SOLOSHOT3 Optic65 Review | 96 Data compared

The SoloShot 3 is a robotic tracking camera system designed to automatically follow a moving target by panning, tilting, and zooming based on GPS data transmitted from a wearable tag. This third-generation model significantly improves upon its predecessors by offering a much longer 2,000-foot tracking range, faster device pairing, and versatile recording modes tailored for fast-paced activities like surfing, soccer, BMX, and RC model airplane flying. The system offers two camera options, including the higher-end Optic 65 which supports up to 4K resolution at 30 frames per second and features a powerful zoom capability. Initial setup automatically triggers over-the-air firmware updates for the base, tag, and camera, though the reviewer noted that creating an account required using a Facebook login link as standard email registration repeatedly failed. A major benefit highlights the SoloShot 3 as a unique market solution capable of vertical tracking with a quick one-minute automatic calibration sequence. However, the review outlines several notable downsides, including significant historical manufacturing delivery delays, early firmware bugs, and instances where multiple components failed to seamlessly pair without technical troubleshooting. Furthermore, the...

The Medium review of the Soloshot 3 with 65x Optic Zoom highlights the system as a capable, specialized tool for solo action sports, featuring 4K video recording, versatile frame rates (30/60/120 fps), and an automatic, stable tagging/mount system. Key benefits include the secure, proprietary tripod attachment and high-quality zoom capabilities for tracking subjects over long distances. Conversely, the review notes significant drawbacks, including a mandatory 50-foot calibration sequence for precise tracking and tedious file management due to long, 25-minute video clips. Additionally, recording at 30 frames per second results in lower video quality and noticeable pixelation.

Reviews on Foil Surfing UK identify the SoloShot 3 robotic camera as a valuable, autonomous tool for surfers and foilers to capture sessions from 250-300 meters offshore using a GPS-tracked tag, often noting its impressive optical zoom capabilities. Users specifically highlight the ability to control recording via the wearable tag, though the system requires precise, unobstructed GPS conditions for optimal performance. Despite these benefits, the system is criticized for a finicky, time-consuming setup process and occasional tracking lags during rapid direction changes, which can result in unusable footage. Furthermore, reports of inconsistent reliability and customer support issues make the device a source of frustration, despite its high potential, notes Foil Surfing UK.

The Soloshot 3 65X Optic Zoom review (Part 2) highlights the necessity of post-production editing to refine automated tracking footage, which often frames subjects too far away. While the system excels at independent tracking, a significant con is that both 25x and 65x lenses require manual cropping in software like iMovie to achieve desirable framing. To improve the final output, the reviewer demonstrates using a MacBook Pro to crop clips, bringing the action closer and mitigating the raw, distant footage. While this adds to the production timeline, it enables customized, tight framing that the automatic tracking cannot produce on its own.