GoPro has upgraded virtually every aspect of their Hero HD digital sports camera, putting in a 2X faster processor, sharper optics and better sensors.
The new Hero2 HD offers better low light performance, a ridiculous 10-burst-per-second 11-megapixel photo capability or continuous 0.5 second photo captures until memory runs out. They’ve also added WiFi for wireless streaming either to their WiFi BacPac, their new WiFi remote or live image and video streaming directly to the web!
The new units will retail for just $299 with sports-specific accessory packages available for Outdoor, Motorsports and Surfing (Watersports). More pics and details, particularly about how to make the WiFi work, after the break…
One of the more user friendly features to be added is the additional LED status lights, making it easier to see what the camera’s doing from various angles.
The MOST user friendly feature is the new text-based settings screen. Rather than just icons, now you know exactly what your camera’s gonna do once you hit “Record.”
Full spec list is:
- Professional 11MP Sensor
- 2x Faster Image Processor
- 2X Sharper Glass Lens
- Professional Low Light Performance
- Full 170°, Medium 12°, Narrow 90° FOV in 1080p and 720p Video
- 120 fps WVGA, 60 fps 720p, 48 fps 960p, 30 fps 1080p Video
- Full 170° and Medium 127° FOV Photos
- 10 11MP Photos Per Second Burst
- One 11MP Photo Every 0.5 Sec Time-Lapse Mode
- 3.5mm External Stereo Microphone Input
- Simple Language Based User Interface
- Compatible Wi-Fi BacPac™ and Wi-Fi Remote™
- Long Range Remote Control of up to 50 GoPro Cameras
- Wi-Fi Video/Photo Preview + Playback
- Live Streaming Video + Photos to the Web
We talked to Rick Loughery at GoPro about the system and here’s how the Streaming and Remote Control features work. First, the new camera itself doesn’t have the WiFi transmitter built in. That will come with the WiFi BacPac that’ll be available Q1 2012. The good news is it’ll be backwards compatible with the Hero1 HD and allow you to remotely control it and the Hero2. The Hero1 doesn’t have the processing power to be able to live stream, though.
The WiFi BacPac inserts into the rear of the camera just like the regular BacPac video screen. It’s not, as you might be thinking, able to be held in your hand and show video while the camera is mounted on your helmet, chest, handlebar, etc.
To view footage and control the cameras remotely, you’ll need their forthcoming app for smartphones and the iPad. It will let you view footage and control up to 50 cameras at a time. They’re still finalizing spec in terms of the distance the system will work over, but Loughery says if you have line of sight, it should be fine.
If you don’t want/need a mini screen for your camera, they’ll also have a simple WiFi transmitter and remote combo that will stream the video to your device or the web as well as letting you control the camera via you iPhone, iPad or (likely) Android device, too.
Pricing for the accessories isn’t finalized. The new Hero2 HD will fit inside existing cases and work with all of their other accessories, including the original BacPac screen and 3D cases and links…Good news for anyone that already has a bunch of accessories.
Pricing on the standard Hero and Hero1 HD will drop to $199 and $249 respectively. The Hero2 is available now. Full geeky camera specs are on their website. Then just order up one of the new K-Edge camera mounts and you’re all set.
