The New GoPro Hero 2 Camera
The manufacturers of ‘the world’s most versatile high definition camera’, have announced the launch of their latest generation of HD helmet camera systems – the GoPro HD Hero 2.
Employing the latest Ambarella A5s core processor chipset boasts many exciting new features including WiFi integration, higher frame rates at lower resolution, serial sensor connection and a much higher video encoding bit rate.
The upgrade to the A5s processor allows the new GoPro HD Hero 2 cameras to provide a sharper image, increased low light performance and better colours by allowing the camera to connect to the latest generation CMOS sensors.
The new sensor produces 11 megapixel still photographs and a burst mode that enables the camera to take 10 images a second. For awesome time lapse photography, full resolution photographs can be captured every 0.5 seconds. A5s can also record at 120 frames per second when in 848×600 pixel mode.
GoPro claim the new glass wide angled lens on the HD Hero 2 camera produces x2 sharper images. The lens is still very wide, providing a maximum 170 degrees field of vision with long depth of view. Selecting other video resolutions, where only part of the sensor is used, effectively reduces the angle of view to as low as 90 degrees.
Greater ease of use is the major benefit of the larger LCD screen on the front of the GoPro HD Hero 2 camera. The previous GoPro HD cameras had a smaller LCD screen and the menu options were represented by a somewhat cryptic letters and numbers arrangement.
Making changes to the GoPro HD Hero 2 camera settings is now much easier and there’s no need to carry around the manual for reference.
In addition to the latest generation of HD Hero camera systems, GoPro further announced new ‘BacPac’ accessories compatible with both the original HD HERO and the new HD Hero 2 camera systems. There will be a WiFi BacPac supplied with a WiFi remote controller that can control up to 50 GoPro cameras at one time!
Whilst the WiFi BacPac is compatible with original GoPro HD cameras, users of the new GoPro HD Hero 2 cameras will enjoy video streaming capabilities to a Wi-Fi connected device such as a laptop or smartphone. The GoPro HD Hero 2 can record locally and stream video via WiFi in real time.
Despite all these technical changes inside the camera, GoPro have retained their square and unique looking form factor. The new GoPro HD Hero 2 camera is compatible with all the original GoPro mounts and accessories. And an update in the firmware will also make it compatible with 3D GoPro system.
The new GoPro HD Hero 2 is available in 3 models – Outdoor Edition, Motorsports Edition and the Surf Edition
