Hi folks. I’ve been running some form of Linux since about 2006 or so. Hardware support has gotten so much better, and yet here I am, looking for personal experiences people have had using action cams with their Linux based operating systems. I’ve done research on this, but most of the info I’ve found is out of date or barely-relevant AI-generated tech chum-buckets. I’d prefer your individal experiences as fellow linux users, good or bad. Product recommendations are okay, but I’m also interested in broader observations. I’m hoping to record some footage on my bicycle, a chop it up on my computer later. I’m particularly interested in:

  • Do you own an action cam and does it work with Linux?
  • What totally rad sport/hobby do you use it for?
  • Are there things that kind-of work, or are crippled versus on a non-Linux OS.
  • Are you able to update the firmware over Linux or from he device itself? (I have windows for emergencies, but prefer not to use it.
  • How does the device mount and have you had issues with file transfers?
  • Is there any special software that helps you use your device, for example “piper” can help me configure fancy mice.
  • Can you use your device as a webcam?

Thank you for any insight you can provide.

  • november@iusearchlinux.fyi
    8·
    1 year ago

    Do you own an action cam and does it work with Linux?

    I have a DJI Action 3. It works with no issues on (Arch) Linux.

    What totally rad sport/hobby do you use it for?

    I mount it to my helmet while I’m out riding my motorcycle on the streets as sort of a dashcam.

    Are you able to update the firmware over Linux or from he device itself? (I have windows for emergencies, but prefer not to use it.

    The one thing I hate about the Action 3 is that it requires a mobile app to do firmware updates. Just to start using it requires registration on their DJI Mimo app which is terrible.

    How does the device mount and have you had issues with file transfers?

    The device lets you choose if it is as a webcam or storage for mounting when turned on if it is plugged in through USB.

    Is there any special software that helps you use your device, for example “piper” can help me configure fancy mice.

    The Action 3 doesn’t have anything special, but a search on the AUR shows there are some for GoPros.

    Can you use your device as a webcam?

    Answered above.

    • njordomir@lemmy.worldOP
      3·
      1 year ago

      Sounds like hardware support is no longer as sketchy as I expect. Years of barely being able to connect to various android phones have me jaded.

      The note on the app being necessary is good, I worry about buying things that depend on apps to setup or use. Of course, that could easily apply to other models too. Even if they maintain an android app, what if Manjaro Phone and Pinephone hardware get good enough that I can switch. :)

      The motorcycling sounds good. Thanks for the reply.