I just purchased this camera. The hi-def video quality is fantastic, especially considering the price of the unit. But..........the wind noise is definitely unacceptable when using the skeleton back cover. Speed above 50 mph creates so much wind noise it overwhelms the audio.
I tried the solid-back cover which eliminates most of the wind noise, but the exhaust sound is vitually cancelled also.
I know a few of you already have this camera. What suggestions do you have to reduce the wind noise while still using the "skeleton" cover?
There was talk a little while ago about them coming out with a model that would take and external mic. Don't know if it exists yet.
An external mic located down next to the seat is the only way I've found to cancel out the wind noise and keep some of the exhaust sound.
DonC
There was talk a little while ago about them coming out with a model that would take and external mic. Don't know if it exists yet.
An external mic located down next to the seat is the only way I've found to cancel out the wind noise and keep some of the exhaust sound.
DonC
Not yet. I purchased mine a few days ago and there is no port to accept an ext. mic. That certainly would help.
Cobra Make, Engine: Classic Roadster 351W, T5, Red & White
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I contacted GoPro in January regarding the external microphone:
Reply from GoPro Support regarding external microphone.
From: GoPro <custsupport@gopro.com>
Subject: Case Update: 89637 - External Microphone
Date: January 9, 2011 1:51:13 PM EST
Currently, our developers and engineers are considering incorporating the audio in feature into the HERO cameras. However, no specifics regarding an ETA have been released.
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David, the way the wind currents are in a moving Cobra...especially from the rear...there's really no suitable location that will give you a clear view and cut down on the wind noise.
David, the way the wind currents are in a moving Cobra...especially from the rear...there's really no suitable location that will give you a clear view and cut down on the wind noise.
That's disappointingly true. If you look at GoPro's website, they state their investment in wind noise reduction has been substantial. There are two rear covers for this unit. One has small windows in it, and the site states it to be good to 100 mph. The second cover which is totally sealed is recommended for speeds greater than 100 mph, and where total waterproofing is needed. These units are shown to be used on motorcycle helmets, downhill skier helmets, attached to the side of moving vehicles, etc.
The audio quality just isn't there. I rate the video an 8, the audio a 0.5!
I found a GoPro user forum where this issue has been discussed by quite a few folks. One of the easiest recommendations made by one fella........he put a yellow dish washing sponge on the rear of the camera. He did caution anyone who tried this to be careful. He had to use scissors to shape the sponge.
I'll be testing the sponge tonight or tomorrow. If I can reduce the wind buffeting substantially, this may be the best $239.00 I've spent in a while.
I've tried both back covers at various locations, the sponge, etc. I love the camera, but they need an external jack for a remote...period. They can have a different cover with a hole for the wire, and still provide the solid, waterproof one.
Their commercial with what looks like a Mazda Star open wheeler has beautiful piercing audio as it shrieks around the track. Are they cheating by using movie sound equipment for the commercial??
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ERA Chas
Their commercial with what looks like a Mazda Star open wheeler has beautiful piercing audio as it shrieks around the track. Are they cheating by using movie sound equipment for the commercial??
Yes, that's an overdub for sure. Regardless, after spending >>$500 a few times over the last 20 years for Sony's latest Handycam, this is the best $225 I ever spent.
And I agree with Jamo, I'll be expecting some retrofittage if they resolve it later. But unlikely.
Quite often you get what you pay for, and this little package appears to be a bit under engineered. Evidently I can't get where I'm trying to go with this GoPro.
A few minutes ago I ordered an EVO HD from Race Optics. I guess I'll find out if spending more gets me more.
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I have a different camera system that uses a remote lipstick camera, mic and hdd.
I mounted the camera with velcro right under the sun visor. This gave a really good driver's perspective and of course I placed the mic in the passenger footwell, with the mic impedence set on the highest level.
Sponges may be a bit thick but I would suggest an open cell foam like used for windscreens on mics. Also, experiment with different types of tape over the mic holes.
What you will not end up with is a high quality signal to noise ratio, at least in a Cobra.
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Here is a link of my Cobra at 105 mph with the closed GoPro housing and suction cup mounting in the shortest position. Wind noise is terrible but I don't really care, it was open road racing, not napping. If you want good audio you will only get there with something like the EVO with an external mic, properly shielded and positioned out of the wind. Or you could just overdub ZZTop over all your videos.
Let us know how it works out.
Last edited by elmariachi; 05-23-2011 at 08:45 PM..
I'm not a big fan of the Hero camera system because of the extreme wide angle of its lens along with the associated fisheye distortion, and no extenal mic input. I do understand however that they might make a version with a straight wide angle lens. An external digital recorder synched to your video is the way to go for best results with sound. Using a simple foam windscreen for the mic will not work. A special mic setup must be used. Below is a test I did for audio using a special mic setup I designed. The speed reached during the first acceleration was around 90 mph and there is no windnoise, only tire on road noise. The recorder was a Zoom H4 which caught the snarling and growling of the sidepipes well. The video was recorded with a cheap point-and-shoot camera using a conventional wide angle lens. Notice the horizon is straight, not annoyingly curved as a fisheye lens will cause.
(If folks are interested I could probably put something up here showing how the mic was built and the setup was done, but it would take awhile to put together a presentation)
This solution looks very cool. I have been on the fence for a while trying to decide what I should buy. While this is more money it does look pretty cool.
Anyone else have any experience with this solution? Any pictures of the setup? Sample videos?
GoPro Video Camera
Speed above 50 mph creates so much wind noise it overwhelms the audio.
If I can reduce the wind buffeting substantially, this may be the best $239.00 I've spent in a while. 
Evidently I can't get where I'm trying to go with this GoPro.
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