Chapter 1: The Camera I Had with Me

There's a popular saying that goes, "The best camera is the one you have with you." This phrase resonates deeply as I reflect on my experiences with the GoPro HERO3+ Black Edition, which I owned from early 2013 until summer 2016.

Unfortunately, I didn’t make the most of this camera. I received it shortly after a family trip to the Bahamas focused on water activities, yet I never had another chance to capture ocean scenes. While the GoPro traveled with me on numerous adventures, it often lagged in resolution and functionality compared to my other cameras. As someone who doesn't typically engage in high-octane travel, the unique angles it offered quickly lost their appeal. Additionally, the battery life issues common to these devices limited its practicality.

Note: Although it can capture still images, my primary use for it was video and time-lapse photography.

Sadly, I don’t have any bathroom mirror selfies to share from my adventures. Chippewa River, Wisconsin. ©Photo by Me

Documenting the beauty of cold days in Minnesota. ©Photo by Me

A glimpse into a man's future farming aspirations in Minnesota. ©Photo by Me

I'm not the best skier, but I excel at riding the lift. ©Photo by Me

The wide-angle lens offers a unique viewpoint in Minneapolis. ©Photo by Me

A picturesque house situated in the middle of the Flambeau River, Wisconsin.

Sledding down the sand dunes while searching for the perfect line at Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan. ©Photo by Me

A quick trip to Washington, DC for the 4th of July. ©Photo by Me

All memorable cycling adventures kick off with a ferry ride from BC to Washington. ©Photo by Me

Testing the limits of photography in dimly lit forests—Washington or Oregon? ©Photo by Me

What happens when you opt for a photo instead of capturing video? Washington. ©Photo by Me

Getting my heart rate up in anticipation of hot springs along the Colorado River, Arizona. ©Photo by Me

To view some footage filmed with this GoPro, check out the opening segment of this YouTube video, which showcases a journey from Vancouver, Canada, to Tijuana, Mexico. For further insights into various cameras, explore this curated list.

What Defines the Best Camera?

Ultimately, it’s the camera you have on hand.

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Story and images ©Ian Hanson. All rights reserved.