In an attempt to take wearable action sports camera title, GoPro seems to be rolling out all the stops lately. First, it was the LCD BacPack, followed quickly by the Battery BacPac, and now they are offering the world’s smallest (and likely least expensive) 1080p 3D waterproof Camera system!
At $99, the kit itself isn’t that expensive at all. The catch is that you need two, yes two, GoPro HD Heros to use it (they have to be the HD Hero, no other GoPro camera will work). So if you don’t already have two HD Heros, you could purchase two HD Hero Nakeds, and the 3D kit for a total of $619.97. Kind of expensive, but still cheaper than most HD 3D video cameras, and this one can still break down into 2 separate waterproof HD cameras.
At this point, you are probably thinking, “a 3D camera, that’s great. Too bad I don’t have a 3D TV!” That would be understandable, except for the fact that with the included software you can create 3D video files that are viewable on your standard computer screen, and 2D or 3D Tvs with the 3 pairs of included 3D glasses.
Jump past the break for everything that’s included and how you go about controlling two cameras at once!
How you operate two separate cameras in sync while they are inside a waterproof housing is a legitimate question, and to find the answer we must revisit the Hero Bus, which is the port on the back of the camera. It was the addition of the Hero Bus that allowed the HD Hero to be compatible with the new BacPacs that plug into the back of the Hero. The 3D Hero Sync Cable also connects to the Hero Bus on the back of each Hero, tethering them together and allowing control of both camera’s recording with only one shutter button. Both cameras still must be turned on and off through their own power buttons, but recording is synced through the cable.
From GoPro:
The 3D HERO System allows you to combine two 1080p HD HERO cameras into a single housing to record 3D video and photos while simultaneously recording in 2D. A synchronization cable plugs into the rear HERO Port on both cameras to join them together, enabling both cameras to record video and photos in perfect synchronization. This is a requirement for professional quality 3D and is available only from GoPro.
The included 3D editing software—GoPro Cineform Studio—makes it easy to convert your 3D HERO System footage into viewable 3D files you can watch on your computer, online at sites like YouTube, and on your 2D or 3DTV at home.
Firmware v01.01.54 or higher required.
Features:
- Mounting System is compatible with all GoPro accessories
- 3D waterproof housing is rated 180’/60m deep
- Record 3D and 2D video and photo files simultaneously
- Includes FREE easy-to-use 3D editing software—GoPro CineForm Studio
What’s Included:
- 3D Waterproof Housing
- 3D Waterproof Door + Skeleton Door
- 3D Hero Sync Cable
- 3D Anaglyph Glasses (3 pairs)
- Helmet Front Mount
- 2 Flat + 2 Curved Adhesive Mounts
- Assorted Mounting Hardware
