GoPro unveils the Hero 5 Black and Hero 5 Session
GoPro has just unveiled the Hero 5 Black and the Hero 5 Session. The Hero 5 Black is the company's first flagship camera to be released since the Hero 4 back in 2014. The Hero 5 Session is an updated version of the small, cube-shaped original Session that was released last Summer. The two new action cameras were announced at a launch event for their Karma drone at Squaw Valley Ski Resort in Northern California. Both of their new action cameras are compatible with GoPro's first quadcopter. They'll also be available on October 2nd.
The Hero 5 Black and Hero 5 Session are priced at $399 and $299 respectively and share a few of the same specs and features. Both action cameras can record 4K video at a maximum of 30fps. They are also both water resistant up to 33 feet without needing a waterproof housing. They also feature voice control, with several languages supported. They are also capable of backing up photos and videos automatically as part of GoPro's new Plus cloud-based subscription service.
Although they are similar in some ways, they are also different in other aspects. The Hero 5 Black is a more rugged version than its predecessor the Hero4. It shoots 12-megapxel photos, packs a 2-inch LCD touchscreen, features built-in GPS, as well as being able to capture RAW photos and Wide Dynamic Range video. The smaller, more compact Hero 5 Session, shoots 10-megapixel photos, which is likely to thank its small sensor. However, it doesn't include a screen, GPS, no RAW or WDR modes. The Hero 5 Session will still have GoPro's ProTune video mode, which lets users capture a flatter image that makes it easier to color-correct while editing.
GoPro is also promoting having a simpler menu system for both action camera, with a one-button operation, just like the on seen on the Hero 4 Session. The Hero 5 Black also sports dedicated buttons for photos and video recording. Both cameras also come with stereo microphones. GoPro has said the Hero 5 cameras will also feature "professional grade" electronic, or digital, image stabilization. This is something GoPro has never had before, however, it's also a drawback considering Sony's newly announced Action Cam lineup will feature mechanical image stabilization.
Along with the cameras and new Karma drone, GoPro also announced GoPro Plus. The CEO of GoPro, Nick Woodman, has teased the cloud storage service for a while, and details were leaked just last month of how it works. This is how it'll work: users will pay $4.99 /month subscription fee, and once they plug in their cameras at home the photos and videos will automatically start uploading to the cloud. The files can then be accessed from anywhere using GoPro's mobile editing apps, Quik and Splice as well as their newly revamped mobile app Capture and their desktop app. GoPro's desktop app also got rebranded and updated. It will now be known as the desktop version of Quick, and they have added autonomous editing features.
One of the weaknesses to GoPro Plus is that you can only download the files and edit them locally, which means you can't start editing a project on one device and then continue on another. A positive to the GoPro Plus subscription is that they include a library of royalty-free music, and 20 percent off any camera accessories and mounts. The service will be available from September 29th.
These bonus features that GoPro has thrown in, is a way GoPro can market the new cameras. The features on GoPro's Hero 5 flagship cameras aren't that unique, most of them can be found on Sony and Garmin action cameras, but their strong user experience that they offer is what get's them even stronger with today's announcements. Now it's up to their strong ecosystem and the unveiling of the Karma drone to save GoPro's falling stock price.
Via: | The Verge | - Source: | No source was given |
