Underwater/Stability Rig For GoPro Camera

In this instructable you can make a underwater and stability rig for the GoPro camera using some PVC pipes/connectors and the GoPro Tripod Mount.
I bought the GoPro, it is great how small the camera is, but that also makes it is hard to keep it stable. And because I go diving for 2 months in Indonesia next summer i needed a small lightweight rig. I only could find the normal heavy and expensive rigs, so i made one myself.
Also the rig can be extended by putting end caps on the handlebars, this would be nice for filming lights.
And don't worry about the tripod mount, you can still use it on a tripod ;)

Step 1 Get Materials

For the rig you will need these things:
- GoPro Tripod Mount > $ 7,99 GoPro website
- About 50 cm  1" PVC pipe > about $ 2 (local hardware store)
- 2x 90º PVC elbows > about $ 2
- PVC Tee > about $ 1
- PVC End cap or PVC Male adapter (I used an old damaged adapter) > about $ 2
- PVC glue (or you should only use PVC pipes with fittings)

And to make it you will need this:
- Drill (with size 20/22 mm)
- Saw
- File

Comments

[The Ubiquitous Taco]

Funnily enough, I had imagined an identical object for mounting a gopro for filming while scuba diving. I would imagine however, that water inside of the pipes would not drain easily when it is lifted out of the water, and that upon entry trapped air would give the rig a very awkward positive buoyancy. I imagine a rig with T-joints where you used L-joints, and perhaps holes drilled in the lateral pipe to further allow draining. Is there any actual cause for concern, from your perspective?

[TomGeurts]

Hi Taco guy,
I already drilled some holes in the bottom pipe to let the water drain out, and one in a side handle to attach a cord, but i haven't edited the instructable yet.. Than choosing between a T-joint or drilling holes is just a matter of weight (and on a dive trip to indonesia every gram counts)
I will edit the instructable later next week with some pictures, and good luck with building your rig!

[colincolin30]

Hi, would you buy a Gopro camera again.?
i am going on a trip and wonder if it would be good for video and stills at various tourist places.
regards
colinColin30

[TomGeurts]

Hi, I would really buy a Gopro again, the video quality is good and clear. But if you also want to use it for stills you have to keep in mind it has no flash, so in the night and in dark rooms the image is not so good.
The image always is wide angle, so lines are always rounded. This also has some nice effects, but is not always.
Preview, pictures taken in Singapore last summer: http://193.43.150.242/~lac/GOPR2755.JPG and http://193.43.150.242/~lac/GOPR2756.JPG. Video, underwater: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=231383263548423&set=vb.100000302528558&type=2&theater, above water: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=253272771359472&set=vb.100000302528558&type=2&theater, and timelapse from 484 pictures: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=253276094692473&set=vb.100000302528558&type=2&theater.
On the Gopro site i saw the new type. When you use it for stills i think it is better to take this new type (Hero2), because it has an 11mp instead of an 5mp chip and some more new options.
I hope I helped you with this,, if you have any questions just ask.
Tom

[chrisrunner55]

thanks for posting this build its is a great simple and cheap build. i was trying to find a a rig for my gopro when i go snorkeling and this is perfect. i actually sealed all the piping and it floats so i dont need to worry about it sinking and losing it. thanks again.

[steveo625c6]

Great Build!

Have you looked into the "Chesty"? Its Go Pro's chest mount that I use and does pretty well. Its a tad awkward in the water to aim it but its one less item to fumble with.

This is my video of Myrtle Beach:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KymOFrC00z8

[TomGeurts]

Thanks! Also a nice video! (but why not in 1080p??)
I was thinking about the chest mount, but I also have the lcd-bacpac (small screen you can click on the back of the camera), so you can actually see what you are filming.
Than this rig is a stable way to film. (and you don't have the BCD inflator blocking your view)
But off course when you need your hands free the chest mount is also nice for diving!

[steveo625c6]

Haha it was taken in 1080p but due to Youtubes condensing its not anywhere near as clear as what I have on my computer.

I actually looked into getting one of those LCD screens, if I get one I do very well see a point to your rig, I did hate how I always had to swim upright at times hoping I got the shot I wanted. If I get it I'll be back to copy the instructable ;)