To save readers time, I've attached a single frame snap & sped up video of a dash-cam setup, more on par with real world usage. I used one of the two 3M VHB backed mounts to mount it on my car's dashboard. The other mount is curved, would conform to a helmet.
Comes out of the box waterproof with an additional back backing for optimal voice & sound in wind under 100mph. No microSD card included, so grab the $199 Amazon bundle while you can which includes a 32G high speed microSD card.
In addition to the video attached, I've added a frame snap, as I took it at full 1080p HD. You will see GoPro's wide angle quality, what merited this review alone. I recorded myself driving back home at night as a test, excuse the darkness, the snapshot will give you an idea of a snap from the 60fps 1080p HD video recorded. I was shocked to see I drove up to 7-11 and could literally make out the cashier counting money at the register later on. Full review and context follows below.
I've been using a handful of DLink Cameras in parallel with UBNTEK's Mac Application for a cheap yet quality surveillance setup. Mostly D-Link Wireless Day/Night Network Surveillance Camera with mydlink-Enabled (DCS-932L) and the more recent DCS-934L. I even just spent $149 on their 1MP camera.
I thought they were brilliant and the best quality for the price... The latest purchase was $149 on sale for a WiFi enabled 1MP DLink Camera. It was great, all cameras were 'interior' rated but have stood up to NJ winters with the ethernet taped over. Unfortunately the latest 1MP camera has numerous holes for heat dissipation, so I needed a camera for semi-outdoor usage that had more than scotch tape as weatherproofing.
Reading up, I heard about the GoPro HERO + that was coming out, same makers of the cams that TV shows such as Top Gear, use and have previously been 'off limits' for every day consumers at their pricing. It was a week off until they were released, but I figured I would wait. I don't go skiing, kayaking, or anything remotely interesting enough to merit the usual $300+ price-tag of their more expensive brothers. But seeing this entry level GoPro HERO+ price under $200 with the promo pack with a 32G card piqued my interest.
I purchased it Oct 8 the day it was released. 2 days later it arrived. I have never been so impressed of the build quality of a product at this price. The waterproof clip actually feels waterproof, I wouldn't hesitate to use the waterproof feature if I needed, not something I could say even looking at some of the waterproof cellphones out.
The 32G card is rated as giving just under 3 hours at 1080p HD. If you're recording long trips, I would suggest a USB cord or a battery booster pack. I didn't recharge the system after my first 1 hour trip, used it again, and it died during the trip back. I couldn't tell, but that was because of a feature I activated, which turned off the rear facing LED so I wouldn't be distracted during night driving, can't remove a star for that.
The most impressive feature is what most worried me at first, the 'WiFi' function and bluetooth. With a few clicks of the top and front buttons I put the camera into WiFi mode. Without even reading the instructions, just downloading the Android App I was paired in 5 seconds, surprised WiFi paired that fast. It will auto-disconnect you from your current WiFi and hop on the GoPro's WiFi. Full high speed zero latency viewing from the application. So you can mount it in your car or helmet, open your app, check the view is what you want, and click record from the Android App. You can also watch videos back, or use it as a live viewer.
I am glad I saved $100 as I didn't need the LCD screen with the WiFi function. It also has a function to mark / highlight parts of the video that you want to view later. The app is very intuitive and I created the high speed video summary of part of my drive in 5 minutes.
Overall just a great product at a game-changing price. I've already purchased a second promo bundle that includes the a 32G micro SDHC card that sadly is missing from the retail box.
If I had to complain, it would be over a lack of any microSD out of the box, but at this price, I'm even up in the air about that!
UPDATE: LIVE preview while recording was not available ONLY in 1080p HD mode. I turned to the UltraView (very very Wide view) 720P HD last night and this morning and was able to watch and adjust my camera *while* I recorded on a drive (albeit parked of course)
I can not sing the praises of this brilliant little piece of technology more. Feel free to reply with any questions about operation, I'm currently doing a test of the time-lapse mode, which I initiated *from my phone* to my parked car around 100 yards away. I need to update my poor battery life was MY FAULT. Lack of turning it off when not in use after parking. I found this out when I was able to start a time-lapse preview from my house far away from the card. The little bugger was still on in WiFi. I drained it accidentally due to lack of RTFM. If you do so, you will have smooth sailing. Snatch one (or three) up while you can.
Best,
Kris