Browse > Home / Archive: October 2009

| Subscribe via RSS

Get True HD with the new GoPro Hero camera

October 1st, 2009 | No Comments | Posted in GoPro by Jonathan

We’ve been sworn to secrecy for weeks but can finally reveal GoPro’s True HD Hero camera in all it’s wearable sports camera greatness.

Skip the waffle and show me the specs

Video modes

Where other sports cameras claim to offer HD with 960p (or even just 720p), the GoPro HD Hero offers 1080p True HD at 1920×1080 resolution.  If that wasn’t enough then the HD Hero also lets you shoot video in 960p maximum Field of View (FOV) using full frame 4:3 resolution! And there’s more – 720p slow-motion cinema with 60 fps playback capturing every second in glorious detail.

Stills camera modes

We know you sometimes want HD video and other times just a stonking great 5MP photo.  Well GoPro know this too which is why the HD Hero gives you all the tools, starting with a 170º lens that is sharp from corner to corner, edge to edge…and why GoPro’s 1.4 lux low light performance is industry leading…and why their 5MP sensor is a massive 1/2.5 inches.

You’ll have to trust us—that’s big for an image sensor. 1/2.5 big ones.

  • 2, 5 and 10 seconds auto-photo mode
    Keep taking hands-free photos until the memory card is full or the battery dies – well over 2 hours of shooting a photo every 2 seconds!
  • 3-photo burst mode
    Shoot 3 photos out with two seconds spacing to give sequence-friendly timing
  • Self-timer mode
    Just remember to say cheese when you all line up for a group photo!

True HD – GoPro HD Hero Technical Specification

Optics

  • Lens Type : Fixed Focus (2ft/.6m to infinity), glass
  • Aperture : f/2.8 (high performance in low-light situations)
  • Angle of View : 170º ultra wide angle in 720p / 960p
  • Angle of View : 127º wide angle in 1080p

Video

  • HD Resolution Settings :
    • 1080p : 1920×1080 pixels, 30 fps, 12 Mbit/s data rate
    • 960p : 1280×960 pixels, 30 fps, 10 Mbit/s data rate
    • 720p : 1280×720 pixels, 30 fps with 7.5 Mbit/s data rate,or 60 fps with 15 Mbit/s data rate
  • Sensor Type : 1/2.5″ HD CMOS, 2.2μm pixels
  • Light Sensitivity : Super low-light sensitivity (>1.4V/lux-sec)
  • Video Format : H.264 compression, saved as MP4(.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, or 10 secs.; 3 photo burst; self-timer

Storage

  • Memory : SD memory card, up to 32GB capacity (SDHC). Capacity @ 16GB SD card size :
  • 1080p 30 fps = 2 hrs 52 min
  • 960p 30 fps = 3 hrs 27 min
  • 720p 60 fps = 2 hrs 42 min
  • 720p 30 fps = 4 hrs 9 min

Connectors

  • PC Connection : USB 2.0 (data connection and battery charging)
  • TV Out : HD NTSC & PAL (component cable included)
  • Audio In/Out : Combo 2.5mm jack with standard audio-out; external line mic-in with optional conversion cable accessory
  • Wireless Stereo Mic / Wireless Remote Control : Included built-in RF transceiver supports optional wireless mic accesssories

Power and Battery

  • Battery Type : Rechargeable 1100 mAh Lithium-Ion
  • Battery Life : Approx. 2.25 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 Housing

  • Depth Rating : Up to 180 feet / 60 meters
  • Construction : polycarbonate and stainless steel
  • Hardware : Stainless steel

Additional Information

  • PC Compatibility : Windows ME, 2000, XP, and Vista; Mac OS X 10.2 and later
  • Dimensions (H x W x D) : 1.6” x 2.4” x 1.2” (42mm x 60mm x 30mm)
  • Weight : 5.3oz/150g incl. battery, 6.3oz/179g incl. housing

Optional Accessories

  • External Mono Mic (Wired)
  • External Stereo Mic (Wireless)
  • Remote Control (Wireless)
  • Rechargable 1100 mAh Lithium-Ion Battery
  • Full line of mounting accessories

Optional Expansion Bakpacs™

An innovative expansion port, the HERO Bus™, accepts optional Expansion Bakpacs to expand
the functionality of HD HERO cameras.

  • LCD Bakpac
  • Endurance Battery Bakpac
  • More coming soon