Hello, Looking to get the young fella (13yo) a cheap Go-pro style camera for Christmas. There was some talk here a while back about some cheaper Big W ones that seemed to be ok for the price. Anyone had any experiences with the cheaper versions?

Thanks.

I bought an sj 1000 action cam for $98 on ebay fantastic little thing, google search a review of it (tachman does a great review) took some good film of the kids on the beach worked well, but first go suctioned on my board yesterday had some great runs until I came off and boom hit it, now I have no camera or footage (lost it at Sandstone Point) glad it wasn't 500 bucks worth. I looked at big w camera and could see that seal on cover would not be water tight at all so it might be hit and miss with a water tight one, goodluck.

Don't go Big W cheap, I'd imagine it's durability wouldn't be the best. What about

www.torpedo7.co.nz/content/closed?gclid=CIzo4_fRjbsCFUZapQodvh0Aeg

Would probably need a different case:-
Water / Splash resistant plastic cover included (not fully water proof or submersible)

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Zed said..

Don't go Big W cheap, I'd imagine it's durability wouldn't be the best. What about

www.torpedo7.co.nz/content/closed?gclid=CIzo4_fRjbsCFUZapQodvh0Aeg

+ 1 - just returned the Big W (3-six-t brand) one last week - had corrosion inside it, not resistant at all and fogged up badly! . Only got it on Fathers day!

Recently purchase a HD Sports Camera from J-Car for $50.00. There is two models. This is the cheap one.
Haven't used it yet, so can not comment if any good. Has all the bits and pieces and water proof case to 3m. Needs the correct SD card ( Class 10 Micro SD ) For 50 bucks might be ok for kid's and me!

I bought a kogan hd sports camera recently with waterproof housing and a few mounts (handlebar/boom, helmet and suction), although have only used it once - last weekend fire a family bike ride. The video and shots weren't too bad.

Obviously not a go pro, but a good option for a low budget.

What sort of mounting system do you use for the ION camera?

why the latest n greatest ??

i purchased a GoPro 1.0 for $100
it is like new and came with SD card, etc
for a "young fellow" s/b more than enuff, non ??

did a write-up

joewindsurfer.blogspot.com/2012/12/gopro-hero.html

^did the same, really happy with my go pro 1, more features than I'll ever use and I won't cry if I loose it.

Gopro's are the go to really for specs in a small box - you should be able to pick up a 2 for a good deal, or even a 3 as people upgrade to the 3+ version.
The other alternative is the Contour which is good, but you need to buy the waterproof case for proper waterproofness. You could also check out some of the waterproof point n shoots which can be good in more traditional camera shape - like Fuji XP60 or cheapest is Nikon COOLPIX S31 but loses 1080hd.

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Mobydisc said..

What sort of mounting system do you use for the ION camera?

Can get the suction or the usual helmet mount. Looks to be a bunch of other accessories you can get which may provide a few more creative options but I haven't really looked at them yet.

Thanks for all the info guys.
There are certainly a few options on the market now. Still not sure which way to go. Would love the Gro Pro quality however a bit expensive if the young bloke looses it or he fails to attach it to the board correctly etc.Will post a review once I have spent a week at the beach over Christmas. Will test it on the Kayak, SUP, surfing and windsurfing gear.

I don't know how much in AUS, in europe it's from 180-250??? depending on market...so probably $270-370?

I feel a trip to Ebay coming on :)

Hi Guys I've got an old gopro 1 you can have fo $80 if you want, I'm coming up to Perth this Monday , let me know if interested Bob 0407445488

Jaycar have 3 models all a bit GoPro like, however the price is quite good. Three versions, one is $88 the next is $120 and then $149. I would take the $149 I reckon, 11MP and a descent frame rate. I was thinking it might be the go to throw under my Hexacopter.