6 GoPro Accessories You Need That You Didn't Know Exist
- Cheap Photo Accessories That are Just as Good as Expensive Ones
- Innovative Camera Accessories You Need in Your Bag
Photo by Fabrizio Verrecchia on Unsplash
Action cameras such as the GoPro series are very useful for photography and videography. They allow imaging or filming in locations and situations that would put a serious strain on regular digital cameras. The top GoPro accessories give us even more options for these amazing tools.
One of the best examples of the action cam is the GoPro HERO 8 rugged waterproof digital still and video camera. This is one of the most advanced action cams currently available.
GoPro HERO 8
The GoPro HERO 8 is the latest in the popular line of GoPro cameras. It has a 12MP sensor and can record in 4K video in a range of aspect ratios from TV to cinematic. Time lapse, HDR, zoom, and RAW image files are a few of the extra and improved features over previous models.
The GoPro HERO 8 is well protected against falls, impact, rough use, and is also waterproof down to 33 feet. Image stabilization helps smooth out video and allows low light capture of still and video. There is even a smartphone app for controlling the camera.
As amazing as this camera is, there are some unique gopro accessories that enable you to take full advantage of the camera’s features and capabilities. With action cameras, the camera is merely the centerpiece, part of an entire system designed for action photography and videography.
Top GoPro Accessories
The top accessories for GoPro cameras include mounts, stabilizers, lights, video monitors, microphones, straps, and cases. Let’s take a look at 6 great unique GoPro accessories.
OctoPad Camera Mount
Tripods and monopods are great for a lot of cameras and situations, but the OctoPad adds usefulness for action cams and versatility in placement.
How is the OctoPad different? The OctoPad does not use tripod feet or a suction cup to provide a stable base for the camera. It has a weighted foot that can be placed on virtually any surface to hold up the camera. There is also a clip grommet and a cable tuck that adds to the versatility of this unique camera mount.
The foot, or base, of the OctoPad is very wide compared to small cameras, and is made with non-slip material on the bottom. It can be placed on smooth or rough surfaces and will stay in place on 45 degree angle perches. These features make it one of the top GoPro accessories for video.
To attach the camera, you use a ball and socket head or an extension with some sort of head on top. Multi-angle arms are another option that will add a whole lot of versatility to this camera mount. Primarily it provides excellent stability for video or still pictures.
HandlePod 3-Axis Action Cam Mount
Different from a base support like the OctoPad is the HandlePod 3-Axis Action Cam Mount. This is a combination handle and mount that is best used for hand held video.
If you’re not mounting your GoPro on a bracket, or a mount, or strapping or bolting it to something, they’re kind of small and hard to hold steady. This mount is similar in shape and orientation to a gimbal, but it’s not a gimbal.
What it excels at is giving you a big handle to hold on to so you can steady your hand held video. You can also attach other items such as a light to this grip/handle/mount. Really, videography is the application most likely to benefit from this. Since many people use their action cams for video, this is a great choice for top GoPro accessories.
Outside of hand holding, you can also put this to use as a small stand. It is stable enough for anything not moving. If what you’re filming from is moving, attach it to a pole or rail with the strapping cord.
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LitraTorch 2.0
Whenever you find yourself asking if you need light for your video, you probably need more light. Though the GoPro series of action cams has excellent low light performance, adding an external light source will increase the performance as regards image quality and color rendition in many conditions.
The LitraTorch 2.0 is a small but very bright battery powered LED compact video light. It can also be used for still imaging, but it was designed with videography in mind, making it among the best GoPro accessories for video.
Small enough to fit on the HandlePod listed above, it can sit right next to the GoPro HERO 8 action cam on the bracket. It is a cube 1 ½ inches per side and weighs only 3 ¼ ounces.
Other amazing features of this tiny video light are it is charged by means of a USB cord, battery life is up to 4 hours of continuous light output, and it is waterproof down to 60 feet.
Being waterproof opens up some great opportunities for GoPro videography and still imaging. Underwater, lighting is crucial for amazing results. Relying on surface sunlight only, just a few feet down is all you can shoot with good color rendition. Adding a waterproof video light will all those beautiful colors pop out at viewers of your videos.
SImply making use of the LitraTorch 2.0 above water, you get a good punch for your accessories budget’s dollars. The 16 LED lights provide daylight balanced light with a CRI rating of 90. (The higher the CRI rating, the truer the color rendition of the light is.)
GoPro Media Mod for Hero8
What is a media mod? The GoPro Media Mod is a wrap around modification for the HERO 8 that adds extra capability for video recording. The most important capability is the extended range shotgun microphone.
In practice, it goes on the GoPro like an ever ready case or as a second skin. This second skin adds a little extra bulk, several mounting points, and the microphone. It cannot go underwater with the camera, though.
GoPro Smart Remote
When you have your GoPro mounted on a helmet, wrist strap, or some other part of your activewear or gear, you need a way to operate it easily. The GoPro Smart Remote is how you do that.
This remote is wireless and allows control of most camera functions. It has an LCD display of what you’re operating, too. Additionally, the remote is waterproof down to 33 feet just like the camera itself.
Waterproof Housing
Wait a minute? Isn’t the GoPro already waterproof? Yes it most certainly, but only to 33 feet. That’s more than enough for recreational diving, but some commercial needs or sporting excursions may require deeper operation. The GoPro Protective Housing adds extra capability for down to almost 200 feet.
Some kit purchase options include this protective housing. If you’re looking into your first GoPro HERO purchase, you might consider these kits as they make this camera uniquely special.
Unique GoPro Accessories
Other fine accessories for GoPros include filters, stabilization gimbals, and a wide variety of straps for mounting to almost anything. The GoPro HERO 8 is a fantastic action camera. With the addition of some top GoPro accessories, you can extend the capabilities to be able to accomplish many fun and exciting things.
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