Multiple cam set up: GP Max + Hero? or Insta360 + Hero?
 

I'm looking at having a multi action cam set up filming simultaneously. I want a GoPro Hero (9 or 10) in addition to a 360 camera (GoPro Max 360 or Insta360 One X2).

The Hero will be the primary helmet mounted camera (with a media mod and external mike). The 360 will be the primary bike mounted camera. I already have an older GP model. Off the bike I tend to use either a Sony alpha or cybershot, or my phone. Sometimes I use a separate sound recorder... All depending

From all the reviews I have come across, the One x2 is the superior 360 camera. But, if I am to use a 360 cam in conjunction with a GP Hero, is it better with a GP Max?

What benefits do I stand to gain or loose with either option (Max vs One X2)? What would you choose?

Sounds like you're a one man film crew with all that stuff. Do you have a vision of how it's all going to work together? I found it hard enough to keep a couple of regular GoPro's and a 'street camera' in operation on the last serious trip we did. To add in a couple more plus a separate sound channel begins to feel like the old adage 'jack of all (cameras) but master of none'.

So what's the plan - use them at random and hope there's enough stuff to put something viewable together afterwards, or storyboard the sequences in advance or something else? I'd be interested in how you see this because I'm looking at what to do for a trip in the summer.

I know nothing about 360 cams so haven't seriously considered them but I do know I only have two hands, and most of the time they're busy on the handlebars. I also have travelling colleagues with limited amounts of patience for this stuff.

In the past and currently I don't use a story board or a script. Sometimes I have a general idea on some talking points, and just wing it. On a long ride, there are many chances for retakes on talking, and then just stitch it in post. I'm still learning and hardly ever publish anything ever, but that is something I want to change. One of the things I have felt missing is good sound while riding.

My new set up that I have in mind sounds complicated, but I do think it will make things much easier - also in post.

Generally I use one or two action cameras and don't record narration while riding (use text). I've usually kept the talking to when stopped, often using a cybershot digital camera (or similar) on a gorilla tripod. Sometimes I've paired that with a lavellier connected to my phone or sound recorder. I usually use stills and various video for B-roll.

In the new set up I'm thinking putting a sound recorder or mic connected to it, and put it under the seat to record engine sound without wind. I'll probably keep the recorder outside the seat though, with a permanently mounted mic under the seat (scavenged from an old phone headset with minijack or something). This way I can quicky disconnect the mic from the recorder and use the recorder in other ways. I can for instance use the sound recorder to record my voice (or a subject), while filming myself (or subject) from afar. I will in post layer the engine soundtrack with voice.

But, like you say - it can quickly turn into a lot of work. I might find recording engine noice too much of s hassle. Also, a phone with a mic or lavellier is an excellent sound recorder - so might leave the recorder at home. A problem with using the phone is that incoming calls or notifications can ruin the track. I still want to keep my phone.

Another option is to record the second sound track on the 360, and also use the 360 as my soundrrcorder. Maybe use a wireless mic? - both underneath the seat and on a lavellier or mic for talking Then there would be no need to bring the sound recorder.

In the new set up I want to use a GoPro with media mod and mic inside my helmet as my primary - a permanent set up (would do 80% of the work). If we are two riders, then each of us will need that - this way we can record conversations over the BT comms (not directly, but by lining up both rider's sound tracks in post).

I've never used a 360 before. But, I have lost so much good video because I have had to keep my eye on the road, and not the view. I'm thinking a bike mounted 360 will resolve this as I can find the angle in post, and also capture some awesome B-roll. I've also lost good video because lack of a second remote sound track (I.e. saying the wrong things on video and having no ambient sound to replace it).

I will likely also use the 360 on a selfie stick as my primary while walking arround. I will then capture whatever I want and B-roll in the same take - using only one camera. No concerns for angles or holding the cam steady. No more static and boring tripod capture. Always good frame.

With this setup I will likely not use my Sony very often, except for those cases where I need zoom or other special takes.

So in short, one action cam and asingle 360, and possibly also a sound recorder could do 99% of the work.

My main question is whether to go for the GP Max or the Insta360 One X 2 as my 360 camera (GP Hero is given for action cam). My main concern is editing - combining GP action cam video with 360 video. Will I have a significant benefit if both cams are from GP - large enough to justify not going for the superior 360 camera with also the superior 360 native editing app ("one x 2")? Like I said, I have no experience editing 360 video, so I don't know if there is a real issue combining insta360 one x 2 with GoPro Hero (10?). If anyone can shed some light on this - let it shine!

I have a GoPro hero 10 on my helmet using a https://chinmounts.com/ 3d printed mount which has been brilliant. I use the media mod and a Rode lavalier go microphone gaffa taped inside the front of the helmet.

Depending on your helmet design, engine noise, speed etc you might, like me, need to point the microphone at the cheek pad to reduce external noise, but the GoPro will adjust the gain when you talk so it works out well for me on my road bike, KTM 1290 - the engine is audible only when I accelerate hard and I don't have to shout to get heard.

The GoPro max seems to have sufficient stabilisation to work on a bike, not sure if the Insta would, I wasn't very happy with the original Insta 360.

An Insta360 One R, with the 360-degree mod, on their invisible selfie stick mounted at various points on the bike can make for interesting angles, if you're looking to spice up your b-roll. The selfie stick has a 1/4"-20 hole on the bottom so you can use many common camera/cinema clamping mounts.

If I was to do this, I would strongly consider a Sena 50C or whatever latest C-device instead of a Hero and media mod. The hassle of running the extra wires into my helmet, and riding with that rig all the time... well, unless I'm Itchy Boots and my primary income literally depends on that footage being perfect, I would much rather have a device that is simply there all the time, mounted unobtrusively. And I could run a single power wire from a battery pack in my suit to the device, to have extended record time.

The Hero 10 will almost certainly have better image quality and stabilization etc., but the best camera (for an amateur) is the one that is there when you need it, without hassle. If the Sena C-devices are good enough for Lyndon Poskitt, they're good enough for me.

In terms of the secondary camera - I think Insta has been doing more interesting things than GoPro in that space recently. I wouldn't worry about compatibility issues between the two, you're much better off editing in something like Davinci Resolve anyway instead of the GoPro native app.

Consider that it may be better to use your recorded audio as notes, then re-record a cleaned up text version in post, when you can write the voiceover monologue with the benefit of hindsight. E.g. this is how Ed March does it.



In practice, how much engine noise do you expect your viewers to enjoy? It's one thing to do an occasional driveby shot in a low gear, but a constant engine drone with the occasional gearchange is not really very compelling content. That's why most videos have music or voiceover instead.

It would, yes... but take into consideration the filesize of 360 recordings. Will you have a big enough memory card for a long enough archive to then go back and find the good shots from the day?

Royalty-free music or a voiceover in post is a great alternative. :)