Video camera for an interested 12-year old

Heighway61

I have no clue about video cameras. My son has asked for one for Christmas. He has an ASD with the associated narrow range of interests. When he gets into something he really gets in to it, so we encourage him when he does.

He mentioned a GoPro, probably because that's what he saw on youtube. At the moment he uses a tablet to do video blogs, record his football skills in the garden and generally his surroundings. One thing he said he wants to do is attach it to the crossbar of his goalposts. Also he wants to mount it on stand. I'm guessing that's standardised?

I read a little on the GoPro and reviews seem mixed with a wide range of models and prices.

Not sure what to buy, any advice?

ED E

Most of the time a decent smartphone (€300+) will do great vlogging video but sometimes you dont want to put it in harms way. In those cases a GoPro has an advantage. The difference with a gopro is its wide angle lens:



For shooting from the goalposts this would be ideal. GoPros and the knockoffs there of use a standard mounting system with a plethora of options (sucker, bike, helmet, cap, dog, sticky, tripod).


A Session 4 is nice and can be found affordably 2nd hand. Alternatively an SJ Cam 5000 (the real one, not the fakes of fakes) is a little bigger but very affordable new.

Heighway61

ED E wrote: »

Most of the time a decent smartphone (€300+) will do great vlogging video but sometimes you dont want to put it in harms way. In those cases a GoPro has an advantage. The difference with a gopro is its wide angle lens:



For shooting from the goalposts this would be ideal. GoPros and the knockoffs there of use a standard mounting system with a plethora of options (sucker, bike, helmet, cap, dog, sticky, tripod).


A Session 4 is nice and can be found affordably 2nd hand. Alternatively an SJ Cam 5000 (the real one, not the fakes of fakes) is a little bigger but very affordable new.

Thanks. I'll check those out.

...

I just thought I might mention his ASD as it will have a bearing on things. Once he gets the camera he will spend all of his time on it. He is doing some good things with the tablet.

ED E

If he's likely to want to do extended periods filming (over 90-120 mins) then a cheapo battery pack is a good idea, save frustration.



Any basic one like this is great for the little action cams as it adds an extra four charges worth or more.

Victor

Is there a risk of it getting a belt of a football?

Heighway61

Victor wrote: »

Is there a risk of it getting a belt of a football?

Am wondering about that. Any sort of protective casing, or camera designed for knocks?

Heighway61

Any other suggestions for a GoPro alternative? The GoPro is out of my budget. If it was for myself I would go second hand but as it will be a present I'd prefer to go new.

Akrasia

Heighway61 wrote: »

Any other suggestions for a GoPro alternative? The GoPro is out of my budget. If it was for myself I would go second hand but as it will be a present I'd prefer to go new.

You just need an actioncam, there are lots to choose from

This one has a very good review for 50 euros if your son has mobile phone he can pair it with.

http://www.techradar.com/reviews/cameras-and-camcorders/camcorders/tomtom-bandit-1292441/review


but there are lots of options if you are happy to spend more.

http://www.techradar.com/news/photography-video-capture/cameras/gopro-generation-the-ultimate-guide-to-action-cameras-1274790

Heighway61

Thanks. Where did you see the Tomtom for €50? I see it for £140 and upwards on Amazon.

Would I do OK in getting one of these cheaper cameras, or are they a bit too cheap?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_1_6?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=action+cam

Akrasia

Sorry,
the prices on that tech radar site are wrong, the cheapest I can find it is €150
https://www.tomtom.com/en_ie/action-camera/action-camera/products/tomtom-bandit-action-camera/

Demonique

Heighway61 wrote: »

Any other suggestions for a GoPro alternative? The GoPro is out of my budget. If it was for myself I would go second hand but as it will be a present I'd prefer to go new.

Well, you could ask your son if he wants a new knockoff or a used genuine go-pro, sometimes knock offs of pricey goods can be made with substandard materials.

I'd only buy a knockoff if it's the same quality and durability of the original

Heighway61

I don't suppose there is anything out there that would protect a camera from the ball if it was attached to the goalposts or crossbar?

ED E

Heighway61 wrote: »

I don't suppose there is anything out there that would protect a camera from the ball if it was attached to the goalposts or crossbar?

Yes, the waterproof housing. See below