Last spring I made a handful of YouTube videos and while fun to make, they were more difficult than they needed to be because I was fiddling with a lot of old cameras. So I decided to replace everything with GoPro Hero 8 Black cameras and see if there was an improvement in the technical hurdles.
The short answer — much easier to produce a video with these more “modern” action cameras. And the stabilization is light years ahead of what I was using before.
I’m not sure where I’ll go exactly with video, but it is a lot of fun. I think I need a break from writing blog posts so I can work on my book!
Let me know what you think about this video and the idea of more riding videos.
Things went well, Steve, good test vid. Do you know Canadian Moto Guzzi Nick Adams. He’s got a small youtube channel and wore a few books…
I had not heard of Nick Adams. Just watched a couple of his videos — he has the voice for Vlogging! Thanks for the head’s up. I’ll have to watch more of his stuff.
I’ve always enjoyed riders’ POV videos with commentary, which is why I’ve been watching CycleCruzas’ videos for many years. I enjoyed riding along on your test ride Steve, and I look forward to riding along with you on your future videos.
I checked out CycleCruzas channel. Good stuff. His sound is almost wind free. Looking at his helmet I set that it’s a tight seal around the neck.
I’ll be moving my videos to a Scooter in the Sticks channel. Hopefully I won’t lose anyone as I push out more videos!
The quality and definition of the new camera is indeed very good! I am ambivalent re riding videos…. especially about their production time vs message delivery goals. Still, if it pleases you, why not.
I share the same concerns as you Dom regarding video. But I’m searching for a new creative puzzle and I think video may be the path.
Looks like it came out OK. Limited wind noise; I don’t think it’s possible to eliminate wind noise entirely. I’m looking forward to see what you come up with. I’m generally not a huge fan of POV ridealongs, but somehow I believe yours will be…different.
I’ll certainly try and make them different. Endless POV gets sort of boring.
Wow Steve,this will put u over the Top,felt like i was on the back seeing your BEAUTIFUL part of the world too. Wow if i knew you could give a guided tour with sound and video,I would have sent you that set up myself .Very pleased with the quality of the playback….Cant wait for more of these adventures 👍👍👍for sure.oh that riding jacket is way cool,my riding duds suck😲.. Thanks and peace Dr.Don
I like the Klim jacket too. Matches the helmet AND it is easy to wear.
I’ll be attempting to make some more complete explorations via video. Time will tell if I have the skill to pull it off.
Fun video!
Thanks!
I especially liked the ending, “Diggidy-Dog”.
Hah! Not sure where that came from.
Well done Steve! Reminded me of those great nine years we spent at PSU. Makes me wonder whether I should try similar equipment for my woods ramblings.
Thanks Steve. A little GoPro and a wireless Rode mike setup and a little selfie stick would have you in business in your woodland wandering. The small investment in gear would show you care. And as you know, people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care!
I’m impressed with both the picture and sound quality! Can’t wait to see what you do next…
Me too!
Audio was good as it will make or break a video. I like the narration. I assume the audio is only on the helmet mounted camera or are you using Bluetooth?
Both cameras record audio but I only used the audio from the helmet camera. If I get off the bike and start to shoot without the helmet I can use the audio from the other camera. For walk and talks or static shots. I’m still working out the bugs on audio but you’re right, bad audio will kill the watchability of a video.
Steve the audio is much better than I expected it would be. Some wind noise but manageable. Audio is quite consistent which is nice. Audio and VoiceOver to tell a story is one of the toughest challenges. I find personally that riding and doing VoiceOver at the same time just doesn’t work well. It’s too hard to ride, focus on risk, and think about what ideally you want to say. The alternative is to record the VoiceOver narration only once the video is more or less in final form. I wouldn’t say that’s easier, because the narrative is like the thread in the garment and the clothes will be better if the stitching kicks ass. Riding with the mic is essential though, because the road noise, and the sounds of riding from the engine and transmission bring everything to life so nicely. Basically can’t really have one without the other.
Overall, great job Steve. Felt like I was there.
I agree David, narrating while riding will be a challenge. I’m not sure if the problem is that riding requires too much focus, or whether my thoughts aren’t clear. When I write essays, I have plenty of time to edit. That’s not the case with narration while riding. And doing voice over later introduces other issues.
It will take some practice to determine if, and how, I might tell stories with video.
The bike sounds great. I’m always amazed how decades old bikes run like Swiss watches.
It really does sound great.
How exciting! Your new video set up may well offer yet another great perspective which I will enjoy! I’ll look forward to it, as I so enjoy your posts, and I know you already have professional skills to entice you in this new endeavour.
I have a small addiction to “ Itchy Boots” ( on You tube) and really enjoy her work. It appears to currently be her full time work while still travelling solo in most interesting places! I started watching her in season 5 where her skill set is impressive, enhanced by her use of a drone, a selfie stick, and her tendency to research the area adding to her existing knowledge as a geologist. Out of interest I decided to start watching her series 1 efforts and it is amazing how much she has learned since then! She has now also added her own website:
https://www.itchyboots.com
I notice that part of her new venture includes 2 on line courses : motorcycle vlogging 101 & motorcycle vlogging advanced.
My personal interest lies in enjoying the work of others….😉
Have fun! I’ll watch for the next editions. Thanks for sharing your next steps.
I’m definitely interested in developing a different approach to my stories. Video is a curious form and the puzzle is attractive. So I’ll wander down that road for awhile.
I enjoy watching Itchy Boots and I’ve taken her vlogging 101 course. Her material is excellent and has helped shape my decision to make more videos.
Now I just have to see what my brain can put together.
I have a GoPro Hero 4. The problem I have with video is the editing part, it is just too time consuming.
I find the editing comparatively easy to figuring out what shots to make. But both are time consuming compared to shooting still pictures.
Cool little video. I also use the Hero 8 Black and it works good for me. I film a lot in 1080 which seems to work just fine. By the way, I am friends with Billy that has the big yellow Land Yacht.
Hello Tom,
Billy has friends??!! Who knew! *grin*
The quality of the video from the Hero 8 is great at 1080. I haven’t used it much but see no reason to use the 4K setting. I’ve not really warmed to making videos. I’ll probably end up selling my two Hero 8s and the associated gear.
Say hello to Billy for me when you see him!