GoPro Hero2 (cheapest source)

xrapidx

xrapidx

Honorary Master
Joined
Feb 16, 2007
Messages
42,188
Reaction score
4,038
Location
Cape Town
I want to get a GoPro Hero2 for scuba diving, amongst other things.

Is there a local "authorized" distributor? Local sites seem to be around R4,000 - I can import one for R3,000 (25% less).

Strangely, I tried bhphoto.com - and got a error message saying license restrictions prevent them from sending to SA.
 
Did you see the post about underwater focus issues? Sorry am on my phone can't find it easily but it was an eye opener.
 
Try Orca Industries in Wynberg.
They have them for not to expensive just can't remember price now.
 
I'll try them - thanks... doesnt seem like these camera's are too popular locally.
 
xrapidx said:
I want to get a GoPro Hero2 for scuba diving, amongst other things.
Is there a local "authorized" distributor? Local sites seem to be around R4,000 - I can import one for R3,000 (25% less).
Strangely, I tried bhphoto.com - and got a error message saying license restrictions prevent them from sending to SA.
Click to expand...

I am sorry for this inconvenience. The manufacturer restricts us from selling these products outside the USA.

Henry Posner
B&H Photo-Video
 
henryp said:
I am sorry for this inconvenience. The manufacturer restricts us from selling these products outside the USA.

Henry Posner
B&H Photo-Video
Click to expand...

No problem - not your fault, wanted to use you as I've never had a problem with my orders getting here :)

EDIT: I wish we had this sort of customer service in SA :)
 
Last edited:
xrapidx said:
No problem - not your fault, wanted to use you as I've never had a problem with my orders getting here :)

EDIT: I wish we had this sort of customer service in SA :)
Click to expand...

I totally agree, Henry and the guys at B&H has the best support. I would proudly support them any day.
 
<Insert negative South African ripoff grumble here ....>

I would prefer to support a local supplier but here is the cheapest option I can find you. R3350.

http://www.have2have.co.za/product/GoPro-Camera-HD-HERO2-Outdoor-Edition-CHDOH-002/118784/

For SCUBA the hero two is significantly better than the v1 due to it low light superiority, so spend the extra money.

Make sure you purchase a flat lens. There have been some issues with the Hero 2 and insertable lenses.

- You cannot get full fram on some wider modes. 720p works fine though. At 1080p you will see a vignette.
- Some lenses make contact with a flat lens, this differs camera to camera due to tolerances. There is a foam rubber hack for this.

Using an external flat lens like the Eye of Mine lens avoid these issues.

Make sure you have a tether of some sort. Its embarrassing trying to find your camera in the sand.

If you're going below a few meters consider bringing a light or inserting a red filter. You loose red very quick and the camera has nasty rolling shutter artifacts when light levels get low. I'm got a mind to use the roll bar mount to attach the camera to a dive torch. Will report back.
 
Thanks :)

The have2have price isn't bad - I think its about R200 more than importing it yourself.

GoPro plan on releasing an underwater housing in Q3 2012 - but I see you get a lens replacement kit on ebay (where you screw off the current domed lens, and screw on a flat one (reusing the housing).

EDIT:

Only problem I have with have2have is this:
Warranty

Q: Can you include a warranty service, where Have2Have is responsible for repairs and exchanges.

A: Have2Have offered this service in the past, when we changed the policy, due to an overwhelming request on the part of our visitors, we immediately discounted our service fee by 8%, if we were to change the policy again we would need to raise our fees. We believe there are tons of companies charging the higher price and offering the service. We want to be different and offer the lowest priced goods to your door. We want to be like a friend who is always going overseas and willing to bring back goods for you. However just like when you ask your friend to bring an item back from holiday for you, he/she cannot hold the responsibility of the warranty.
Click to expand...

Which is:
1.) Illegal (CPA)
2.) Means you're going to have a hassle returning the item, if necessary, if you are not the original purchaser
 
Last edited:
I got the HD Hero2... R3999 is the price, pretty much everywhere I looked. Ended up getting the surf hero from Takealot. Ordered it at 5pm got it the next day at 12:00.
 
doobyscoo said:
I got the HD Hero2... R3999 is the price, pretty much everywhere I looked. Ended up getting the surf hero from Takealot. Ordered it at 5pm got it the next day at 12:00.
Click to expand...

Yeh - local RRP seems to be set at that... only seen it cheaper at one place.

Still 33% more expensive than importing. :(
 
Out of interest, what would be the best all round kit to get?

Considering the accessories given with the "Surf" version - I don't think they'd be of use underwater.

I also:
Kayak
Mountain Bike
Stuff around
Wanna get a dog's view when we play ball on the beach.
 
xrapidx said:
Out of interest, what would be the best all round kit to get?

Considering the accessories given with the "Surf" version - I don't think they'd be of use underwater.

I also:
Kayak
Mountain Bike
Stuff around
Wanna get a dog's view when we play ball on the beach.
Click to expand...

I attached mine to my bodyboard using the mount it come in on the box (square plastic plate) which I then cut 2 holes in and mounted to my board using leash plugs.

I use the orange floaty back and the plain back which I stuck the leash mount to... and nothing else.

I would love a helmet cam or a wrist cam... which would hopefully mount to my bicep.

If I was you I'd go for the outdoor version... it's what I wish I had bought.

Another thing you have to have to get is anti fog strips... they are strips you put in the housing to stop the lens fogging up. My first session with it, it fogged up bad but I closed it up outside in the hot humid Richards Bay air. Next session I'm going to close it up in front of the aircon vents and see if that solves the problem. Silica gel would work too.
 
xrapidx said:
Out of interest, what would be the best all round kit to get?

Considering the accessories given with the "Surf" version - I don't think they'd be of use underwater.

I also:
Kayak
Mountain Bike
Stuff around
Wanna get a dog's view when we play ball on the beach.
Click to expand...


I love this idea
Just a quick question out of curiosity, how are you going to mount this to your dog?
 
Acid0 said:
I love this idea
Just a quick question out of curiosity, how are you going to mount this to your dog?
Click to expand...

Helmet :p

Not actually sure :p She wears a harness instead of a collar for her lead - so I can probably find some way of building a tripod like thing on top of it that she wont notice.
 
xrapidx said:
Helmet :p

Not actually sure :p She wears a harness instead of a collar for her lead - so I can probably find some way of building a tripod like thing on top of it that she wont notice.
Click to expand...

The chest mount might work... it's basically a harness.

Got the antifog strips on the weekend, they make a world of difference to the quality of the video.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X