Phantom 2 GoPro3+ basic questions

[Macdougal]

I am about to make my first flight with my new Phantom 2 GoPro3+ black edition.
Beginner questions - I plan on using 1080 video mode with shots every 30 seconds.
Is it automatically turned on when the Phantom is powered up? I am thinking the Zenmuse
cable controls the gimbal not the camera? So I think I need to start it after powering up?
It appears the battery is stand alone and I need to watch it so I know I am flying the camera
with a full charge? Is there anyway to control it like the camera on the Phantom 2 Vision?
The camera sure has a lot settings...

 

[CJ31]

Yes you need to turn the gopro on and hit the shutter button to get it started. I like to do it even before I turn on the P2 because it's a little hard to do to when it's on the gimbal and not upset the zenmuse. When you do it goes limp for a minute or so. The gopro battery will charge while the P2 is on.

 

[Boozshey]

Yup turn on gopro and then phantom for the limp gimbal as stated above.

Also 30 seconds is a long time. Make it 5 secs as the pictures don't take up a lot of space. I had mine on 10 and wish I had more pictures.