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I briefly worked for a GoPro competitor: VIO. Our claim to fame was all of the added features that GoPro didn't have: a remote control, view-finder, advanced e

I briefly worked for a GoPro competitor: VIO. Our claim to fame was all of the added features that GoPro didn't have: a remote control, view-finder, advanced editing, et al. Our price was significantly higher. We got clobbered. GoPro's simplicity is its secret weapon. VIO makes a terrific product but missed the mark in terms of UI/UX.

fieldforceapp 14y ago
I'm curious about what you think is still a viable way to compete with GoPro: is it only on price, or are there some missing features that a potential competitor exploit -- the UI/UX you mention? If RED comes out with a water-proof camera I guess that takes care of the high-end, so is the only way to compete with GoPro to go... low end?
- deleted 14y ago
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- papalalu 14y ago
  Really the only downside for average consumers is that the gopro doesn't give as spectacular images in low light - for obvious reasons at that price point, and i haven't seen any alternatives that do much better. this is also an aspect that is rapidly improving.. right now, i don't see any way to jump on this bandwagon. they do it too well.
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  - matthewhughes 14y ago
    As I commented above, the design and aesthetic of the GoPro could really be improved. I think that could move the needle. But you're right, GoPro is killing it. Tough to beat right now.
- hristov 14y ago
  There is one annoying thing about these cameras -- they have a large profile/bad aero dynamics. This seems like something that would not be too hard to address either. First of all they look silly (e.g. if you wear them on your helmet). A more aero-dynamic design would look better. Also, at the high speeds of some of the sports this is used with this may actually cause problems. Take skiing for example -- a professional downhill skier can easily reach and pass 80 mph. This camera will cause so much drag that if it does not fly off it will probably cause a lot of discomfort by jerking the skier's head up. But even at the lower speeds of advanced amateurs this will cause problems. But of course the most important thing for a product like this is looks, and a more aerodynamic design would definately look better.
  - matthewhughes 14y ago
    I totally agree. For sports, there is certainly a performance aspect (in this case, aero-dynamics). But even outside of sports...if you really want people using p-o-v cameras on a regular, everyday basis, the design needs to improve dramatically.
- matthewhughes 14y ago
  Honestly, I'm not sure what GoPro's software looks like any more? (I assume it's pretty solid.) But that could be an opportunity. Also, I believe the design and aesthetics could really be improved. If you really want more people using a p-o-v camera more often, it needs to be a little less intrusive (the GoPro looks pretty awful). A streamlined, low profile camera with the ease and simplicity of a GoPro would be a winner.
arethuza 14y ago
VIO were involved in my all time favourite ski film: http://vimeo.com/33516816 http://vimeo.com/33516816
- matthewhughes 14y ago
  VIO is a great product, no doubt. I made my personal ski movies with my VIO.

fieldforceapp 14y ago

I'm curious about what you think is still a viable way to compete with GoPro: is it only on price, or are there some missing features that a potential competitor exploit -- the UI/UX you mention? If RED comes out with a water-proof camera I guess that takes care of the high-end, so is the only way to compete with GoPro to go... low end?

deleted 14y ago
[deleted]
papalalu 14y ago
Really the only downside for average consumers is that the gopro doesn't give as spectacular images in low light - for obvious reasons at that price point, and i haven't seen any alternatives that do much better. this is also an aspect that is rapidly improving.. right now, i don't see any way to jump on this bandwagon. they do it too well.
- deleted 14y ago
  [deleted]
- matthewhughes 14y ago
  As I commented above, the design and aesthetic of the GoPro could really be improved. I think that could move the needle. But you're right, GoPro is killing it. Tough to beat right now.
hristov 14y ago
There is one annoying thing about these cameras -- they have a large profile/bad aero dynamics. This seems like something that would not be too hard to address either. First of all they look silly (e.g. if you wear them on your helmet). A more aero-dynamic design would look better. Also, at the high speeds of some of the sports this is used with this may actually cause problems. Take skiing for example -- a professional downhill skier can easily reach and pass 80 mph. This camera will cause so much drag that if it does not fly off it will probably cause a lot of discomfort by jerking the skier's head up. But even at the lower speeds of advanced amateurs this will cause problems. But of course the most important thing for a product like this is looks, and a more aerodynamic design would definately look better.
- matthewhughes 14y ago
  I totally agree. For sports, there is certainly a performance aspect (in this case, aero-dynamics). But even outside of sports...if you really want people using p-o-v cameras on a regular, everyday basis, the design needs to improve dramatically.
matthewhughes 14y ago
Honestly, I'm not sure what GoPro's software looks like any more? (I assume it's pretty solid.) But that could be an opportunity. Also, I believe the design and aesthetics could really be improved. If you really want more people using a p-o-v camera more often, it needs to be a little less intrusive (the GoPro looks pretty awful). A streamlined, low profile camera with the ease and simplicity of a GoPro would be a winner.

arethuza 14y ago

VIO were involved in my all time favourite ski film: http://vimeo.com/33516816 http://vimeo.com/33516816

matthewhughes 14y ago
VIO is a great product, no doubt. I made my personal ski movies with my VIO.