GoPro have launched the new HD Hero2 today with several interesting new features. Most important for me is that the 170 degree field of view is now available in full 1920×1080 resolution. They have also addressed the terrible menu system from the previous version and replaced it with a much more user friendly version, though still only operated by the two button system as before. Initial reports say that low light performance is NOT greatly improved over the previous version despite what GoPro says, but the overall sharpness of the image in normal situations is much better. Another handy new feature is the inclusion of RED recording lights on the back and side to make it much easier to know when it’s rolling.
The HD Hero2 is available immediately via GoPros online store.
Important features
- Professional 11MP Sensor
- 2x Faster Image Processor
- 2x Sharper Glass Lens
- Full 170º, Medium 127º, Narrow 90º FOV in 1080p and 720p Video
- 120 fps WVGA, 60 fps 720p, 48 fps 960p, 30 fps 1080p Video
- Full 170º and Medium 127º FOV Photos
- 10 11MP Photos Per Second Burst
- 1 11MP Photo Every 0.5 Sec Timelapse Mode
- 3.5mm External Stereo Microphone Input
- Simple Language-based User Interface
- Compatible with Wi-Fi BacPac™ and Wi-Fi Remote™
- Long Range Remote Control of up to 50 GoPro Cameras per Wifi Remote
- Wi-Fi Video/Photo Preview, Playback and Control via GoPro App
- Live Streaming Video and Photos to the Web
Full Press Release
HALF MOON BAY, CA (October 24, 2011) – GoPro today announced the release of its new HD HERO2® camera. Twice as powerful as GoPro’s original HD HERO camera, the HD HERO2 enables consumers and professionals to capture and broadcast their lives’ most exciting moments in professional quality 1080p HD video and 11 megapixel photos. The new HD HERO2 is now available at Our Online Store, specialty retailers around the world, and at Best Buy for MSRP US$299.99.
Arguably the most versatile camera in the world thanks to its innovative mounting system, renowned durability and small form factor, the HD HERO2 surpasses its predecessor with several technology upgrades. The HD HERO2?s new processor delivers twice the processing power, taking full advantage of a new high performance 11 megapixel sensor that delivers more than twice the image detail along with professional low light performance. A totally redesigned wide-angle lens was required to take full advantage of the HD HERO2?s increased image-processing, resulting in a lens that’s twice as sharp as the previous model. And with the arrival of GoPro’s new Wi-Fi BacPac™ and Wi-Fi Remote products slated for release this winter, the HD HERO2 will enable video remote control via the Wi-Fi Remote, smartphones and devices, tablets and computers as well as enabling live GoPro video broadcast from anywhere there is Wi-Fi or a mobile hotspot.
Famous for its globally best-selling HD HERO line of wearable and gear mountable cameras, GoPro spared no expense developing the HD HERO2.
“GoPro created a new category of camera with the HD HERO back in 2009, and it’s gone on to become one of the best selling video cameras in the world,” says Nicholas Woodman, GoPro’s founder and CEO. “With these big shoes to fill, we invested massively in engineering the HD HERO2 to be one of the greatest, most versatile cameras of all time. We think we’ve achieved our goal and we’re very excited to see the content our customers around the world capture and share with their powerful new GoPros.”
2x as Powerful in Every Way:
The HD HERO2 benefits from a complete redesign that results in dramatically enhanced image quality and ease-of-use:
Read more about the HD HERO2, Wi-Fi BacPac and Wi-Fi Remote products.
Upgraded Professional Photo Quality and Features
The HD HERO2’s photo capture performance has also been significantly upgraded. In addition to much improved low light performance, the HD HERO2 can capture up to ten 11 megapixel photos in a one second burst mode as well as automatic time-lapse photos with quick .5 second timing between photos. This dramatically increases the success-rate when attempting to capture magazine cover quality photos during fast action sports and activities.
Simplified User Interface
GoPro also placed a priority on redesigning the HD HERO2’s user interface for dead simple ease-of-use. The HD HERO2 features a totally new, straightforward language-based user interface that eliminates the need for instructions.
“The HD HERO2 is much, much easier to use than the original HD HERO. If you know how to use a traditional camera, you can use the HD HERO2 straight out of the box without instructions. This makes the HD HERO2 very powerful as an everyday, easy to use consumer camera while retaining all of the features, modes and performance that has made GoPro the best selling small form factor HD camera to Hollywood,” said GoPro’s Director of Product Definition, Rudy Samuels.
Specialized Right Down to the Packaging
The HD HERO2 sells in three bundled-accessory configurations, each containing the necessary mounts for particular genres of use or activity. The HD HERO2 is backwards compatible with all existing GoPro mounts and accessories.
Click each product name for a complete list of included mounts and accessories:
- HD HERO2 Outdoor Edition – $299.99
- HD HERO2 Motorsports Edition – $299.99
- HD HERO2 Surf Edition – $299.99
The original 1080p HD HERO camera is now available for MSRP US$199.99 – $239.99 (USD) (previously $259.99 – $299.99) through GoPro.com and GoPro’s worldwide authorized dealer network. The Wi-Fi BacPac and Wi-Fi Remote are also compatible with the original HD HERO camera, but functionality is limited to remote control only. Video and photo streaming is not supported.
