During the winter I researched, rigged up, and tried to come up with the easiest way to record sound to my GoPro. I used one of my extra GoPro cases to modify putting a mic on it by drilling and shaping an opening to put a GoPro - 3.5 mm Mic Adapter and still maintain being water resistant.
Option 1 GoPro + Sony ECM-DS70P
The sound seemed muffled and the recording wasn't loud enough. With the GoPro enclosed in the modified waterproof case, it almost seemed like I wasn't using a mic. - FAIL
- Pros – Cheap
- Cons – Poor sound quality, messy wiring to the GoPro case
Option 2 GoPro + Rode Video Mic Pro Compact VMP Microphone
Good quality sound, attaching the Rode Video Mic through the modified GoPro Case.
- Pros – Can be used with extended GoPro Battery, sound quality
- Cons – Bulky setup, not waterproof
Option 3 GoPro + Sena Bluetooth Pac for GoPro + Sena Bluetooth Mic
Great quality sound and clean setup. Expensive option.
- Pros – Great quality, clean setup, Bluetooth.
- Cons – Expensive, short battery life because of Audio Pad attaches to back of GoPro where extended battery usually goes.
When I finally did get out to try all three under the same conditions, the Rode Video Mic performed flawlessly and wasn't as bulky as I thought it would be on the kayak. I did my test on the Hobie Outback. I only used one bracket (picture) to make it less bulky.
The Sena Audio Pac and Mic didn't have the sound quality that it did indoors. I may have to play with the settings to get better quality sound.
The Sony ECM-DS70P was a fail all the way. I am assuming that this mic is meant to be close to your mouth for any type of good sound quality. Since it has to be attached to the GoPro and isn't wireless, it isn't an option.
Overall, the Rode Video Mic was the clear winner for recording sound with your GoPro using a modified GoPro waterproof case. You can use it with your extended battery, and it is slightly cheaper than the Sena Setup. Here is a YouTube Link where I was using the Rode Video Mic Pro to do an interview on the water.
