By Christopher Oakes
Features Editor

If a picture is worth a thousand words, imagine what thrilling, high-definition videos are worth. Since the emergence of the GoPro camera there is no need to imagine; the web is flooded with breathtaking videos taken with a  GoPro.

GoPros are known for being versatile and durable. They have traditionally been used for taking pictures and videos of extreme sports, but people are now using the camera in more creative ways, ranging from filming concerts to videos of people driving, taken from the dashboard. The camera has even made it to the edge of space and back.

Felix Baumgartner made history on Oct. 14, 2012, when he jumped from a space capsule 24 miles above earth. During his descent, in which he broke the sound barrier, Baumgartner strapped seven GoPro cameras to himself, giving the camera what some may call the ultimate test of durability and versatility. The resulting video gained mass attention and can be seen as an example of GoPro’s utility in harsh environments.

With GoPro sales doubling since the camera’s debut in 2004, selling 2.3 million cameras in 2012 alone, it is no wonder that it does not take much to find someone that uses it.

Environmental Science teacher Jason Breiholz uses his GoPro to film the surf instruction when he’s teaching lessons and to capture videos of his children when they are surfing. He does admit the camera falls short when it comes to long-distance filming, however.

“It’s easy to film (with the GoPro)  when surfers are coming toward you for that kind of angle or close-up shot,”  Breiholz said.

The GoPro is widely used for creating skimboarding videos and pictures, as well. Skimmers treasure the camera for its waterproof housing and wide mounting possibilities. The camera is commonly mounted on the board, a helmet or sometimes even carried in the mouth for an authentic first-person view.

“It’s really easy to use and durable so it’s great for any kind of action sport,” sophomore Wade Cobb said. “You can mount it pretty much anywhere so you can get some really unique shots.”

Sports are not the only place that the GoPro has found a home. Lately, many GoPro users have started to use the camera to capture videos of their interests and hobbies.

Senior Wyatt Robertson uses his GoPro to capture videos of EDM concerts he attends. The use of GoPros at these shows is not uncommon, says Robertson. Many concert-goers like the camera for its high-quality sound and video capabilities.

“I’ve seen a lot of other people at concerts with GoPros,” Robertson said. “Some people use chest and head mounts and get great-sounding videos without carrying (the GoPro)  the whole time.”

The new wave of GoPro users always look for creative ways to use the camera to capture unique videos to share, taking their camera with them everywhere they go to ensure any possibility to use it will not be missed.

“I love my GoPro so it goes pretty much everywhere with me,” junior Liah McPherson said. “I am always looking for fun and creative ways to use it and take cool pictures.”

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