Lately, I have not been uploading as many fishing videos as I have in the past and there's a reason for that. Truth is the action cameras currently on the market aren't ideal for a very specific, but very large audience. Here's a few ways action camera manufacturers can improve the next GoPro.
Current Setup
My current setup that I use to record fishing videos includes a DJI Osmo Action, a Lavalier Mic that's attached to my hat and an external battery pack that I keep in my pocket or throw in my bag. With it being attached to my head, it's a pretty heavy setup on my head and after about three hours my neck starts to hurt and I have to secure my hat to my head because it can fall over easily.
Additionally, with my current set up, after a few hours in the Texas sun, my camera starts to overheat and typically it does not recover until I bring it inside. With all this considered, it got me thinking about a few ways camera companies can create the perfect action camera and improve the next GoPro model. A camera that would be perfect for fisherman, vloggers, mountain bike enthusiasts, and even surfers.
Designing the Perfect Head Mounted Camera
I got excited when GoPro and Insta360 both came out with these FPV style (First-Person) cameras. For GoPro, they released the GoPro Bones, it's a simple light-weight camera, with a rechargeable battery. However, while researching the camera, I couldn't find a way to connect the camera to a standard USB battery pack, and the cameras by Insta360 and GoPro are not water proof, so that's a no-go for surfing, fishing or kayaking. However, we can take the form of this camera and make some adjustments to make the perfect camera.
Make it Water-Proof
There's no way to avoid water when it comes to the outdoors. Even if you're not fishing or kayaking, you would still want a water proof camera to stave off rain and the elements. In a day and age where even phones are water resistant, the next step would be for more action cameras to become water proof.
Continuous Recording
It has to be able to record continuously for six hours, four on the low-end, and infinity on the extremely high end. Another component that can be implemented would be some feature that could pause the recording and then pick up the recording at any given moment with a tap or a sound so the photographer doesn't have to comb through hours of footage, and just save the last X number of minutes.
Cannot Overheat
This is a must, especially for anyone living in the Texas heat. The temperatures in the state can easily reach high eighties, low nineties in the evening and in the morning. Moreover, during the time when the camera will be used, typically you'll be in same spot, so there's not a lot of airflow, so maybe sticking a small fan or a heatsink to absorb the heat or provide some airflow to improve the next GoPro.
External Battery Support
Battery life for any of your devices is crucial. When developing your battery life it gives action camera manufactures an opportunity to do something interesting and special. Currently on my setup I use an external battery, at the very least make it universally compatible with any external battery. However, something that could be completely revolutionary could be to make a solar-powered battery back to eliminate the need for charging.
Audio Support
Currently, I use a hardwired LAV mic that has a fur-ball on the end of it, it's not exactly ideal because it's not waterproof. What would be incredibly helpful would be using a device like an InstaMic, it provides a great sounding Bluetooth mic that clips anywhere. A way to record audio would be a perfect way to improve the next GoPro.
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