I have used a GoPro and presently own a GoPro knock off. They are fun but I would not consider using one for my main camera. The GoPro I used was an older one and did not have a viewscreen in back so I have lots of shots of me looking at it to see if it is running. The one I have has a screen but when I have used it underwater I cannot see the screen so it is useless. It also only has three settings Wide, Mid and Telephoto (which is not really any such thing) and they are a pain to change on the fly. The quality of the video is good but unless you are doing something exciting it is no better than the video you get off of most phones. The accessory brackets and straps are somewhat spendy but not ridiculous and they do provide more flexibility for a variety of situations. Unless I was skydiving, snowboarding, skiing, downhill racing or some other action sport, for the $400.00 I would buy something else like my Sony DSC-TX30 which is waterproof, shockproof, easier to operate, does not need the protective cover and costs less.