Ultimate GoPro Vlogging Setup

There are 3 main issues when vlogging or filming yourself with a GoPro by itself.

1. The built-in audio is bad.
2. It is hard to hold in your hand without hitting buttons.
3. You can't see what it sees.

In this video I'm going to show you how to rig out your GoPro into a setup that will give you better audio, a preview of what you're recording, and make it easier to hold.

To do this we'll need a few accessories and add-ons. (Links to all of them are below.)

Better GoPro Audio

Let's start with audio first. For a GoPro Hero 5, 6, or 7 you'll need this PRO 3.5mm Mic Adapter to plug in an external microphone. Then for a mic, I like the RODE Video Micro with the furry wind shield on it.

But now if you connect all three, all you have is this dangly mess. I mean, you could vlog like this if you wanted, but I wouldn't recommend it.

The better option is this: a GoPro case from Ulanzi. It has a few really simple features.

1. It adds a cold shoe mount for a microphone, but it is also high enough the your wind shield won't get in the shot.
2. It perfectly hold the mic adapter right underneath the GoPro.
3. It has the standard GoPro adapter mount, so you can put it anywhere.

Attaching a GoPro to a Tripod

You'll most likely just want to add a 1/4"-20 tripod adapter to the bottom of it though. You can either buy the GoPro brand Tripod Mount Kit, or you can buy cheaper off-brand Amazon Basics Tripod Adapters for a few bucks.

Once you have that attached, you just need a tripod. You could use the once that comes in the GoPro kit, something small like the Manfrotto PIXI, something big like a GorillaPod, or even better in my biased opinion, a SwitchPod.

Using a SwitchPod puts the GoPro a far enough distance up and out away from you to show more in the frame. Then when you want to set it all down as a tripod, it switches easily to do so.

Preview Your GoPro Image

Now, the final piece is getting a preview of what your GoPro sees. For this we'll use an iPhone with the GoPro app attached to one of the 1/4"-20 holes on the SwitchPod via a small articulating arm and a cell phone tripod adapter. This one is my favorite, the Glif from Studio Neat.

Then, just turn the GoPro on, connect it to your app & boom, you're ready to go.

Summary

You now have better audio, can easily hold your GoPro, and have a preview of what you're filming. This hold setup, minus the GoPro & tripod is about $130 US. Like I mentioned before, links to all the gear are below.

And if this is your first time seeing SwitchPod it is a tripod I invented and raised $415,000 on Kickstarter to make. You can go to SwitchPod.co to learn more and order yours.