I have a Canon S100 that already doesn't get enough use because I also have a DSLR. I want to do some helmet-cam video this winter of my kids skiing. Obviously the GoPro Hero springs to mind, but would it be just as effective to simply get the underwater housing for my S100? The cost is similar, about $200 for the case, or $200 for the basic Hero 3, although I would probably go for the silver edition at $300.

Which would be better? I would think the lens on the S100 would be better and that it would be nice to have the zoom, but am I missing something?

Originally Posted by jmphotocraft I have a Canon S100 that already doesn't get enough use because I also have a DSLR. I want to do some helmet-cam video this winter of my kids skiing. Obviously the GoPro Hero springs to mind, but would it be just as effective to simply get the underwater housing for my S100? The cost is similar, about $200 for the case, or $200 for the basic Hero 3, although I would probably go for the silver edition at $300. Which would be better? I would think the lens on the S100 would be better and that it would be nice to have the zoom, but am I missing something?

Jack, you're missing fps! I know there's a new hero in town, but instead of me looking it up, I know you will or have. I'd prefer to shoot skiing at 60fps or faster if it were me. Obviously I do not know if your S100 has 60 or greater fps video capture.

Thanks for raising that point. S100 does 1080p at 24fps, 720p at 30fps, or 640x480 at 120fps. Calling me an "amateur videographer" would be a compliment... is an HDTV even capable of displaying 60fps at normal speed?

A comparison of specs and features between the 3 new GoPro cameras is here. The idea of another $400 camera that I don't use much isn't too appealing, so I'm kind of setting the limit at the $300 silver edition. That only does 60fps at the "ultra wide" setting, which I don't think will be too useful. I'm sick of these "look at me" POV videos which everyone with a GoPro have beaten to death, and that seems to be the primary application of the ultra wide setting.

You know what though, I'll bet the S100 underwater housing doesn't allow much sound to reach the mic. That would be a strike against it. Hmm.

The silver edition compares with the Hero2. You can find the 2 on sale for $199 as retailers get rid of old stock.

Add a WiFi back and you can control it with your iPhone (Android users will have to wait) and it includes a "preview" mode that allows you to see where the camera is pointed.

Originally Posted by jmphotocraft Thanks for raising that point. S100 does 1080p at 24fps, 720p at 30fps, or 640x480 at 120fps. Calling me an "amateur videographer" would be a compliment... is an HDTV even capable of displaying 60fps at normal speed? A comparison of specs and features between the 3 new GoPro cameras is here. The idea of another $400 camera that I don't use much isn't too appealing, so I'm kind of setting the limit at the $300 silver edition. That only does 60fps at the "ultra wide" setting, which I don't think will be too useful. I'm sick of these "look at me" POV videos which everyone with a GoPro have beaten to death, and that seems to be the primary application of the ultra wide setting. You know what though, I'll bet the S100 underwater housing doesn't allow much sound to reach the mic. That would be a strike against it. Hmm.

Trick is to rent it Jack. Rent the thing and then see if it's worth buying.

Whilst it probably wouldn't even be considered as suitable for 'door stop duty' by you guys - I'm currently having lots of fun with a Kodak Playsport zx5.

Whilst specifically bought for use by others, I snaffle it at all opportunities as a bike cam (the sort with pedals) - in both frame and helmet mounted positions.

For £70 it's ideal for experimentation purposes - and great for capturing the idiotic (and dangerous) antics of tin box drivers who should be re-tested.

pp

Originally Posted by jmphotocraft Thanks for raising that point. S100 does 1080p at 24fps, 720p at 30fps, or 640x480 at 120fps. Calling me an "amateur videographer" would be a compliment... is an HDTV even capable of displaying 60fps at normal speed?

Yeah, AFAIK TVs generally support 60fps. But I think high framerates are more commonly used to shoot slow-motion video.... slowing 60 fps to 30 fps is a lot easier and cleaner than interpolating 30fps footage.

Originally Posted by Demian Yeah, AFAIK TVs generally support 60fps. But I think high framerates are more commonly used to shoot slow-motion video.... slowing 60 fps to 30 fps is a lot easier and cleaner than interpolating 30fps footage.

This.

zx5 has 720p @ 60fps as one of its options.

Originally Posted by ian408 This.

It might be mentioned here that the Sports networks use 59.97 fps for their sport broadcasts @ 720p.