GoPro, global leader in the market for mountable, hands-free camcorders for extreme sports aficionados, has presented a new Hero 3 product range.
The Hero 3 series comprises three models, including an entry-level device that could have the competition sweating. There's also a top-of-the-range model with a faster processor and 4K capabilities, although it can film 1080p at 60 fps too.
GoPro is about seeing, being seen and showing the world just what you're up to. This fresh-faced American tech firm made its name and built up its reputation with a camcorder initially designed for surfers, snowboarders and other kinds of action heroes looking to film themselves and their exploits then share the results online. The concept proved so popular that a video filmed with a GoPro is now posted on YouTube every minute! Shockproof, waterproof to 60 metres and armed with all kinds of fixtures and attachment systems, the GoPro has quickly won over extreme sports fans looking to immortalise a few of their finest moments—and all in wide-angle!
Following the success of the Hero 2, GoPro is back with a new range of three action-packed camcorders, all of which boast Wi-Fi connectivity for control via an iPhone using a free app (coming soon for Android). They've also been made smaller, slimmer and lighter.
The new top-of-the-range flagship model—the Black Edition—comes bundled with a remote control (an optional extra in the other models) which can be used pilot up to 50 cameras at once. It'll sell for $399 (UK prices TBC). The Hero 3 Black Edition has a 12-Megapixel sensor, f2.8 lens aperture and films HD video with sharper picture quality and improved sound, according to GoPro. More surprisingly, the Hero 3 will be able to film in 4K resolution at 12 frames per second (although quality remains to be seen), as well as at 2.7K resolution at 30 frames per second. We'll be asking GoPro for more info about this 4K function (could it just be a marketing ploy?) so stay tuned for updates. However, 1080 video is now be filmed at 60 fps and 720p is at 120 fps, which is good news.
Landing alongside the Black Edition on 22 October will be the entry-level Hero 3 White Edition ($199), lined up to give rivals from the likes of Sony, Kodak, Sanyo and Contour a run for their money. This model brings a GoPro to the masses with its more accessible price tag and 5-Megapixel sensor. Finally, the mid-range Silver Edition ($299) has an 11-Megapixel sensor. Note that GoPro camcorders don't have any internal memory, so you'll need to buy yourself a microSD card to start filming.
With a high-end model offering a selection of video modes and a new low-cost option, GoPro will be hoping to continue riding on the wave of its current success and popularity with this new range of Hero 3 camcorders. The firm has helped build its reputation by teaming up with key figures from the world of extreme sports, recruited as brand ambassadors. But, above all, GoPro has succeeded by striking a chord with users around the globe, who now star in their own mini action movies on video sharing sites.
So what's next for GoPro? Well, the next challenge could be bringing the GoPro camcorder out of the extreme sports world and into the hands of the general public. With a wider product range and plenty of buzz around the GoPro brand, that shouldn't be mission impossible for this action hero.
The Hero 3 series comprises three models, including an entry-level device that could have the competition sweating. There's also a top-of-the-range model with a faster processor and 4K capabilities, although it can film 1080p at 60 fps too.
GoPro is about seeing, being seen and showing the world just what you're up to. This fresh-faced American tech firm made its name and built up its reputation with a camcorder initially designed for surfers, snowboarders and other kinds of action heroes looking to film themselves and their exploits then share the results online. The concept proved so popular that a video filmed with a GoPro is now posted on YouTube every minute! Shockproof, waterproof to 60 metres and armed with all kinds of fixtures and attachment systems, the GoPro has quickly won over extreme sports fans looking to immortalise a few of their finest moments—and all in wide-angle!
GoPro Hero3 Black Edition
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Following the success of the Hero 2, GoPro is back with a new range of three action-packed camcorders, all of which boast Wi-Fi connectivity for control via an iPhone using a free app (coming soon for Android). They've also been made smaller, slimmer and lighter.
The new top-of-the-range flagship model—the Black Edition—comes bundled with a remote control (an optional extra in the other models) which can be used pilot up to 50 cameras at once. It'll sell for $399 (UK prices TBC). The Hero 3 Black Edition has a 12-Megapixel sensor, f2.8 lens aperture and films HD video with sharper picture quality and improved sound, according to GoPro. More surprisingly, the Hero 3 will be able to film in 4K resolution at 12 frames per second (although quality remains to be seen), as well as at 2.7K resolution at 30 frames per second. We'll be asking GoPro for more info about this 4K function (could it just be a marketing ploy?) so stay tuned for updates. However, 1080 video is now be filmed at 60 fps and 720p is at 120 fps, which is good news.
Nick Woodman, founder and CEO of GoPro.
Landing alongside the Black Edition on 22 October will be the entry-level Hero 3 White Edition ($199), lined up to give rivals from the likes of Sony, Kodak, Sanyo and Contour a run for their money. This model brings a GoPro to the masses with its more accessible price tag and 5-Megapixel sensor. Finally, the mid-range Silver Edition ($299) has an 11-Megapixel sensor. Note that GoPro camcorders don't have any internal memory, so you'll need to buy yourself a microSD card to start filming.
With a high-end model offering a selection of video modes and a new low-cost option, GoPro will be hoping to continue riding on the wave of its current success and popularity with this new range of Hero 3 camcorders. The firm has helped build its reputation by teaming up with key figures from the world of extreme sports, recruited as brand ambassadors. But, above all, GoPro has succeeded by striking a chord with users around the globe, who now star in their own mini action movies on video sharing sites.
So what's next for GoPro? Well, the next challenge could be bringing the GoPro camcorder out of the extreme sports world and into the hands of the general public. With a wider product range and plenty of buzz around the GoPro brand, that shouldn't be mission impossible for this action hero.
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