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Media Mod

If you're an avid vlogger or content creator, you know how important it is to have the right equipment to capture high-quality footage. The GoPro Media Mod is one such tool that has gained a lot of popularity in recent times. In this blog post, we're going to explore the features of the GoPro Media Mod and how it can take your vlogging game to the next level.

Go Pro Media Mod

Enhanced Audio Quality

One of the most significant advantages of the GoPro Media Mod is its enhanced audio quality. It comes with a built-in directional microphone that filters out background noise and captures clear audio. It also has a 3.5mm mic port that allows you to connect an external microphone for even better sound quality. Whether you're filming in a busy street or a windy beach, the Media Mod ensures that your audio is crystal clear.

Additional Ports and Features

Apart from the improved audio quality, the GoPro Media Mod also has additional ports and features that make it a versatile tool for content creators. It comes with an HDMI-out port that allows you to connect your GoPro to an external display, making it easier to review your footage on a larger screen. It also has two cold shoe mounts that allow you to attach accessories such as lights, microphones, or even a second camera. Additionally, the Media Mod has a built-in USB-C port for charging your GoPro or connecting it to an external power source.

Three Things I Learned

Audio Meter - When you are using the Media Mod microphone there is an audio meter that appears on the screen to show the sound level. This has come in handy many times when I wanted to make sure that audio was getting to the GoPro.

Cold Shoe Mounts - As for the GoPro Cold Shoe, I don't have any real accessories for it. The only thing I do have is a cold shoe leveler, so that way I can check if my GoPro camera is level on the tripod. I do plan to get a microphone.

Hard to get the SD Card - With the GoPro Media mod, you have to take the whole thing off to get the SD card. This can be a bit of a hassle, especially if you are in a rush. You can use the MTP mode to import media using the GoPro Quik app. However, you have to download all the media - you can't select individual media.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the GoPro Media Mod is an excellent tool for content creators who want to take their vlogging game to the next level. With enhanced audio quality, additional ports and features, and improved ergonomics, it's a versatile tool that can help you capture high-quality footage in any situation. If you're serious about your vlogging or content creation, the GoPro Media Mod is definitely worth investing in.

I would certainly recommend getting the media mod. At $56 it might seem a bit pricy, but I think it's worth it.

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Lightning cable Trick with GoPro

GoPro cameras are great for capturing those unforgettable moments, but one of the biggest challenges with these cameras can be getting the SD card out. The SD card is where all of your footage is stored, and if you want to transfer your videos and photos to your computer or other device, you'll need to remove the card. In this blog post, I'll share with you a trick for getting the SD card out of your GoPro using a lighting cable.

First, let's talk about why it can be difficult to remove the SD card from a GoPro. The SD card slot on most GoPro models is located inside the camera, behind a small door or flap. This can make it tricky to get your fingers in there to push the card out. Additionally, the SD card can sometimes be snugly held in place by the camera's mechanism, making it even harder to remove.

But fear not, there's a trick that you can use to easily get the SD card out of your GoPro. All you need is a lightning cable that you use to charge your iPhone. Here's what you need to do:

  • Remove the lightning cable from your iPhone's charger.
  • Take the lightning cable and insert it into the small opening where the SD card is located.
  • Gently push the cable in until you feel resistance.
  • Pull the cable out, and the SD card should come with it.

Go Pro S D Card Slot

It's important to note that you should be gentle when using this trick. Don't force the cable in or pull too hard when removing it, as you don't want to damage the SD card or the camera itself.

In conclusion, getting the SD card out of your GoPro doesn't have to be a frustrating experience. With this simple trick using a lightning cable, you'll be able to remove the card quickly and easily. Just remember to be gentle and take your time, and you'll be able to transfer your footage to your computer or other device with ease.

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Telephone Pole Mount

The GoPro camera is a popular choice for recording videos and capturing memories, but mounting the camera can sometimes be a challenge. In this blog post, we will discuss how to mount a GoPro on a telephone pole using Heavy-Duty Wrap-It Storage Straps and a GoPro Clip Mount.

Using Heavy-Duty Wrap-It Storage Straps

Heavy-Duty Wrap-It Storage Straps are a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of tasks, including mounting a GoPro camera on a telephone pole. These straps are made of high-quality materials and are designed to be durable and long-lasting. To mount a GoPro camera on a telephone pole, simply wrap the Heavy-Duty Wrap-It Storage Straps around the pole and tighten them securely. The straps will hold the camera firmly in place, even in windy conditions.

Using a GoPro Clip Mount

A GoPro Clip Mount is a small, lightweight accessory that allows you to attach your GoPro camera to a variety of surfaces, including a telephone pole. To use a GoPro Clip Mount, simply attach the mount to the camera and then clip it onto the Heavy-Duty Wrap-It Storage Straps that are wrapped around the telephone pole. The mount will hold the camera securely in place, allowing you to record your video without any worry of the camera falling off the pole.

Go Pro Telephone Pole Mount
GoPro Telephone Pole Mount at the Boston Marathon

Benefits of Using Heavy-Duty Wrap-It Storage Straps and a GoPro Clip Mount

Using Heavy-Duty Wrap-It Storage Straps and a GoPro Clip Mount to mount a GoPro camera on a telephone pole offers several benefits. First, it allows you to record a unique perspective that would be difficult to capture with a traditional camera setup. Second, the Heavy-Duty Wrap-It Storage Straps and GoPro Clip Mount are both affordable and easy to use, making this setup accessible to anyone who wants to try it. Lastly, the straps and mount are both durable and reliable, ensuring that your camera will stay in place throughout your recording.

Conclusion

Mounting a GoPro camera on a telephone pole is a great way to capture a unique perspective for your video. By using Heavy-Duty Wrap-It Storage Straps and a GoPro Clip Mount, you can ensure that your camera stays in place and captures the footage you need. So, next time you?re looking to create a unique video, consider using these tools to mount your GoPro camera on a telephone pole.

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GoPro Feet Adapter

GoPro cameras are ideal for capturing action-packed moments on the go. With their small size and tough build, they are perfect for extreme sports enthusiasts, adventurers, and vloggers. However, the folding fingers on the GoPro mount can make it frustrating experience if you don't have the right GoPro mount available. Fortunately, GoPro Replacement Folding Fingers with an Adapter Mount with 1/4 Tripod Connector Port are available to enhance your GoPro experience.

Compatibility with GoPro cameras

The GoPro Replacement Folding Fingers with an Adapter Mount with 1/4 Tripod Connector Port are compatible with all GoPro cameras, including Hero 11, Hero 10, and Hero 9. This means that regardless of the model of your GoPro camera, these replacement fingers will fit perfectly.

Adapter Mount with 1/4 Tripod Connector Port

In addition to the folding fingers, the replacement kit also includes an adapter mount with a 1/4 tripod connector port. This feature is particularly useful for vloggers who want to mount their GoPro camera onto a tripod for better stability while recording. The tripod connector port is also compatible with other camera accessories that use a 1/4 inch screw.

Go Pro Folding Fingers

Four Things I Learned

  • Easy Installation. It took me about four minutes to install this. It was as easy to install as replacing a battery in a kids' toy - you know, the ones with the battery door that you have to unscrew.
  • Everything is included. I found the screwdriver to be very useful and the right size. There was no need for the screws since I could have reused the ones on the GoPro. Upon completion, I placed the old folding fingers, screws, and screwdriver in the bag. This way, if there are any problems, I can just replace the old one.
  • 1/4 Tripos Connector. I found this to be a great solution for my needs. I have no problems with the mount. There is only one tricky part if I am using a Media Mod. Tripods do not have a long screw.
  • Folding Fingers. As opposed to the default folding fingers, these fingers are more difficult to open and feel stiffer. To get the fingers in place, the GoPro screw is usually helpful. The new mount hasn't caused any problems with any GoPro mounts I've tried.

Go Pro Feet Adapter
Before and After

In Summary

The adapter is so useful to have and easy to install, anyone that has a GoPro should definitely make the switch. There are a lot of companies selling the kit, the one I got was a generic brand and works well for me.

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GoPro Hero 9 - A Year Later

A year ago today I purchased the GoPro hero 9 from Buy Buy. You can read all about my GoPro purchase and expectations on the January 3, 2021 blog post. In addition, check out all the various GoPro Blog posts from last year.

The GoPro Hero 9 was a great purchase and I certainly got my monthly worth from the camera. It's a great tech toy to have and highly recommend anyone that enjoys photography to get one.

Sample Video

Cape Cod at night using the standard night time timelapse settings.

Top Accessories

Over the past year, I purchased various accessories to make use of the GoPro. These are the top three accessories that I recommend people get with their GoPro.

GoPro Flex Mount - This has worked great! I use it to connect the GoPro to a tripod. I purchased a similar one that GoPro makes on Amazon and it lasted about 4 months.

GoPro Media Mod - This GoPro Accessory adds a quality microphone to help create a better-sounding video for situations where you need it. This is great to have when you want quality sound.

GoPro Battery Charger with Extra Battery - This is essential when traveling. Its very helpful to have extra batteries and to have a charger that can charge both of them at the same time.

Things I Learned

The original GoPro batteries didn't last that long. By July of last year, I had to stop using the original batteries because they didn't hold the charge that long.

Your better off getting a large SD card for traveling. I think 256GB is a good size for a week's trip.

Be careful using the GoPro in extreme temperatures. You are much better off using an external device in hot temperatures. In cold temperatures use something that will at least protect the camera from snow and ice.

When using an external charger. Make sure to connect it to the GoPro first before turning it on. This will make it so the GoPro knows there is an external power source.

Using a coin can help open the battery door. It is hard to open it the first few times but you can get used to it. It is hard to open because it needs to be waterproof.

There are times when the GoPro will not upload files to the cloud right away. Make sure to disconnect the USB-c cable to try again. It may take a couple of tries. Always check to see if the file was uploaded before deleting it from the card. Don't assume that files always get uploaded.

I have found that video files - particularly long 5k videos - are files that have problems uploading on the initial attempt. It will get uploaded - just be patient and try a couple of times.

The GoPro does a great job capturing audio. I have placed this near a load audio source and I haven't gotten any clipping sounds as I have with other devices.

I like to keep the device charged and an empty card in the device. You never know when you'll want to use it.

Nighttime Timelapse is one of my favorite features. It's very cool to set up the camera in the backyard and watch the stars move through the night. I have tried it at various locations and found amazing things in the night sky. It works great in the summer and winter.

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GoPro Heat Issue

On June 30th, I. noticed that my GoPro Hero 9 was acting a bit weird.

The problem was that It wasn't recording. Basically, the recording would stop seconds after I hit the record button. I then looked at the front of my screen and notice something weird.

Bad Go Pro Mobile
Bad Go Pro Desktop

I took this picture using my iPhone thinking that something was going on with my camera - it worth noting the issue I saw on the front of the camera. There was no issue with the back display.

After a few minutes the "condensation" went away. I don't think it was real condensation.

What Happened?

I think my GoPro was suffering from being in the heat too much during the last recording. According to Dark Sky it was nearly 100-degrees during the last recording.

Prior to the failure, I had the GoPro doing some time-lapse recording on a very hot day. The camera was in the sun the whole time.

There was some rain in my last recording, but I don't think it was that as I had the GoPro do a lot of wet recordings - including snow and rain..

Optimal Enviroment

According to the GoPro Manual

The operating ambient temperature range of your HERO9 Black is 14- F ~ 95- F (10- C ~ 35- C). High temperatures will cause your camera to use more power and drain the battery faster.

What's happing now

Over the past few days the GoPro won't respond to the power button. When I put in a battery it stays on until I remove the battery.

The video recording stops after a few minutes. I have to put the battery and push it back in to record.

I am unable to connect the camera wirelessly or via USB.

While the camera still works, it is not that reliable.

Returning Device

I have to GoPro Subscription service. I will take advantage of the no question as a device replacement. I will return the device for a new one.

This isn't a free replacement as it will cost $99 to get a replacement.

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YouTube Channels

The best way to learn about GoPro is through regular people that use it all the time. If you don't know anyone, then head over to YouTube and check out some cool things that people have done with GoPro.

Many of these YouTubers experiment with the latest accessories and can help guide you to which accessories are worth getting and which ones to avoid going cheap.

To start, make sure to visit the official GoPro YouTube account for quick tips on using the GoPro.

GoPro YouTube

YouTubers

Here are three accounts that I think are worth following:

  • David Manning - Pro Photographer, Meh Filmmaker, and Wanna Be Blogger. Lots of great videos about using the GoPro in the field. I really liked the CHEAP vs EXPENSIVE GoPro Accessories from Amazon video.
  • Gemini Connect - New Videos Every Week to inspire you to Go Out and Shoot. Good videos about vlogging with the GoPro.
  • Air Photography - Capture Life. Great reviews on various GoPro Accessories. If your thinking about a particular accessory - changes are that Air Photography has done a review of it.
  • Danny Black - Real Reviews for Everything. Danny reviews all sorts of tecnology items and every once in a while he'll encounter a new cool "mush have" thing for the GoPro. Check out this channel for new ideas.
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Screen Orientation Trick

Using the screen menu on the GoPro Hero 9 is a bit tricky. I have found that I have to touch it a certain way to do certain actions. For example, it's really hard to scroll - especially if you're trying to change the action item.

There is a neat trick I found that makes it easier. No, it isn't using the smartphone.

Easily Select the Right Setting

When you need to select a different setting, simply change the orientation of the GoPro. You'll see all the available action options.

Steps to Do This

  1. Turn on the Camera
  2. Go to the action that you want, (Time Lapse, Video, Photo)
  3. Click on the bottom row where the action.
  4. You'll only see 3 action items.
  5. Now, physically turn the camera 90-degrees and you'll see at least 6 action items!
  6. Simply click on the one you want, and change the orientation back.

Go Pro Landscape

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Memory Cards Reference

The GoPro support website has a list of all the supported micro SD cards. This makes it really easy to find the card that will work with the camera - no second-guessing.

I put together a visual chart of the supported cards. I focused this chart just on the 128GB size cards, as it should be the minimum size card to buy for the GoPro Hero 9.

Go Pro Cards128 Hero9

Terminology

Here's some reference to all those symbols that you see on the cards.

Card Format Tips

Video Speed Class - The number following the "V" indicates the minimum number of MB/s the card is capable of sequentially writing. Example: v30 - the card can sustain at least 30MB/s continuous video recording. The V30 is the best Video Speed for 4k/5k videos.

Speed Class - Indicates the minimum writing speed. In this case, it's 10. You may see other cards have 2, 4, or 6. 10 is the best for video recording.

UHS Class Speed - list a UHS class rating to designate the minimum write performance for the card, with U1 indicating 10 MB/s and U3 indicating 30 MB/s or more.

Bus Interface - This indicates the maximum amount of data that can physically move into and out of the card. A II Bus Interface is more powerful and has a second row of pins. Most likely to be supported in the next version of GoPro.

A note about the Micro SD XC - This is the card format and the SDXC is the most popular format as it supports card sizes more than 32GB, up to 2TB. If you need cards bigger than 2TB you'll be looking for a card format that has SDUC.

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Gooseneck

Back in October, I purchased the Topmener Jaws Flex Clamp Mount with Adjustable Gooseneck. This allows me to clamp the GoPro where ever I want.

Go Pro Gooseneck Desktop
Go Pro Gooseneck Mobile

Five Things I Learned

  • The "arm" or Gooseneck is 18 centimeters or 7-inches long. The official GoPro version is 8-inches.
  • There is a longer Gooseneck available on Amazon.com which give you 14-inches Gooseneck.
  • My Topmener Jaws Flex Clamp Mount with Adjustable Gooseneck sells for $13.99 on Amazon.com. It's a good price for a "nice to have" accessory.
  • The GoPro version sells the Gooseneck and Jaws separately. The Gooseneck cost $19.99 (or $9.99 with the cloud discount) and the Jaws cost $49.99 ( or $34.99 with the cloud discount).
  • I am certain that the GoPro Jaws is really tight, so if you plan on using this in a moving vehicle, the GoPro version is the way to go. While the one I have works well. I don't really want to test its strength attached to a railing on a moving car or boat.
  • This Gooseneck has worked great! It's really easy to adjust. The clamp has fit on just about everything that I needed. Note: The clamp is design to fit between .25" and 2".
  • My only concern with the Gooseneck is trying to make sure that the GoPro is level to the shot. It's very easy to make minor adjustments, just not all that easy to determine if the shot is leveled.
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About

GoPro is the most popular action camera in the World. Check out some tips and tricks on using the camera.

Checkout all the GoPro blog posts.

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