Lens replacement options (Fusion)

[nicedusk08742]

No press on clear lens protector from scratching is a unexpected turning point.

[dzeek]

A clear lens protector would distort the video. I have several consumer and pro level 360 cameras. None come with clear covers and non are replaceable. Lenses will scracth very easily and due to them being fisheye it will most likely occur in the middle since it is curved. This will mean problems in the center of of your images. The best thing to do is be extra careful, keep the case on when not in use and buy GoPro care so you can get a replacement camera at a reasonable cost if necessary. If you are very depended on your camera being available and can't be without it while waiting for a replacement then but an extra one.

[doriant26867]

This NON-replaceable lens issue also plagues other 360º, twin lens cameras. I lost my first Ricoh Theta V to a monopod fall (blown over by wind). Only the Nikon KeyMission offered replaceable lens covers, and that camera's SW/Firmware and limited post solution made onwership for me impossible. I sold the Ricoh for the Nikon and the Nikon for the Fusion. So, now I've come full circle to a non-repairable camera again!

Someone will take the initiative and offer 3rd party repair services, I am sure (for big bucks!). In the meantime this is only maringally useful as an ACTION camera for that reason alone. Too bad, but it's a 'dog eat dog' workd out there and as bad as NON-repairable camera is, the Fusion (and I am an expert 36º VR photographer with 20 years of bakground in this arena) is the best, single 2-lens, single shot Panoramic camera to date, at least for video, and in this area it SHINES!

There always seem to be trade-offs in the world of high tech!

[dzeek · Accepted solution]

If you signup for GoPro Plus it covers accidental damage. Cost is $4.99/mo and includes two camera exchanges per year at $139 each.

https://gopro.com/help/articles/block/gopro-plus-exchange-questions

[yevhenk381]

GoPro became the first who have released a " valid-for-one-occasion-only" action camera - GoPro fusion! Bravo! After the first small fall, the camera’s lens went out of whack! This so-called "action" camera is really one-time-use and works only until the first tiny fall!!!
Nikon KeyMission 360 has lens protection from falling, gopro - no!

[duanem8]

it'll only break the first time you use it if your stupid enough to drop it. If you can't take care of expensive equipment may I suggest you look at Fisher Price camera's

[yevhenk381]

Action cameras are made for usage in extreme situations.  It shouldn’t break up after the first drop.

[itsmeebby]

Haha. I guess duanem8 babies it. Sets on a tripod and catch cute sunset time-lapses. Some people actually use it as an action camera. GoPro has replacement lenses for the other Hero’s because we use it for what it’s made for. Maybe the Fusion 2 will have lens replacements.