GoPro introduces new Hero4 series

 GoPro has unveiled two new Hero4 cameras and one entry-level Hero device as they build on the technology and success of their acclaimed action capture products. Specifically, these are the Hero4 Black, Hero4 Silver, and the Hero.

“For the past twelve years, our passion has been to make it easy for people to self-capture jaw-dropping, professional quality footage of themselves engaged in their favorite activities,” said GoPro Founder and CEO, Nicholas Woodman.  “That passion led us to embark on our most ambitious design and engineering effort ever, and the result is nothing short of the ultimate GoPro—the Hero4 Black.  We can’t wait to see what the world captures with it.”

The two Hero4 devices sport new features that allow both new and old customers to experience the immersion possible with GoPro. Protune enables manual control of elements like ISO, exposure, color, and sharpness for both photos and videos; Night Photo and Night Lapse allows capturing of vivid sceneries even when pitch black; HiLight Tag makes finding key video moments easier; and QuikCapture makes taking photos and videos easier from the get-go even with a powered-off device.

Hero4 Black

The Hero4 Black is the most premium of the three and is billed as two times better than its namesake predecessor. It’s able to take cinematic 4K videos at 30fps, 2.7K footages at 50fps, and 1080p reels at a whopping 120fps. Additionally, you can turn video stills into 8.3MP photos; take 12MP high-resolution pictures; and upload everything quickly via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity options.

Complementing the visual experience is an improved audio system capable of capturing clean sounds with two times the dynamic range of other models. There’s also better low light performance; highlight moment tagging so you won’t have to sift through a one-hour footage trying to find a 10 second clip; and better user interface streamlining how you interface with the device.

“A common pain-point is deciding between capturing video or photos of an experience,” remarked Woodman. “Each frame of4K30 video is similar to an 8.3 megapixel photo. The result is that users can simultaneously capture eye-popping 4K30 video and impressive 8.3 megapixel photolike video stills at 30 frames per second when using Hero4 Black. It’s one of the many wild capabilities of this impressive new device.”

Hero4 Silver

The Hero4 Silver is for those who want the high-end GoPro experience at a cheaper price. As opposed to the capture capabilities of the Black edition, this one takes 2.7K videos at 30fps, 1080p at 60 fps, and 720p at 120fps – still more than enough for cinematic HD videos. It can also take 30 12-megapixel photos per second. Built-in to its back is a touchscreen display for those who can’t live without a graphical user interface.

Hero

The last of the new GoPro devices, the Hero, is an entry-level camera stripped down to the basics of what the company is able to deliver – gorgeous videos in a sturdy and durable package. It captures 1080p and 720p footages at 30fps and 60fps, respectively.

Mounts and Accessories

The cameras above are compatible with both old and new GoPro attachments, with a guarantee that investing in the company’s ecosystem means you won’t need to buy the same thing twice.

Accessories announced during the launch event include a waterproof Smart Remote which allows control up to 183 meters away; a floating Handler with handgrip for easier operation; and new BacPac accessories including a Battery for added juice, and LCD touchscreen for intuitive interfacing.

Pricing and Availability

The top-of-the-ine Hero4 Black retails for PHP 25,990; the consumer-friendly Hero4 Silver debuts at PHP 20,990; and the budget Hero sells for PHP 7,990.