Competitor to the GoPro

One of my next investments will be in a waterproof camera. Through my research I found that there are a few companies that make cameras similar to the GoPro. Based on what I've been reading here, the GoPro is the standard for filming kayak fishing outings.
One competitor that caught my eye was the Swann Freestyle. Used (from what I've heard) primarily by surfers, it is rumored to have the exact same internal components made by the same company that is used in the GoPro.
Running anywhere between ~250.00-299.00 for the Freestyle, one might as well get a GoPro. However the difference is the Freestyle already comes with all tons of different mounting options ready to go in the box which you have to purchase separately with the GoPro. This camera had an SD slot which will take up to 32GB memory card. Also, the Freestyle has a detachable LCD screen which allows you to view your footage on the water if you so choose. It also has a laser which shows you where the focal point of the shot will be and a remote control.
I have almost enough "points" saved up at work to buy this from our online shopping catalog which basically means it will be free (unfortunately they don't offer the GoPro on the site).
Anyway, I was curious anyone has heard anything about this camera or has used it themselves.

http://www.swann.com/s/products/view/?product=1297

Thanks in advance!
Paul


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I've never seen one before.   The demo video didn't look too bad though.  If you get it, make sure to post a solid review on it.

Like the remote and what I saw on the site.  Decisions....

I think Costco has that unit on sale $179

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11750012&whse=BC&topnav=&cm_mmc=BCEmail_April2012Mailer-_-Banner-_-18-_-MarketingItemName

I have been waiting for some upcoming models from CONTOUR.  They have done very well thanks to a good number of government contracts and have thrown some of those profits into R&D.   A distributor told me they are coming out with a dedicated waterproof 4" monitor  with camera control "Start / Stop Recording Playback".   I think this would be a nice feature as many don't want to risk their high dollar smart phones in many filming environments.   Most likely the prices will be out of my cheapskate budget.
 

 

Wow! That Costco deal is killer. I like all the features included like LCD screen, 3x zoom and remotes. I assume the LCD doesn't fit inside the waterproof case. Need to check that out.


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Hop I looked into it and the LCD does not fit into the waterproof case. That's one of the drawbacks.

Reviews on amazon complain of high pitched whine in audio. I would check as many review sites as possible before purchasing.

gopro is a proven entity that puts out pretty good quality stuff for a good price.

there are some higher priced POV cameras that look good, but lower priced than the gopro i haven't seen anything that i would even think of buying.

there likely will be some others entering the market but i will wait to purchase them after they have worked out all the bugs and they become standard equipment in numerous unsponsored videos.

chris

The Gopro comes with many mounts as well.  It is tough to compare the two by price because the Gopro hd hero 2 shoots higher resolution jpegs and there are more resolution choices.  Also, the Gopro has a setting that allows you to shoot 120 frames/second for super slo mo.  The hd hero 2 can also shoot in a wide 170 degree angle in 1080.  The freestyle only does 135 degrees in 1080.  But the freestyle does have 3x digital zoom.

I would say the freestyle compares somewhere between the hd hero and the hd hero 2 feature wise.  If you can get it for free, i would give it a go.  If i had to pay over $240 for it i would get the Gopro HD Hero 2.  Especially wiyh my 20% off REI COUPON.

Also, the LCD backpack for the Gopros comes with a waterproof housing. Just my 2 cents.

-CRAIG

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the Playsport yet.  I think they're awesome, but the newer models have an integrated battery, which I think is a bad idea.  I use the Zx3 model.  You can check out my videos here.

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the Playsport yet.  I think they're awesome, but the newer models have an integrated battery, which I think is a bad idea.  I use the Zx3 model.  You can check out my videos here.

The playsport Zx3 is awesome.  I had one and loved it.  I wish I would have taught it to swim. It also comes with video editing software.

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the Playsport yet.  I think they're awesome, but the newer models have an integrated battery, which I think is a bad idea.  I use the Zx3 model.  You can check out my videos here.

Wow, I was just looking at reveiws of Kodaks Playsport models and Like what I've seen so far ,Now With Rawfish's OK to them I can't wait to get one..

Remember Zx3.  Very important!

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the Playsport yet.  I think they're awesome, but the newer models have an integrated battery, which I think is a bad idea.  I use the Zx3 model.  You can check out my videos here.

Awesome videos.  Watched the Octopus one again and noticed the view count.  Holy tako Batman 14.4 million views!  Nicely done.