  I also looked at the DJI Osmo Action 4 but that was even more expensive than the Hero 12 (it's competition).

I really just want a camera to replace my aged Hero 4.  I can still use the Hero 4 but I can retire it from being my primary camera.

The Hero 10 won't be delivered until Dec 21, though, but I don't mind.

In the next year or two, I can get the either the Hero 12, the Action 4, or even the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 (a great gimbal camera).

Busy Few Weeks With Technology!

What have I been up to?  I've not been idle, that's for sure.

A few weeks ago, my work Blackberry started acting up.  I was happy enough with it, as I don't really need smartphone tech to answer calls, run conference bridges, and send e-mails or reply to them.  I actually had a phone upgrade awaiting me the last 8 months, so I decided to use it.  What'd I get to replace the BB?  I got an HTC One M8.  I already had a taste of the M8, as my daughter has one.

How's the M8?  It's a great phone!  It's overkill for what I need, though, but I'm not going to complain.  I love the included headphones and they work far better when I'm on conference calls.  I have to use the Good Enterprise client on it, though.  I didn't have to do that with the BB.  The Good Enterprise client isn't bad, but I'm surprised there's no native Enterprise tools for HTC phones (in fact, it's like this for all Android phone if you're working for my company).  iPhones aren't using the Good client.  It's kinda strange.

Anyways, I wanted to be able to play with the M8 when I'm not working, and since the Good client segregates the phone into business and personal sections, I can probably get away with taking personal photos with the phone.  I bought two 64-GB Sandisk Ultra Plus Micro SDXC cards, one for the M8 and one for my Samsung Note 3.  Both phone accept this card without issue, although my laptop didn't like the card at all (due to old drivers, which I updated).  This card uses exFAT (be aware of that, especially if you're using it with devices that may not support exFAT, such as some action cameras).

Speaking of action cameras, I bought a Mobuis action camera.  I wanted something smaller than the GoPro series of cameras that also had good features.  This camera takes good footage...just as good as the GoPro Hero 2 I currently have.  I also got a ton of accessories with the Mobius.  The Mobius doesn't have a view screen, so you have to be sure you've framed it properly.  It also doesn't have wireless capability, so you can't use it like you can the GoPro wifi backpack.  Sound is great with this camera, but the reason I noticed that is because the Mobius doesn't come with a waterproof case (hence the sound isn't muffled and is quite clear).  The kit comes with a small suction cup mount that I attached to my car's dome light...the vantage point was great...I was not able to do this with my GoPro and Gecko suction cup mounts because the suction cup is too large for the dome light.  A con of the Mobius is, while it doesn't have a non-removable battery, it is not designed to quickly swap out.  You can open the Mobius case to remove the battery, but there's no battery port to swap out batteries like the GoPro and Astak.

On the PC front, I went through my house and removed all the RAM and hard drives from the old laptops and gaming systems I no longer plan to use.  I came up with two wifi cards, 2 sets of RAM (2.5GB worth) and 5-6 2.5" hard disks, the largest being 250GB and the smallest being 20GB.  I installed three of the larger 2.5" disks into a Linux system to see if they would work (they are SATA drives)...they did, although one had partition table issues that I'm trying to sort out (been repairing the table the last 3 days).  I suppose I can revisit those laptops I scavenged and also remove their CPUs as well.  At least one of them has a removable CPU.  I might be able to determine if they're desktop CPUs, and if so, I might be able to use them to upgrade my older servers.