Action Camera + Smart Snorkelling Googles

justanick on 23/06/2022 - 22:59

Hi All,

I’m in the market to buy an action camera while going for snorkelling, biking or hiking. We are planning to go to Fiji in few months and I would like to snorkelling there.

I’m also planning to buy full face snorkelling mask.

Few details:
1) I’m a beginner into snorkelling and need a good snorkelling mask. I’m also not a great swimmer but I would like to see underwater life and bring back some memories.
2) The action camera like GoPro Hero 7/8seems very expensive. Can I get a decent quality action camera for $300?

For face mask I found this one in Amazon is this good?

Greatever G2 Full Face Snorkel Mask with Latest Dry Top System,Foldable 180 Degree Panoramic View Snorkeling Mask with Camera Mount,Safe Breathing,Anti-Leak&Anti-Fog,for Kids&Adult https://amzn.asia/d/9jCNZ8f

Electrical & Electronics Snorkel Mask Video Camera

Comments

  • Hybroid on 23/06/2022 - 23:04

    Decathlon have full face snorkel masks if you prefer to check it out and get something reputable: https://decathlon.com.au/products/easybreath-500-surface-sno…

    You can certainly use other action cameras but what's most important is getting a waterproof case and red filter for them for underwater shooting. Even if only snorkelling, it's very useful.

  • El cheepo on 24/06/2022 - 00:13
    +2

    Beware that those full face masks can be a death trap.
    Make sure you understand the dangers with them and how to remove it quickly in case of Emergancy.

    Invest in a decent dry snorkel and mask and you’ll have a much more enjoyable time.
    You should be able to pick up a good set from a dive shop for around $100 (avoid big retailers like bcf etc as their sets are cheap junk at high prices)

    • justanick on 24/06/2022 - 01:09

      Oh no. I didn’t know it was a death trap. Could you please give me some online links for a good dry snorkel mask? I live in Sydney city.
      I went to decathlon and store the guy said full masks are the best. Amazon reviews on some looks good. I did snorkelling in Thailand once and loved it but I had water coming into my mask all the time.
      I wish there was a small oxygen tank for beginners to breathe and see the marine life under the sea.

      Coming back to action camera is there a good casing for iPhone 12 Pro which can be used under the sea for snorkelling?

      • Quantumcat on 24/06/2022 - 08:43
        +1

        Coming back to action camera is there a good casing for iPhone 12 Pro which can be used under the sea for snorkelling?

        Personally I would just buy a cheap underwater camera, in case something happens to it (drop it underwater, someone steals it etc). I was able to get one for about $50 last time I went on a cruise. I always left my phone in the ship.

      • El cheepo on 24/06/2022 - 09:56
        +1

        They probably are nice to use but they are dangerous if your not aware you can build up too much Co2 and faint/suffocate in them or if you accidentally get water in them and can’t get the straps off 😬

        I’m not from Sydney, but perhaps just google “diving stores nearby”

        A dry snorkel and good mask makes snorkelling a really enjoyable experience. Just tell the dive store your concerns/needs and they can point you in the right direction. Just don’t cheap out for a cheap $50 generic set as a bad snorkel set can ruin your experience.
        Go in to a store in person if possible and try them too as you’ll want to see if they suit your face and are comfortable.

        There actually are small oxygen tanks for free diving, but they too are very dangerous (not sure if they are legal here either) haha.

        Don’t get a housing for your iphone unless your prepared to accidentally lose or destroy it. Again, not likely to happen but could happen easily.
        I got a cheapo chinese one off Amazon for $100 and it was amazing, in my opinion the picture quality was on par with a go pro 3/4 but stability wasn’t amazing. (it’s not sold any more so can’t link it sorry)

        Maybe look for a second hand Gopro?

        Fiji will be amazing for seeing some cool marine life, enjoy!

      • trilby on 24/06/2022 - 14:52

        I've used the full face for many years without any trouble. The take a little bit of getting used to but are far more comfortable than the regular variety, especially as you're not getting sore gripping the snorkel with your mouth for extended periods. However you can't dive beneath the surface and you can't blow water out. They reported a few deaths in Hawaii in 2018 that they thought may be attributable, but it wasn't conclusive

  • justanick on 24/06/2022 - 09:10

    Could you please give me some Amazon links of underwater camera?
    Also some links of good quality dry masks?

    • Quantumcat on 24/06/2022 - 10:29
      +2

      I don't know where I bought the one I used but this looks like a good option: https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/polaroid-i…

      It has WiFi functionality which will make retrieving photos much easier, I couldn't get my photos off my camera until I got home and could plug it into my laptop. A lifeproof case will cost more than this and wouldn't be totally guaranteed to not let water in your phone, plus risk of losing your phone so this camera would be a much better option.

      As for dry masks just go into a diving shop and ask their opinion, you'll be much better off than buying online. You don't want to buy online and have it take ages to get to you and then you find out it isn't what you need, and it is too late to get something better. Especially with fins because the size is really important, too small and you'll get horrible cramps and pains and won't be able to swim, too large and they'll constantly be trying to fall off and you still won't be able to swim (kicking too hard will make them fall off). I actually just went to Rebel Sport and got my snorkel, mask and fins there and they were great.

  • justanick on 24/06/2022 - 10:13
    +1

    Thanks a lot mate. You opened my eyes re the mask and I’ll definitely look around for a decent quality dry mask.

    For GoPro second hand on FB market place it’s risky as I could buy something defective and find out later. Do they sell refurbished GoPro? There are so many models which one should I buy?
    I’ve been looking at Akaso brand in Amazon is that any good?

  • rumham on 24/06/2022 - 12:18
    +1

    buy a good mask, Cressi or Tusa etc - nothing more irritating than endlessly defogging when you're out snorkling - and look up the toothpaste trick before your first swim to take the film off. Suggest you go to a dive shop and get someone to help find you one that fits right - not all faces are equal, leaks are just as annoying as fogging!

    Decent underwater point and shoot = olympus tough series. Excellent waterproof cameras for stills, though I'm yet to nail stable video with my Oly Tough 5. Stablised video footage with relatively new gopro stuff is really impressive - its amazing how much you end up shaking about with some swell/trying to dive.

    Jealous of the Fiji trip, sounds like top notch corals

    • justanick on 24/06/2022 - 14:11
      +1

      I found a swim wear store near me.
      There’s a list of dry mask sets. I’m happy to spend decent amount on it $150 as I don’t want my experience to be bad. Any particular ones from the list that I can pick and try? That way it’s easier to know if the store is trying to sell me unwanted items which no one is willing to buy.

      https://wetsuitwarehouse.com.au/collections/snorkelling-sets

      • Spic3y on 29/06/2022 - 22:35
        +1

        Honestly, it all comes down to personal preference and comfort at that price point, try a few on and see what you like. They are all perfectly capable sets.

        I use a mixture of Mares and Aqua Lung if that makes any difference.

        Personally I think staying away from the full mask is a great idea. I am fairly experienced with scuba and snorkelling and thought it would be a great idea to try one of those masks.. It was one of the most terrifying times I've ever had in the water. It felt so restrictive and claustrophobic.

  • spaij on 03/07/2022 - 12:54

    If you aren't terribly fit or a good swimmer, then perhaps you can use a noodle? That being said, as long as you're confident enough to float, you won't need it.

    Compact waterproof cameras are what I use (not that often though). Getting filters for them may be a bit of a challenge (I've never tried).

    I like that you can zoom, so if you're following a turtle, for example, you can get a better shot. But at the same time, you may be looking at the scene through the camera screen, which isn't as enjoyable as just watching the underwater world. Perhaps a GoPro style camera on a stick is better here as you just hold it in the rough direction, but don't look at the camera the whole time?

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