GoPro have revealed details of the successor to their HD HERO helmet camera – the HD HERO2. This is said to be twice as good as the original in three key areas: processing power, image quality (11 megapixels instead of five) and lens sharpness.
Unfortunately, you can still only shoot full HD (1,080p) footage at 30 frames per second, although 960p shooting has been bumped up from 30fps to 48fps and WVGA from 60fps to 120fps. Elsewhere it's all good news though, with improved low light performance, 10-second burst and time lapse modes, and an external microphone input.
There's a new, more intuitive language-based user interface too, which should make the HERO2 as easy to use as a digital point-and-shoot camera. And the best news? The Hero2 costs £299.99 (Outdoor Edition, from Madison; US RRP $299.99) – the same as the original HD HERO, which has now dropped in price to £249.99.
Also new for 2012 are two gadgets that are compatible with both the HERO and HERO2. The Wi-Fi BacPac attaches to the rear of the camera and allows you to control it using a smartphone or computer connected via wi-fi. On the HERO2 it also allows live streaming of videos. The waterproof Wi-Fi Remote gives long-range control over up to 50 cameras at a time – again, as long as wi-fi is available. Prices are yet to be confirmed. Visit the GoPro website for more information.
GoPro HD HERO2 sample footage:
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GoPro HD HERO2 user guide:
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