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GoPro HD Hero Camera Review

Accessories - Accessories Reviews

 
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5.0 (1)

GoPro HD Hero Camera Review

$229
Everyone knows about the Go Pro and you see them everywhere. The Go Pro is hands down the most popular action video camera and you can't help but notice these things on helmets all over the mountain. This isn't the best camera for snowboarding in terms of profile and versatility but it does have the best video quality in it's class.  It has a very commendable price point that most can afford.  There is no disputing that the Go Pro is the most popular camera on the mountain but is it the best?  We have mixed feelings on this.  Check out our review below.

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The Good Ride Take

The GoPro HD Hero Review by The Good Ride

We've seen many videos from friends and have taken many of our own.  We have to say that the Go Pro Helmet Hero does the job it's supposed to and delivers good videos that for the first time even a college student can afford if he manages money well. 

Here are some of the positives.

  • The video quality is very good in almost all lighting. It's right there and to some argueably better than the $269-$400 cameras out there. 
  • The price is awesome.  For $189 you can get a camera with one or 2 mounting options to go out and make some films.  
  • With the plastic shell this thing is virtually indestructible.  It's also waterproof to depths that no other camera in it's price range is so if you dive or surf in bigger conditions this is the call. 
  • You get HD video

Now to some of the drawbacks of the Go Pro

  • The helmet mount that really only works on top is very awkward and make's you look like a Teletubby. I (editor) just can't bring my self to wear one on the helmet like I can with Contour and Drift.  It just looks silly. However if I use it on a monopod I'm ok.  I can ride an ugly board but for some reason can't wear a Go Pro on my helmet.
  • The only problem is it takes a bit of work to operate compared to other cameras in it's class.
  • You have to pay around $80 to add an LCD screen to see if your video sucked or not. Now you have a camera that costs $270 and it's also bigger.
  • It's fish eye lens seems in the videos to be the widest angle.  We aren't sure if it's actually the widest and don't want to split hairs over specs but for what ever reason the end result is the videos seem to take away the severity of your jump or steep run because of it.  We'd go down some pretty steep shit and the video made it look like we were going down an intermediate run.
  • When you buy a Go Pro for $179 you get a helmet mount and head mount but that is about it. 

The Go Pro is not the best choice for snowboarding but it's the cheapest and does take good videos.  If you are looking for the most shock proof/water proof camera the Go Pro is hands down the best one to buy. Overall there is no competitor to the Go Pro when it comes to the ultra sturdy do anything camera in this price range.   If you dive, surf and snowboard then the Go Pro is the only choice.  Also if you can't blow your wad on a camera this is the only option.  If you are looking for a snowboard specific camera and want the best Drift HD is the call.  But if this gets in the way of buying something like bindings then we understand.......just put it on a monopod like the X Shot Monopod Extender  with the Tripod mounting device.


Company Info & Specs

GoPro HD Helmet HERO

GoPro’s HD Helmet HERO is the world’s highest performance wearable 1080p HD video and still photo camera. Professional quality 1080p / 960p / 720p HD resolutions record at 30 and 60 frames per second (60 fps in 720p). Record up to 2.5 hours on a single charge and up to 9 hours total on a 32GB SD card (not included).

In addition to HD video, this digital action sports helmet cam also shoots 5MP still photographs at 2/5/10/30 or 60 second intervals. Press the shutter button once and record up to 2.5 hours of poster-print quality POV photos of you and your friends’ most memorable moments.

Helmet camera mount options include a headlamp style head strap that you can quickly share with your friends, a lace-through strap-mount for vented helmets, two curved and two flat adhesive mounts for attaching to gear, vehicles or whatever else moves you.

The HD Helmet HERO is compatible with all other GoPro HERO camera mounts & accessories, so it’s very easy to expand the functionality of your camera to attach with a suction cup to vehicles, clamp to bike handlebars and seat posts, mount to surfboards, and even be worn on the wrist or chest.

Waterproof to 180’ / 60m, shockproof, and protected from rocks and other hazards thanks to its removable polycarbonate housing. Replacement housings and lens kits are available, making repairs or refurbishing your HD HERO camera affordable and convenient. It’s a GoPro…go for it.™

What’s Included:
  • 1 HD HERO Camera (5 megapixel)
  • 1 Rechargeable 1100 mAh Lithium-Ion Battery
  • 1 Waterproof Quick-Release Housing (180’/60 m)
  • 1 Headlamp-Style Head Strap
  • 1 Vented Helmet Strap
  • 2 Curved, 3M™ Adhesive Mounts
  • 2 Flat, 3M Adhesive Mounts
  • 1 Three-Way Pivoting Side Arm Assembly
  • 2 Quick-Release Buckles
  • 1 USB Cable
  • 1 Component Video (HDTV) Cable
  • 1 Composite Video + Audio Out Cable
  • Warranty: One Year

Tech Specs:

Camera Optics
  • Lens Type: Fixed Focus (2ft/.6m – ?), glass
  • Aperture: f/2.8 (high performance in low-light situations)
  • Angle of View: 170º ultra wide angle in WVGA, 720p, or 960p mode
  • Angle of View: 127º wide angle in 1080p mode
Video
  • HD Video Resolution Modes: (subject to change, pending final firmware release)
    • 1080p = 1920×1080 pixels (16:9), 30 fps, 15 Mbit/s data rate
    • 960p = 1280×960 pixels (4:3), 30 fps, 12 Mbit/s data rate
    • 720p = 1280×720 pixels (16:9), 60 fps, 15 Mbit/s data rate
    • 720p = 1280×720 pixels (16:9), 30 fps, 8 Mbit/s data rate
    • WVGA = 848×480 pixels (16:9), 60 fps, 8 Mbit/s data rate
  • Sensor Type: 1/2.5? HD CMOS, 2.2µm-sized pixels
  • Light Sensitivity: Super low-light sensitivity (>1.4 V/lux-sec)
  • Video Format: H.264 compression, saved as Windows- & Mac-compatible MPEG4 (.mp4) file
  • Exposure Control: Auto with user selectable center weighted average and spot metering settings
  • White Balance: Auto
Audio
  • Microphone: Built-in, mono with AGC (automatic gain control)
  • Audio Format: 48 kHz, AAC audio compression
Photo
  • Resolution: 5 megapixel
  • Capture Modes: Single shot, photo every 2, 5, 10, 30 or 60 secs.; 3 photo burst; self-timer
Storage
  • Memory: SD card (SDHC), up to 32GB capacity (not included)
  • Average recording times (using 32GB SD card):
    • 1080p (30 fps): 4h 21m
    • 960p (30 fps): 5h 26m
    • 720p (60 fps): 4h 21
    • 720p (30 fps): 8h 09m
    • WVGA (60 fps): 8h 09m
Connectors & Cables
  • PC Connection: USB 2.0 (data connection and battery charging)
  • HDTV Out: HD NTSC & PAL (component cable incl.)
  • Audio Out: Combo 2.5mm jack with stereo audio and composite video out
  • PC Compatibility: Windows® Vista or Windows® 7; Mac OS® X 10.4.11 and later
Power & Battery
  • Battery Type: Rechargeable 1100 mAh lithium-ion
  • Battery Life: Approx. 2.5 hrs
  • Charging: via USB to computer or optional power adapter
  • Charge Time: 80% capacity after 1 hour with optional power adapter; or 2 hours with a computer’s USB port
Waterproof Camera Housing
  • Depth Rating: Up to 180 feet / 60 meters
  • Construction: Polycarbonate and stainless steel
  • Hardware: Stainless steel
Size & Weight
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 1.6” x 2.4” x 1.2” (42mm x 60mm x 30mm)
  • Weight: 3.3oz (94g) incl. battery, 5.9oz (167g) incl. housing
Optional Accessories
  • Additional Rechargable 1100 mAh Lithium-Ion Battery
  • Full Line of Mounting Accessories
Optional Expansion BacPacs™

An innovative expansion port on the back of the cam, the HERO Bus™ accepts optional Expansion BacPacs to expand the functionality of HD HERO cameras:

  • LCD BacPac for preview and playback
  • Endurance Battery BacPac for double battery life (not yet available for pre-order)
  • More BacPacs and expansion devices coming soon
Be a HERO…GoPro, in HD.

Developed for professional use, but at a consumer price, the HD HERO line of wearable cameras capture full HD video rivaling brands costing 10x the price. How? Our team consists of some of the the brightest minds in Silicon Valley who also happen to be obsessed with outdoor sports, race cars, and all things moto. Athletic super geeks? Indeed.

Professional Quality, Full HD Video

1080p, 960p, and 720p in 30 and 60 fps (720p). The HD HERO offers three different HD resolutions, giving you three filming modes to capture the best angles for any given activity:

  • 1080p: 1920×1080 True HD featuring  a 127º angle of view, 30 fps, and 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio
  • 960p: 1280×960 Ultra Wide and Tall HD featuring a 170º angle of view, 30 fps, and 4:3 aspect ratio. See more of the action above and below than widescreen16:9 resolutions can show.
  • 720p: 1280×720 Ultra Wide HD featuring a 170º angle of view, both 30 and 60 fps, and 16:9  widescreen aspect ratio
5MP Photos, Automatically

HD HERO cameras can shoot hands-free, 5 megapixel photos automatically at  2 / 5 / 10 / 30 / and 60 second intervals until the batteries die or the SD card is full (2.5 hours). Or set it to single shot, triple shot, or self timer for more traditional photo taking.

Audio Excellence

We’ve invested more in the HD HERO cam’s sound system than most companies spend on their entire camera development. You’ll only be hearing the sounds of your sport, not the howl of the wind. How? Obsessive audio engineering and an understanding that good sound is as important as good video.

Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, Built in Battery Warmer

The rechargeable 1100mAh lithium-ion battery (included) lasts for 2.5 hours of constant recording. It can be recharged to 80% capacity in just 2 hours when plugged into a computer’s USB port, or in 1 hour when plugged into a USB compatible wall or car charger. Cam can also be used while charging…handy on road trips where it’s fun to leave the camera rolling. Also features an integrated battery heating system for keeping your battery warm in winter activities.

Shockproof, Bombproof, Waterproof to 180’ / 60m

Don’t let a little water, or even a ton of water get in the way of getting the shot. Proven in heavy surf from Hawaii to Tahiti, Southern Mexico to Northern California, HD HERO cameras can handle it thanks their highly engineered polycarbonate exoskeletal housing. Waterproof to 180’ / 60m and tough enough to take a spin across the asphalt, GoPros are built to take a beating. Replacement lens kits are also available for $20, so there’s little worry of scratching the tempered glass lens while going for glory. Trash the housing in a massive crash? Replacements are available for $40. It’s a GoPro…go for it.

 

User reviews

Average user rating from: 1 user(s)

 

Overall Rating:
 
5.0
 
 

awsome

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
this thing is awesome, i take it every where and it works perfectly. when i attached the mounts to my atv, ski helmet, board, etc... they were as strong as freakn steel. this camera is awesome in every way. the only small down side is that the camera wiggles just a tad bit in the case but its worked for my perfectly other than that. if u want the best action cam on the market look no farther. the go pro has u covered.
Overall Rating:
 
5.0
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Reviewed by logan
April 07, 2012