GoPro Motorsports HD video camera setup/mount point.

[parker]

Hey, just recently purchased a GoPro video camera for use on the bike and down at the snow later this year. But I've having trouble with the vibrations when it's on the tank, I'd like to minimise it as much as possible rather then using the chest mount or even attach it to the helmet - I love to see the bike lean when it's on the tank.

Has anyone got any ideas on what I can do.
I've also provided an example video here ~ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewUVHIDXUqc

I've been advised that the suction mount isn't the best so I'd like to stick to the normal 3M mounts.

Thanks in advance.

[Roxtar]

the goPro cameras record to solid state media, so you don't have to worry about absorbing vibrations between the bike and the camera like you do with hard drive or tape cameras. If you make the mount solid (no rubber bushings or suction cups or anything) then your picture will be smoother.

[mister]

Parker,

I exclusively use the suction mount in all my videos as seen here...





On my GS videos I used the Standard Def GoPro wideangle (170`). On my 919 I use the HD GoPro set at R2 (which is 120` and not 170` and don't have the issues you have) and use the same suction mount system.

Watch this video of mine http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spFYOf7SN5c. You'll see I use the same set up as the picture above and go over some quite bumpy road (note the instrument cluster moving around) but the footage is pretty stable. And this video is on the GS over cattle grids and the like http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwWIrwPgtLo

Now I would Question who it was who Advised you about the suction mount not being the best - do They even use a GoPro? It is ALL I use and I'll leave the results to be an example of what a suction mount can do.

Oh. my softwware... Cyberlink Powerdirector.

Michael

[parker]

Ah okay, will give the suction cap a go, will probably need to use hot water or something to get rid of the 3M mount that I stuck onto the tank lol.

[Roxtar]

no offense intended, but have you ever used a solid/rigid mount? your vids are pretty good in terms of stability, but you can still see how the camera is shaking a lot in relation to the bike.

as a comparison, look at this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJBw7SDHyEs&feature=related

watch the left front fender and notice how it doesn't move at all in relation to the camera until the point of impact... and even then, after the impact, it stays steady again. you can't get that with a suction cup.

[parker]

no offense intended, but have you ever used a solid/rigid mount? your vids are pretty good in terms of stability, but you can still see how the camera is shaking a lot in relation to the bike.

as a comparison, look at this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJBw7SDHyEs&feature=related

watch the left front fender and notice how it doesn't move at all in relation to the camera until the point of impact... and even then, after the impact, it stays steady again. you can't get that with a suction cup.

Yeah, I was just comparing my videos to other people, it seems to be shaking a lot more.

[Roxtar]

actually, my last reply was directed at  mister.

[Twisted]

no offense intended, but have you ever used a solid/rigid mount? your vids are pretty good in terms of stability, but you can still see how the camera is shaking a lot in relation to the bike.

You are comparing a vid taken on a bike to one taken on a car. There will always been some vibration when filming on a bike especially a twin cylinder.

[mister]

no offense intended, but have you ever used a solid/rigid mount? your vids are pretty good in terms of stability, but you can still see how the camera is shaking a lot in relation to the bike.

as a comparison, look at this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJBw7SDHyEs&feature=related

watch the left front fender and notice how it doesn't move at all in relation to the camera until the point of impact... and even then, after the impact, it stays steady again. you can't get that with a suction cup.

As Twisted said, you are comparing footage taken from a car to a bike, and I'll add, a far away object in comparison to a close object - and - fixed vs suction mount, smooth track vs bumpy road, when such comparisons cannot be made for obvious reasons.

A motorcycle has a very short wheel base. Much shorter than a car. Wheelbase alone gives a less bumpy ride. Throw in position of camera in relation to wheelbase and you can get less bumpy again.

I have used a Fixed mount on a bike and the vibration made it unwatchable. I choose to not use the GoPro fixed mounts on my bike because they cannot be removed with ease. And seeing as the end result footage is quite good without needing to use a fixed mount, I'll stick with what I use.

I am not debating the merits of fixed mount vs suction mount. I am answering the OP's question. He has a GS500, I have a GS500. His fixed mount footage is too shaky, I showed my suction mount footage and revealed the camera settings as a way of helping, not to start a debate with you.

@Parker Do NOT remove or attempt to remove the Fixed mount just yet. Let me explain...

As you have it fixed, all vibration and small bumps will be instantly transferred to the footage. You cannot avoid this. And in old school 4:3 aspect ratio it would be shocking. In 120` which is what you had (R5, right?), it was still shaky. So, try it in 170` mode (R2). I think you'll find the the small movements when spread over the 170` will come out as minimal. 170` gives the smoothest image. Try it. You'll be pleasantly surprised with the results.

Also, try the suction mount elsewhere on the tank. As you have seen, I use multiple arms to give me height. But what it also does is, move a little. But it cannot move as instantly as a fixed mount does. So, as the bike may bump up a bit, the bike moves Before the mount moves likewise. And before the mount can move as much, the bump has ended. Resulting in a smoother image than otherwise would have been. The suction mount acts like a mini bump equalizer.

Michael