Video Trail Rides

[Tntitans21399]

I usually use my phone on it's cell phone holder aimed out the front windshield, which is fine. But I use my phone for pictures when I get out of the jeep, GPS, group text, etc... I have been looking at the GoPros and Insta360 cameras. I'm not filming for youtube influence type, just casual memory types for digital picture frame etc...

The insta360 cameras, I don't care about the birdseye view, but maybe putting on top of my rack, then could get front and back of obscures. But I do spash mud so I don't know if that would work. But I could put it back enjoy to help not get to muddy. The GoPro I would probably put on my dash like a dash camera. The front hood and windshield do get covered by splashes so I can't put outside in front or it would be muddy and not be able to film.



For the guys that use a GoPro what setting and memory card do you use? I have heard the stabilization doesn't do well in shade. I drive in Tennessee on back country roads (scoops loop, dirt devil, and land between the lakes. So you are in sunny spots and under tree lines. I know the 1080p gives you the longest battery and memory. Is that a good enough quality for trail riding?

Where do you mount yours?

 

[macleanflood]

First off GoPro of any trail footage is just that. It's pretty static and fairly monotonous.

I use GoPro 7s. I have three. One Gray, two blacks with removable batteries. 7s can be bought cheap... usually $75 to $100. I run on 1080P but I could do 4k if I wanted. I don't because I have filled six hard drives in two years.

Most smart phones have image stabilization. Use it.

I also have a cheap Akaso from Amazon.

I usually run a GoPro on my dash. I usually use that for transition shots and in cab audio and radio chatter.

I have another GoPro on a tripod I try to stage ahead and get drive by shots.

And my other GoPro is on a magnet mount so I'll usually move that around to get various perspectives of vehicles following said vehicle. That only works if the vehicle with the GoPro isn't smoking fast and too far ahead.

Then I'll fill in wherever I can with my smart phone.

You want good videos you need a patient group or be a fast runner. You need to get out and film, set up shots and slow down.

By the way I'm at 972 subscribers and I'd love to hit 1k for Christmas.

https://youtube.com/@trashandtrail

I want a drone. And I want Google to pay for it!

Take a look at my Rubicon Trail footage. I ran a lot of the trail when my wife wheeled with a smart phone on a gimbal.

-Mac

 

[steelhd]

I watched a wheeling video shot with a GoPro mounted on a gimble. Wow!

 

[hosejockey61]

Trying to video on a trail can be a challenge as people will sour to the constant in/out and hold ups. That changes a lot when it is good drivers on challenging terrain. As long as the group knows and expects it, you can get some cool stuff. I primarily use my phone but have since bought a gopro and use that in addition to the phone. Editing is the next big part. I have learned to cut my stuff down as tight as I can and I'm still learning what else I can do to improve the final product. A good editing app is essential to making a watchable video. People just don't want to see 5 minutes of a dirt road with no change.

You can see how a gopro can change the feel of a video here at the 5:30 mark. (open it and watch the ads first )

 

[Apparition]

People just don't want to see 5 minutes of a dirt road with no change.

Yep, we want action, interest and entertainment.

 

[John Cooper]

Yep, we want action, interest and entertainment.

Glad I didn't video the mud pit ride, all y'all would have heard was.........

Crying, whining, moaning and such as I sat stuck in that crap and the floor boards filled up with stinking nasty water.

 

[Apparition]

Glad I didn't video the mud pit ride, all y'all would have heard was.........

Crying, whining, moaning and such as I sat stuck in that crap and the floor boards filled up with stinking nasty water.

Depends on if you can make it interesting or not.

 

[AdventurePig]

I really like the idea of a drone that can follow you down a trail or offer you a cool panoramic view of the area you’re in. Otherwise a passenger with a smart phone who can hop out during fun obstacles and a dash mounted iPhone with onX and a fisheye lens (for camera and navigation work) has worked great for us

 

[SlimJimm]

I’ve mounted mine on the dash and on the side of the jeep using some of those clamp mounts. The footage is solid, but I do agree about the stabilization—if you’re in the shade or bouncing around too much, it can get a bit shaky. As for the Insta360, I thought about trying it too, but I’m not sure how it would hold up in the mud (I’ve had a few times where GoPros got messy enough).

Also, not sure if you're into film stuff, but I recently found the Paris Film Institute—super interesting for anyone thinking about filmmaking, especially if you're after better camera techniques. I checked out their site www.praguefilminstitute.cz for more details. That said, if you're not worried about the birdseye, I’d say it could be fun for unique angles.