I'm thinking of upgrading to a rugged (i.e., waterproof) still camera and am interested in video. Setting aside the almost 2X difference in cost between a rugged pocket still camera and latest GoPro Hero Black, how many out there with GoPros also use it for stills. Thoughts as a replacement for a conventional still camera?

No zoom = it'll never be a really decent still camera. I haven't used mine for stills but a phone camera has the same limitation - the only real benefit is that you always have it with you. Even the best phones still have only mediocre cameras. I carry a phone with one of the best phone cameras, and I just bought a new point and shoot which far outclasses it, and my SLR outclasses the point and shoot though not by as much (since my best lens only cost me $650).

GoPros take decent videos but I would just use a seperate camera or cellphones for the photos.

Gopro 960 videos, Nikon COOLPIX P100 pics:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHn_wenhNHA&feature=plcp

ContourGPS videos, Samsung Galaxy S smartphone photos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3uEl5p4oII&feature=plcp

Regular pocket/compact waterproof camera - FUJIFILM XP50 videos and pics:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U930E...hannel&list=UL

Samsung Galaxy S smartphone vids and photos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdA_r...hannel&list=UL