Guide Jake TheGardenSnake's New Motovlogging Setup

[HippoDrone]

Jake has started using his GoPro Hero 5 Session as his main camera which was something I really wanted to do but the battery life was pants so was an idea I had to ditch. That would be until now, where he shows us how to give it a 20hr battery life! :O
I'd really like to be able to get this setup to work on my GoPro Hero 6 Black, but so far not been able to.
What is really cool, is that he has linked in his video description to one of my videos showing how to get the GoPro Hero 5 Black and Hero 5 Session to still record audio when using "Quick Capture" and an external microphone.
Anyhows, here is his video:

 

[HeyItsRick]

Seeing a big motovlogger using a setup similar to mine makes me feel much more confident in it.
I liked his point on how action cameras arent really made for us anymore, which is why I like the session...has all I need, hell I thought I needed 4K but I prefer 1080 or 2.7K.
God now I have to change my setup. I tried regular velcro and it didnt quite cut it for both my adapter and powerbank, cant wait to get my hands on some of that dual lock. Also holy hell that tip on vinyl tape, I was just about to run to the store for some gaffers tape but this sounds way better.

 

[HippoDrone]

Have you had any issues getting the powerbank to work properly when using the external mic adaptor?

 

[R-Rated]

Neat.

From the pic in the thumbnail, it appears that it has a junction box for the power feed and mic. I recall SwissMotard did similar for the Hero4 Silver/Black using a modified cable setup originally made by GoPro for the Hero3.

I tried it it for a while and found it freaked out the remote connection. I am curious if this would have the same problem.

 

[HippoDrone]

The box is the external mic adaptor, GoPro force us to use that if we want external audio.

 

[R-Rated]

For those of us still running the Hero 3 Hero4 Silver/Black and crave long recording times without battery changing or using a battery backpack kn the camera - I tracked down SwissMotard's video...

 

[R-Rated]

The box is the external mic adaptor, GoPro force us to use that if we want external audio.

I would hit like on that comment but ...

Bad enough GoPro made use a little cable previously...

 

[HippoDrone]

haha, I've gotten used to it now and it stays mounted on my helmet neatly just behind my GoPro.

 

[HeyItsRick]

Have you had any issues getting the powerbank to work properly when using the external mic adaptor?

No issues yet, I've got a few power-banks that I cycle through. 2 of them dont automatically turn on when plugged but they also have "On" buttons.
I will say that to try to stay on the light side, i went with a lipstick sized battery pack (1200 mAh) and the output wasnt enough to power the gopro through the adapter. I've got a 3500 mAh pack that fits square on the back of my helmet. If that doesnt workout I may try something larger on the side like he's done.

 

[HeyItsRick]

The box is the external mic adaptor, GoPro force us to use that if we want external audio.

This sucks but now that I know about that dual lock I'm gonna pick some up in black to match my helmet.
Now I'll be able to strip all electronics off the helmet, right now the adapter is 3M'd to the chinbar.

 

[SighBored]

Personally I don't think I could ever bring myself to strap on a power bank onto my helmet, like ever.

 

[HippoDrone]

Is that due to safety or ergonomics?

 

[HeyItsRick]

What kept me from doing it was aesthetics. I dont want a giant brick hanging off the side of my helmet. It took alot to accept the idea of permanently sticking the mic adapter to my chinbar, which is why that dual lock is a godsend.
I'm still working on finding the right powerbank and length of USB C cord to fit on the back on the helmet. I want something to fit square on the back of the helmet, won't cause alot of drag and when removed it'll just be a patch of dual lock.

 

[NF Vulcan]

I have been considering this option for battery life for long rides. But as far as a normal video for me, I usually don't even record longer then 30 to 45 minutes. I have the session 4 so no mic adapter for me. Maybe when they start going on sale ill upgrade

 

[HeyItsRick]

I have been considering this option for battery life for long rides. But as far as a normal video for me, I usually don't even record longer then 30 to 45 minutes. I have the session 4 so no mic adapter for me. Maybe when they start going on sale ill upgrade

I just picked up a second Hero5 Session ("Certified Refurbished") on amazon for $150...
Probably wait a little longer and you might find them cheaper than that now that GoPro has removed them from their website.
*Edited, meant to say GoPro when I said amazon

 

[NF Vulcan]

I just picked up a second Hero5 Session ("Certified Refurbished") on amazon for $150...
Probably wait a little longer and you might find them cheaper than that now that GoPro has removed them from their website.
*Edited, meant to say GoPro when I said amazon

ya ive been looking and waiting. soon enough ill be up to par on upgrades. having a kid means no mo money for a while. but its all worth it

 

[lupin]

People seriously think this is a good thing?

If you have to add all that stuff to make a camera work then you need to find a different camera. It just goes to show that there are no decent cameras out there at the moment.

 

[HippoDrone]

You just said exactly why folk are doing this, there is no camera that fits our needs, so we have to adapt and overcome. I have been doing some tests this eve, I just filled a memory card on my Hero 5 Session and still had a full battery. Tried the same on my Hero 6 Black and got less than 16 minutes and the camera had a hissyfit. Might mean I massively rethink my whole setup and have the 5 and 6 Black as bike mounted cameras and go with the 5 Session as a helmet mounted camera.

 

[lupin]

What pisses me off the most is that both GoPro and Drift previously had really good cameras for helmet cams. Now it seems that it really is a part of the market they no longer care about.

The Ghost 4k is better than the gopro as far as a helmet cam is concerned but its not really right.

Maybe we need to start a kick starter to make a decent camera. Anyone good with cardboard and glue?

 

[HippoDrone]

why do you say the Ghost is better than the GoPro?