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 I've done research on this, but most of the info I've found is out of date or barely-relevant AI-generated tech chum-buckets.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.
I have a very old GoPro Hero 3 Black. It exposes itself as a MTP device to any Linux install I've used and have no problems getting videos off it.
It doesn't really have any other features than that, other than WiFi viewing which is only available via their android app anyway, so i don't care.
I use it for car and offroading stuff.
I have a GoPro Hero 5, and it seems to work exactly the same as yours.
I have an insta 360 one x2 and its a struggle to edit things. I got 360 studio working by running the installer through proton but its not the smoothest experience. I have resorted to just using the app which means I share my videos less :(.
I had the original Osmo Action. It wouldn't do anything unless I connected it to an app and registered an account, so I returned it. So…that's my experience.
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.
I use a runcam 5 orange for rc quadcopter flying. Everything works on it via Linux or internally. It also logs internal gyroscope data when recording so you can take the footage into gyroflow for stabilization. No webcam support as far as I know. It uses micro SD cards rather than internal storage.
On the crazy low-scale end, I have a no-name dash cam that I found for $5 on a tchotchkes table at my local Chinese takeout place. It works perfectly with my Linux desktop—both reading from the SD card and streaming directly via USB. Not at all what you’re looking for, but it makes me think that if this random junk works, more mainstream devices probably do too.
I have a similar setup in the car. The cam doesn't want to connect to anything, but I can just pull the microSD card. I think overestimated the likelihood of hardware issues.
