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Editor & Article Writer for Outdoor Wilds
Action Camera Accessories - GoPro Here Buying Guide
In this article I take a look at some of my most used and favourite action camera accessories.
At present I’m using a GoPro Hero 7 Black for recording all my outdoor adventures, so the article does focus on GoPro. The gimbal however may be used with other action cameras too.
Accessories are an essential part to getting great results with your action camera and this list will help those who are new to the world of action cameras.
Take a look at some of my other budget camera gear which may interest you.
Action camera SD Card
I’ve run SanDisk SD cards on all my cameras for years, probably since the days of switching over from DV tape back in the day.
I cannot recall ever having any issue with SanDisk in terms of read / write errors. I have had the little write protect slider break on the standard size cards but that’s not a problem with action cameras as they take the micro version.
My choice of capacity is always 64GB. I know some people prefer the smaller capacity as it lessens the chance of loosing loads of footage if one does fail, but as I said earlier I’ve never had a problem, maybe I’m just lucky.
Take a look at these cards that are currently offering great value.
Batteries
I’m using a GoPro Hero 7 at present. As you probably know this comes with a single official battery which is great but you’re going to need a few more batteries if out filming for any length of time.
I took a browse over at Amazon, and after doing a bit of research opted for the Vemico option. It comes with 3 batteries rated at 1500 mAh which is more than the official GoPro batteries and a really neat little charger that can charge all 3 batteries at the same time.
It’s really does charge the 3 batteries quickly at around 1.5 hours for all 3. I’d say the battery life for continuous recording is around the same as the official battery despite the advertised extra capacity.
I’ve run these batteries dozens of times now and they are still performing the same as the day I purchased them. So if you’re looking for a low cost extra battery / charger option for Go Pro 5,6 and 7 then I’d suggest taking a look at these.
Battery charger
I’m using the Vemico charger that comes with 3 batteries as I mentioned earlier. it’s a great little charger that I use alongside my Addtop solar power bank if I’m out camping for more than several days to charge up the batteries.
Tripod Mount
I use a tripod with my action camera quite a bit. I like to take time-lapses of weather patterns, clouds, cityscapes and so on. Here’s a neat little video I recorded in Sweden at around 7 in the morning of the mist burning off the lake as the sun rises.
A very easy choice to make here and that’s good old GoPro Official Tripod mounts. It comes with 2 versions, a standard mount and a quick release version. They work just fine and are very good value for money in my opinion.
Selfie Stick
The selfie stick may also be used to get shots at angles and places that would otherwise be impossible, and of course for taking selfies, if you’re into that kind of thing.
I don’t use my selfie stick that often, so I didn’t want to spend a great deal of money, I just opted for the selfie stick that comes with a whole host of extras for GoPro. It does the job and alongside all the other accessories offers real great value for money.
Action camera gimbal
The Hohem iSteady Pro was my first venture into the world of gimbals. I hated the thing at first as I just couldn’t get on with it. However I stuck with it and practiced. Now I love the dam thing. It’s a budget gimbal but don’t let that put you off, it’s really well made and produces fantastic results. It works with not only GoPro camera but a number other brand action cameras too.
I really recommend taking a look at this gimbal if you’re looking to up your game in recording dynamic action camera footage. Read my full review of the iSteady Pro.
- 🌿 Free PERGEAR Extension Stick Included |Unlock your Creativity via Isteady Pro|: 360° roll axis horizontal follow without limit, 640° widely pan angle for easily generating a full 360° panorama, Tilt and Roll Axis are adjustable between the angle range from -9.9° to +9.9°
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Watch the video below to see the iSteady Pro in action during my trip to Norway
Shoulder Mount
When hiking I clip the camera onto one of the straps of my backpack using just a standard GoPro clip that comes with the accessories bundle.
I have also clipped the FeiyuTech WG2X wearable gimbal to the clip too. It just does the job fine for hiking, kayaking, skiing or any other outdoor activity.
Underwater Hand Grip
The underwater hand grip is essential if you’re going to be entering the water with a GoPro.
It has a lanyard to attach around your wrist and it floats, plus it’s bright yellow. So loosing your action camera is very unlikely when using this device. A must have accessory for filing in water. Don’t risk filming without one.
Neutral Density Filters
ND filters are in essence sunglasses for your camera lens. This kit from Neewer comes with 4 ND filters, a UV filter and A CPL filter.
By using these filters to lessen the amount of light hitting the cameras sensor it allows you to choose a shutter speed that is double the frame rate that you are recording in.
For example if your shooting at 30 FPS then buy using Protune in the GoPro menu you are able to set the shutter speed to 60 FPS. What does this do? Well it makes for more natural video footage as it adds motion blur to fast moving objects.
If you’re serious about getting the most from your GoPro then I would suggest taking a look at this kit from Neewer.
All in one solution
This “All in one” accessories solution is great value for money. Definitely worth putting on your shopping list if your new to GoPro action cameras.
- Removable triangle suction cup mount :Sucker with CNC processed aluminum adapter pad and plastic screw.Work with GoPro for low angle shot, strong and firm suction to reduce the vibration.
- WiFi Remote Fastening Tape Wrist Strap: Long enough to fit around bulky ski coats or just around your wrist comfortably. Attach your WiFi Remote to your wrist, arm, bike handle, steering wheel
- Backpack Strap Quick Release Clip Clamp Mount 360 Degree Rotation: 360 degree rotation, the direction and the angle can meet users needs.Easily clip or remove it at the backpack,hat .etc.
- Mini Retractable Tripod with Ball Head and Foldable Legs(Silver):Small, Lightweight and portable, easy to store. Suitable for all kind of camera, digital cameras, web cameras and camcorders.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Solar Charger Power Bank
Addtop are arguably the best in the business when it comes to solar chargers in my view. This 25000mAh will keep your action camera running for several days on a full charge. If the weather is sunny then your good for even longer.
I pack this power bank even if I’m going on a day hike, just so I know I can charge my smartphone or any camera gear that I’m carrying if needs be.
- 25000mAh SOLAR CHARGER: Provides large battery backup for usage during outdoor activities. The power bank can charge iPhone 6 around 10 times, Samsung S6 around 7 times and iPad Air around 3 times on a full recharge.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Tethers
This is one of the accessories that I did upgrade to from the “all in one” solution I mentioned earlier. They’re made from stainless steel and come with 2 hoist buckles.
I also use a strong magnet if I’m attaching my camera to a car as an anchor point.
Car mount
So far I’ve just used the car mount that comes with the accessories kit. I’ve mounted it mostly on the windscreen.
If I’m using it on the bodywork I make sure the paint is clean and free from dirt and use the steel lanyard / tethers attached to a strong magnet for safety.
Summary
Adding a few of these suggestions to your arsenal of action camera accessories will certainly help you achieve more exciting and dynamic video footage.
I’m sure I’ll be adding to my list of accessories in the future to help me push forward in getting the best action video footage possible.
Leave a comment in the section below and let me know some of your favourites.
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Last update on 2024-10-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API