Sure, this camera has been available for years - but it's the tried and true model, and it's often available (refurb with full warranty) for $140-$170. I picked mine up for $150 - mostly just to mess around with and also because none of my other cams have the full waterproof enclosure. I can use this one on the sailboat and beach! This model is easy to use and it fits most of the stock GoPro mounts that quad manufacturers provide - such as the DJI Phantom 1, various gimbals, etc. I put it on the P1 with a vibration reducing mount, although for still photos this is probably not needed. Operation is quite simple and it has all the features you need for flying - my first tests are with the still photos. Various settings are available such as an intervalometer and other timers...as well as settings for resolution and lens width. The Hero2 has a fisheye-type lens, although it's possible to use software to correct some of the fisheye effect. Although I will eventually compare it to a Canon S, my initial photos were done up against a BlackVue Sport SC500, which has a 12MP still photo mode - very similar to the GoPro's 11 MP. The first shots are close-up. Below is the GoPro cropped...click to enlarge if your screen is not large. Below is the BlackVue cropped... The BlackVue tends to process pics with a pastel type of look - in the case of this close-up, the GoPro appeals to me more. Notice the grass detail. I'd rather have the detail and be able to then work with it in a post-processing program like Photoshop Elements or even iPhoto. More coming as I test further...
Here is a far shot comparison - and a crop from the full size shots. Note that the full size shots have been downsized to 2000 pixels wide for easier display. First, the GoPro - click for bigger photos - you may have to click twice or use full screen arrow to see the largest size. ---------------------------------------------------------- Next, the BlackVue Sport SC500 Once again, the watercolor of pastel look of the cropped shot of the barn is evident on the BlackVue. However, it does look somewhat nice, IMHO. The GoPro is more accurate - and, again, leaves more room for post-processing. This mini-review is not designed as a comparison between these two cameras - rather it's for folks to determine if the older GoPro Hero2 could be a decent all-round sports and flying camera. I have some other pics and also some video - not stabilized - which I will post as soon as I download and edit.
Here is an HD Video sample from the Hero2 I am fairly impressed - certainly not professional quality, but this was done without a gimbal (low wind), and is good enough for most hobby and consumer uses.
Here are some additional GoPro photos - reduced to 2000 pixels wide. I have also linked to a zip file containing full resolution photos in case you are interested in the size of the originals. Link to 2 images as full resolution - zip file - download and unzip: https://www.droneflyers.com/images/goprosamples.zip
