GoPro HD Helmet HERO
August 10, 2009, 11:58 pm / Categories: Technology
GoPro is setting the tone for wearable video cameras with the launch of its HD option featuring 1080p resolution. Not only does the video camera shoot 1920×1080 video, it shoots 1280×960 and 1280×720. That means its lowest video resolution is as high as the best video shot by other brands on the market. Plus, its lowest resolution video can be captured in 60 frames per second (twice the standard) letting users play back quality video in slow motion.
Besides the same great GoPro features that made previous version popular — waterproof housing, small size, numerous attachments, 5 megapixel still photo capability — the company upgraded to a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and an internal heating system to keep the power source warm, which will be great for winter use. It also has more prominent cues to let you know its operational status. The new cam can accommodate up to a 32 GB cards to store more than eight hours of video.
Additional upgrades: There’s now a wireless microphone option, and the GoPro can even accommodate an LCD add-on (though the camera doesn’t have a viewfinder like other models). All this — the entire camera and all its capabilities — is barely bigger than GoPro’s previous versions: It’s just 1.6 × 2.4 × 1.2 inches, and it weighs a scant 6.3 ounces with the battery and waterproof housing. The camera, set to hit shelves in October, will retail for $299. www.goprocamera.com
—Ryan Dionne
With the wide angle lens you don’t need to worry about aiming precisely. After using the camera once or twice you’ll have a very good idea of what you’re filming…that is, Natas is right on.
We’ve got a tip sheet on the GoPro Hero 5 cameras and would love to get input from Gearjunkie readers.
How can you say not having a viewfinder is no issue? If you want to shoot without cropping and or having to worry about rotating the image (because the air is off), it seems pretty important. Granted, the high-res will be more forgiving – but I definitely want a screen to verify the setup is good so I can get the best image quality. Not a bunch of post processing resampling.
But I guess the good news is that the expansion slot is going to allow an LCD to be added. That should satisfy me.
I think this product would be amazing even without the view finder or LCD screen. I have the regular gopro widelense with the view finder but I have never used it even once. For all the things I have recorded (snowboarding, skydiving, dirtbiking) there is no need for a view finder or screen. so for helmet cams, whats the use. no need. its great the way it is without one.
I just got one for Christmas – used in in the pool and on the bike – so far, I am very impressed. No need for a viewfinder on a POV camera; however, it would be nice to know that it is actually recording when it is up on my helmet – I missed a fun downhill shot when I thought I turned the thing on… otherwise, awesome results on the next downhill.
the video quality is good, but it got some problems with darkness. there have to be light if the camera have to work usefully.
when you use it as camera, it is not a problem that theres no screen at it because it takes very large pictures. if you trie to focus at something you nearly get your self on the pic. but when you take pictures you have to stand very still. it is not good to take pictures with motion.
I have brought a so called gopro HD camera big mistake because mine has’nt worked once yet.its just cheap chinese toy crap components just keep turning itself off anytime my P.C.does not recognize the format the purchaser says have not come across this problem befor then I looked on the web there are hundreds of problems with them so dont buy a GOPROBLEMS because there rubbish.Mad Mike
Mad Mike your retarded. Besides the regards that you are infact a moron. The go pro is beast. There is plenty of videos on you tube of people using the camera. I mean unless you are tellingme that Sony make a camera that has gopro on it. made videos that have beautiful quality. post them on youtube and the gopro website. just so that they would get you to buy the one that you have. that so called, does not work. i take videos over your incorrect and febil statement. get a new gopro helmet. Shut the hell up. and quite complaining.
I’m a fisherman and an amateur videographer and have wanted a camera to film myself catching a fish. I have used this camera fishing (McKenzie River Trout Fishing at youtube)
and am impressed with the resolution for such a small camera. Always make sure the camera is filming—check and double check by actually looking for blinking light to denote recording. The chest mount is an absolute must ($40). Everything about this camera is quality…housing, accessories, etc.
HD Hero works great! I bought the chest harness to video my daughter’s high school marching band. All the kids want to wear the HD Hero while they march on the field. I upgraded to the latest the firmware, and have the HD Hero set for one-touch video! Great video!
Sound is the only thing that is lacking. I see a skeleton case is coming in October that may help me with sound. I’ve also thought about drilling a hole in the case over the mic.
Love this camera!
shane as far as i’m aware imovie shouldn’t decrease performance, but if you put it online on the likes of youtube it may compress the file making the quality look slightly worse. But the videos look amazing on an HD tv. Im soon to be a proud owner of one of these and i use a mac, so if you could confirm how imovie preforms that would be great.
I have read about a wireless mic….I want to record the audio from my electronic drum module of me playing (I can control the output level) Is this possible with equipment now available? Obviously, I would not need a case while filming. The hard way would be to sync the audio with the video in post using imovie or other editing software, but like I say, that is the hard way to do it.
This camera is awsome. I have the HD Hero and record in 1080p all the time. I ride a jetksi and mount the Go Pro on my chest harness. Only thing is on some of my video I have noticed a pinkish verticle line that flickers on and off for milli second. I think this is to do with the sunlight hitting it? I have contacted Go Pro and waiting for their verdict. Other vids I have taken have been awsome….I have posts on my Facebook page under Seadoo GTX.
We’ve reviewed the HD Hero and Hero2. Love them both!
If you’re not sure which camera to get, GoPro/Contour/Drift, feel free to read our reviews. Hopefully they help.
http://www.mviewz.com.au/
If you have a gopro we have a great ‘tips & tricks’ page.
http://www.mviewz.com.au/reviews/camera/gopro-tips/
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Without an LCD screen and viewfinder how are you suppose to aim the camera. Its going to take too long with trial and error.