GoPro continues to innovate and excite, especially with the release of a new line of high-definition (HD) cameras which has created quite a market niche for motorsports video capture. These new gadgets record in 1080p, 960p and 720p resolution with a 16:9 aspect ratio and can be mounted to any helmet, motorcycle, car, 4-wheeler, boat, etc. Basically, anything that is motorized or moves is fodder for this little gizmo.
Mounting hardware is available for up to 2 helmets and 3 vehicles. And with a waterproof housing good to up to 180 feet, you can take the GoPro Hero HD diving or suction-cupped on the bow of your personal submarine or watercraft. Up to 2.5 hours of footage can be captured on one charge. If you scoop up a separate 32 gig card, you can grab 9 hours total. The 5MP camera can be set to shoot at 2, 5, 10, 30 or 60 second intervals. We can see some pretty cool stop motion possibilities here. Retail price is $299.99. Check out the press release for full specs and details below.
Press Release GoPro Introduces New HD Motorsports HERO Camera GoPro's HD Motorsports HERO is the world's highest performance 1080p HD on-board video and still photo camera. Professional quality 1080p, 960p, and 720p HD resolutions record at 30 frames per second (60 fps in 720p). The HD Motorsports HERO easily mounts to any helmet, motorcycle, ATV, car, plane, jet ski, boat, snowmobile or other vehicle. The camera's quick-release mounting design makes it easy to re-position the camera around your vehicle for professional quality HD video from several angles. Record up to 2.5 hours on a single charge and up to 9 hours total on a 32GB SD card (not included). Included are mounts for two helmets and three vehicles, as well as a suction cup for maximum versatility and convenience. The housing is waterproof to 180' / 60m. GoPro's obsession with sound has conquered the wind. At 85 mph on a motorcycle, you'll enjoy the throaty sound of your motor, not the wind. Inside even the quietest street cars, hear the pull of your motor...not the drone of the wind and road. Included is a 1100mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery that lasts for up to 2.5 hours of constant recording. With optional accessories, you can also plug the camera into a wall outlet, cigarette lighter, or with any USB-compatible power adapter, wire it directly to your vehicle's electrical system. The battery will charge while you record. The camera can also shoot automatic 5MP photos at 2/5/10/30 and 60 second intervals during your drive or ride, hands free. Press the shutter button once and record up to 2.5 hours of poster-print quality photos. Waterproof to 180' / 60m and protected from rocks and other hazards thanks to its removable polycarbonate housing. Replacement housings and lens kits are available, making repairs or refurbishing your HD HERO camera affordable and convenient. It's a GoPro...go for it.™ What's Included: * 1 HD HERO Camera (5 megapixel) * 1 Rechargable 1100 mAh Lithium-Ion Battery * 1 Waterproof Quick-Release Housing (180'/60 m) * 3 Flat, 3M™ Adhesive Mounts * 2 Curved, 3M™ Adhesive Mounts * 2 Quick-Release Buckles * 1 Vertical Surface "J-Hook" Buckle * 1 Suction Cup Mount * 1 Three-Way Pivoting Side Arm Assembly * 1 USB Cable * 1 Component Video (HDTV) Cable * 1 Composite Video + Audio Out Cable * Warranty: One Year Tech Specs: Camera Optics * Lens Type: Fixed Focus (2ft/.6m – ), glass * Aperture: f/2.8 (high performance in low-light situations) * Angle of View: 170º ultra wide angle in WVGA, 720p, or 960p mode * Angle of View: 127º wide angle in 1080p mode Video * HD Video Resolution Modes: (subject to change, pending final firmware release) o 1080p = 1920x1080 pixels (16:9), 30 fps, 15 Mbit/s data rate o 960p = 1280x960 pixels (4:3), 30 fps, 12 Mbit/s data rate o 720p = 1280x720 pixels (16:9), 60 fps, 15 Mbit/s data rate o 720p = 1280x720 pixels (16:9), 30 fps, 8 Mbit/s data rate o WVGA = 848x480 pixels (16:9), 60 fps, 8 Mbit/s data rate * Sensor Type: 1/2.5" HD CMOS, 2.2µm-sized pixels * Light Sensitivity: Super low-light sensitivity (>1.4 V/lux-sec) * Video Format: H.264 compression, saved as Windows- & Mac-compatible MPEG4 (.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, 10, 30 or 60 secs.; 3 photo burst; self-timer Storage * Memory: SD card, up to 32GB capacity (SDHC) * Average recording times (using 32GB SD card): o 1080p (30 fps): 4h 21m o 960p (30 fps): 5h 26m o 720p (60 fps): 4h 21 o 720p (30 fps): 8h 09m o WVGA (60 fps): 8h 09m Camera Connectors & Cables * PC Connection: USB 2.0 (data connection and battery charging) * HDTV Out: HD NTSC & PAL (component cable incl.) * Audio Out: Combo 2.5mm jack with stereo audio and composite video out * PC Compatibility: Windows® XP (Service Pack 2 or later) or Vista; Mac OS® X 10.4.11 and later Power & Battery * Battery Type: Rechargeable 1100 mAh lithium-ion * Battery Life: Approx. 2.5 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 Camera Housing * Depth Rating: Up to 180 feet / 60 meters * Construction: Polycarbonate and stainless steel * Hardware: Stainless steel Size & Weight * Dimensions (H x W x D): 1.6" x 2.4" x 1.2" (42mm x 60mm x 30mm) * Weight: 3.3oz (94g) incl. battery, 5.9oz (167g) incl. housing Optional Accessories * Additional Rechargable 1100 mAh Lithium-Ion Battery (not yet available for pre-order) * Full Line of Mounting Accessories Optional Expansion Bakpacs™ An innovative expansion port on the back of the camera, the HERO Bus™ accepts optional Expansion Bakpacs to expand the functionality of HD HERO cameras: * LCD Bakpac for on-camera preview and playback (not yet available for pre-order) * Endurance Battery Bakpac for double battery life (not yet available for pre-order) * More Bakpacs and expansion devices coming soon About GoPro GoPro is the world's leading manufacturer of ultra-convenient wearable and gear mountable digital cameras. Its markets include outdoor sports and motorsports. Since 2004, GoPro has been designing cameras and accessories that make it easy for people to capture images and video during their favorite activities. Its products include the patented HERO line of shockproof/waterproof wearable cameras and gear-attachment devices.
Source: GoPro