Ever wonder how producers are able to capture those awesome video shots that seem to put you right in the action? Simple, they have the right equipment (and, of course they eye and technical skill.) One such tool, the HD HERO, is a cool little camera that came on the market a few years ago and it has really taken the action and adventure world by storm.
Developed by GoPro, this very compact unit is capable of recording video and still shots in high-definition and, while not the only sports camera on the market, it is the king when it comes to capturing all the best action.
The HD HERO line of cameras are offered in packages tailored for the activity they will be used for such as Motorsports, Surf and Helmet, and the quality from this little camera is simply amazing.
This year GoPro raised the stakes even higher as they released a new 3D HERO kit along with the new 11mp HD HERO2.
The 3D HERO was recently employed in a new marketing campaign for Rip Curl, an international surf brand, that put to test a unique 48 camera array to capture never-before-seen perspectives of two-time world champion surfer Mick Fanning in the waters of the South Pacific.
Camera array photography pioneers Tim and Callum Macmillan were employed for the Rip Curl campaign using the 3D HERO cameras and a teaser video of their efforts has been released.
GoPro cameras are waterproof (up to 180 feet) when used in the appropriate housing and offer a wide array of mounting hardware for nearly any configuration.
The cameras capture video at full 1080p, 960p, or 720p HD at 30fps and 720p at 60fps and feature wide-angle lens recording at 90- or 127-degree angle of view or ultra-wide 170-degree angle of view depending on recording mode.
All data is recorded to an SD memory card and the camera’s battery is rechargeable with up to 2 ½ hours shooting time per charge. There is a built-in self-timer and the camera can be set for time-lapse photography as well, recording images at 5mp, 8mp or 11mpand can shoot up to 10fps.
Other features include an external stereo mic input plug, mini-HDMI port and LED status lights on four sides (eliminating the awkward opening shot of your face every time as you verify the camera is in record mode).
HD HERO is the camera I use for capturing unique and challenging images and video and is the must-have item in any production kit when going out on location.
After seeing the image quality the GoPro cameras are capable of comes perhaps the biggest surprise of all in the HD HEROs “Naked” price of only $199.99 with HD HERO2 packages for $299.99.
Good things do come in small packages.
And coming soon from GoPro is the ability to control HD HERO cameras remotely via Wi-Fi and the GoPro App, slated for release this winter. HD HERO2 cameras will have the added capability to stream video live as well.
GoPro HD HERO camera line
MSRP: $299.99 for HD HERO2 kits at the GoPro website or from Best Buy. Here’s the Surf Edition Kit through our Amazon Affiliate Store.
What I Like: Awesome flexibility and endless possibilities, impressive quality.
What Needs Improvement: GoPro is addressing its needs in keeping up with the segment by already increasing resolution and capabilities with remote operation and Wi-Fi coming soon.