Snorkeling California:
And Beyond
BlackVue Sport Action Camera Review
BlackVue offers a fantastic action camera with competitive features for a much more affordable price than GoPro. It's one of my favorite action camera for recording snorkeling adventures.
Features
The BlackVue Sport offers both 1080p (60/30fps), 720 (120/60/30fps), and 480p, with powerful Sony Exmor CMOS sensor. Still photos also available through the 12mp camera, with 157 degree angle of view. It also has a backdoor LCD screen viewfinder and image reviewer, something most stock GoPros do not feature. Storage is via microSD slot on the side.
Accessories
The stock BlackVue Sport comes with waterproof case, battery, charger, adhesive attachments, and a variety of clips compatible with GoPro mounts (excellent design choice given the plentiful OEM mounts available on eBay for GoPro). There is also a open case for mounting the camera in vehicles and the like. Finally, the waterproof case features a flat lenses, allowing wide angle but detailed underwater filming and photos.
Function
The BlackVue Sport performed wonderfully on all my snorkel trips. I was able to record high quality, HD video with ease; the audio feedback for stop/start recording is also audible underwater and really helps with keeping track when shooting. Button locations are intuitive and allow for quick on/off when needed. Finally, playback is a cinch with the LCD backdoor, allowing you to quickly sort through your footage even before getting back home. Initial occasional 'freezes' have been fixed with a recent firmware update.
Summary
Check out these videos (La Jolla, Fish ID, Poipu Beach) on my YouTube Channel for an idea of the high quality footage obtainable via the BlackVue Sport. Also, most of the photos on this website were taken with the BlackVue Sport. It's definitely a very impressive alternative to the GoPro Black 3 and offers a far better price point as well.