Is the new GoPro any good for low budget documentaries?

Question

I am planning to do a legacy video/ documentary series from/ for my family for my grandpa's 5th anniversary of his death. He was a great story teller and loved to share his anecdotes with everyone. I want to make a video of my family so we don't lose any of those precious memories and have something we can look back on in 10 years. My grandma is now hitting the big 80 and want to make this project as soon as possible before we lose her too. So, my question is, what kind of low budget equipment can I use for this? Some of my video friends recommended the new GoPros, either the Hero5 Black or the Hero5 Session. I would have to also research mic options etc, since the main reason of the legacy video/ documentary series is to record them telling stories of the family in interview style. My overall budget is 500$. Please help. Thanks.

Answer 1

ANY camera is a good camera for filming documentaries, or anything really. The full length feature film, TANGERINE, was filmed entirely on an iPhone 5s.

Actually, this is a great question because more important than your camera at this point is your AUDIO equipment. Nothing ruins video faster than audio issues. TANGERINE was NOT created using the Audio picked up by the iPhones! If you really want to start producing viable content then use your phone with some decent audio equipment. It is affordable.

The thing to remember about Documentaries or even so-called Reality TV is that they are all planned and all have scripts to work off. There is no real-Reality TV other than the news and even that has a script.

Everything you see on TV is planned to the smallest detail.

It is always about the writing.

Answer 2

Hello.

 

I'm a journalist and media personality.  I don't have GoPro, but many of my colleagues do.  I have been looking at buying one. Most of my really professional work is in a real TV studio. A lot of my personal blogging and vlogging is done with my Samsung Galaxy tablet and phone.  This is not what you are asking, but, I will assure you that my videos have been shown on TV news networks and the quality was great.  I can provide you with some tips on how to kit a phone out, for less than $200, to make it a great video option.

 

Back to GoPro, Good investment, but, in my opinion, not very necessary for your project. If you plan to do more than this documentary, then it's a good idea.  Frankly, I have two $1800+ digital SLR cameras and one very high end video camera that are collecting dust.  This is my 4th Samsung.  It fits in my pocket, a party purse, uses wi-fi and the videos are easily transferred to Vimeo, YouTube and a host of video editing software that is included in the Samsung purchase or free on Google Play.

 

If you'd like more detailed info on how to work the heck out of a cell phone video camera, check this out. This guy is widely followed by bloggers:  http://www.jawavifilms.com/2015/01/20/the-only-2-cameras-bloggers-need-to-make-youtube-videos-hint-you-already-have-one-of-them/

 

I can also tell you about the accessories I use and where to get them cheaply.  

 

I did several videos of my Granny before her death at age 91. I cherish this footage. It's been 7 years since her death.  I'm SO grateful I decided to start that project when she was 84. I wouldn't steer you wrong with a memory so precious.  

 

I'm here to help!  I tutor on media subjects. I can help!  Lucinda