It’s great to see your kids in action on the soccer field. But it’s even better when you capture those memories in video footage to watch later and reminisce.
One such option is the GoPro, which has become the preferred choice for capturing fast-action video footage that’s crisp and clear.
Here’s what you’ll discover today;
- Why you should use a GoPro to record a soccer game
- Why is a GoPro the best choice?
- How to use a GoPro?
- Tips to get the best GoPro video footage
You’ll want to read on if you are interested in learning more about any or all of the above.
Why Use a GoPro To Record a Soccer Game?
Most folks might use a DSLR to record youth sports because of the larger lenses, but size doesn’t always matter when recording video.
Despite the compact size of the GoPro, it has become the favorite for pro videographers, and for a good reason.
One of which is because unlike DSLRs they have been designed to capture both still imagery and video and have to compromise on the quality of the latter,
GoPros have a single purpose – to capture fast action video footage.
Then, there’s also the issue of video quality. When capturing memories in a video, you will want it to be in pristine quality.
This can be a problem if you’re using a DSLR or even a 360 camera, mainly because when it comes to a 360 camera, the 4k is split by the full 360 views, affecting the overall quality.
When it comes to DSLRs, while the 18MP APS-C sensor cameras do have a maximum resolution of 5184 × 3456 that can take great still images, a DLSR can only record video at 1080p/2.1MP, and not 4K resolution.
RECORD SOCCER – GOPRO SOLUTIONS
On the other hand, when using a GoPro, you can record up to 48 minutes of 4K (60fps) and 1 hour of video footage at 1080p (120fps).
If you are looking to create shorter video clips using your GoPro, that’s not a problem either.
A 128GB memory card can hold around 76 GoPro videos at 4K resolution (60fps) and a standard video time of 3 minutes each.
By far, one of the best reasons to use a GoPro to record a soccer game is its compact and convenient size, which can accentuate the perspective of the fisheye lens.
Since it is not as bulky as a DSLR or confusing as a 360 camera, you can easily capture high-resolution 4K video with relative ease.
Most GoPros come in the standard Hero size, but you can find even smaller ones than that.
The truth is, GoPros have always improved in camera quality by the year, which means going for the latest GoPro in the market will give you more bang for your buck in terms of video quality.
Using the latest GoPro 10 is the ultimate way to record a soccer game! It has an unbeatable 120 frames per second in 4k!
- Revolutionary Processor: Faster. Smoother. Better. The powerful new GP2 engine...
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Using a GoPro to Record a Soccer Game
Those who will be using GoPro for the first time to record a soccer game will need to do the following;
- Make sure the battery is charged. If the battery is not inserted, stick the battery in the battery terminal after lining the connection points. (it should be fully charged in a few hours)
- Remove the screen protector
- Format the microSD memory card. If you’re using the one that came in the GoPro bundle, you’re good to go!
- To power on the GoPro, press the Power/Mode button once. This is located in front of the device. You will have to wait for a few seconds for the camera to turn on. Once it does, the red color “camera status” lights will flash three times. You will also hear three beeps as an indicator that the GoPro has been switched on.
- Select your language preference.
- Accept the terms.
- Download the GoPro app.
- Set your preferences on the GoPro app. This will include slow motion, lens, zoom, and boost. You also get to choose the frame rate and resolution. It is important to note that some resolution options may require HEVC support for a smartphone or laptop.
- Other settings include HindSight, scheduled captures, HyperSmooth stabilization, zoom, filming duration, and timers.
- Once that’s done, all you have to do is a point and shoot your video footage. You can also make tweaks and adjustments along the way while you’re recording.
Have a Plan
Now that you have your GoPro all set and ready to go, it’s time to visualize how your film will appear when it’s finished.
Consider the soccer field. From which angle do you think you’ll be able to record most effectively?
This is generally the highest point on the field, with a view of the field’s center.
GoPro Video Formats
There are two main file formats that GoPros use: HEVC and MP4. Many GoPro HERO models record in the AVC format with h.264 video codec.
H.264/AVC videos use a .mp4 file extension and MP4 file container. This can be viewed later on using almost any media player or editing software.
For recording sports with a GoPro, it is recommended to keep the settings at:
- 1080p 4K resolution
- 120fps Frame Rate (FPS)
- “Wide” Field of View (FOV)
…for best results.
Make Good Use of the Tripod
You’ll need to elevate your camera because most fields are flat, and there won’t be any bleachers.
Luckily, there are plenty of options when it comes to tripod camera mount kits that have been designed specifically for GoPro.
This specially made GoPro Stand will help – click the image for more details on Amazon.
You can mount the GoPro to a regular tripod using the regular tripod mount. You can even use the quick-release tripod mount that you get with the GoPro.
You can easily find a Mini Tripod that’s lightweight that connects straight to your GoPro’s frame (also known as housing), which makes for quick mounting when needed.
How Near Is Too Near?
You don’t want to spend hours recording only have the players crash into you and your video gear or record hours of just the football (or soccer ball).
This is why you need to prepare ahead of time and arrive on time.
This should also allow you to get the best field position before other parents arrive and will give you time to think of the best angles and distances to record your footage.
Keep It Steady
When recording, try to make sure you don’t zoom in too much. You don’t want to give your viewers motion sickness later on.
If at all possible, stay away from a shaky video. You may also shoot from a vantage point that does not require the camera to move.
This is a straightforward method, although it isn’t really exciting. However, you might want to experiment with different gadgets and viewpoints points.
You could use an editing program to clip and add various and interesting portions of the game later on – that is, if you have lots of footage.
Practice Filming Runs
Perform several practice runs before shooting the real game. Take your kids and your soccer equipment to the park or to the soccer field.
Practice putting up the camera and filming the youngsters in motion. Do this as many times as you can before the big day.
You may also inquire with your child’s coach about recording video during practice.
Make Your Child Comfortable
Practicing with your kid there will also allow them to become accustomed to being watched by a camera.
To begin, they might try to play with the camera. This may draw their attention away from the real game.
However, if they become acclimated to the camera beforehand, they’ll probably forget it’s there. Sit and examine your video critically after each of your practice runs.
What might be made better? You’ll be able to correct faults made throughout your examinations if you notice them before game day.
Does the Quality of a Youth Soccer Video Matter?
If you want to make a video of your child’s soccer game that will be treasured for a lifetime, the quality must be good.
If you don’t like your video, you’re less likely to want to recreate the experience and share it with your child.
Whether the goal of your video is to analyze a game or create memories, it must be of high quality.
Also, if your goal is to produce a recruiting highlight film for your athlete, the footage’s quality will be critical.
So, either way, you will need a GoPro to capture high-impact, fast-action video footage. Using the aforementioned tips should help you do just that.
