Most modern users of action cameras at the mention of such devices immediately imagine GoPro products. On the wave of such success the American corporation GoPro Inc. tries to keep up with the requests of consumers and aims to release devices aimed at a variety of needs.
The GoPro HERO, an entry-level action camera, is an excellent choice for those who would like to do first steps into the world of extreme-action video photography. A small, mountable, water- and shockproof camera with an affordable price of $130 represents a kind of a budget HERO 3 White Edition, but the HERO lacks a number of functions in comparison with the White Edition. Herewith the HERO is really capable of shooting good-looking video even at its price.
The GoPro HERO weight is only 3.9 ounces. This small portable camera is encased in a durable case, providing water resistance to the depth of 131 feet, which is a pleasure for fans of underwater sports. It also features resistance to sand, dirt, dust and anything else, so you can take it with you to any place and do not worry about damaging it. It is suitable for most outdoor activities like car, motorbike, cycling, motorsport, fishing, skateboarding, etc.
The HERO permanently “lives” in its case and cannot be removed from it. Sure, it is not a problem, as many people keep their cameras all the time in cases, but the problem with the HERO is that you cannot remove the inbuilt battery or make use of an extended battery adapter. It should be noted that the battery life totals to about 2 and a half hours of continuous recording, which is excellent. Full recharging takes about two hours.
Basically the GoPro HERO is a small box with a little monochrome LCD-display in the front. There is no rear LCD display, no viewfinder and that is why you cannot see the picture you are shooting. Besides the HERO does not have a slot for HD multimedia interface (HDMI), enabling you to play back straight from the camera to a display. But what is more important, the HERO is deprived of the port for accessories. So you can add neither Wi-Fi, nor an extra external LCD. But there is a slot for microSDHC supporting cards with capacities of up to 32GB, and a Mini-USB port.
The GoPro HERO package includes a camera embedded in a waterproof case; an inbuilt battery; standard and skeleton backdoors; a flat adhesive mount; a curved adhesive mount; quick release buckle; a rubber stopper to prevent unlocking of the quick-release buckle under extreme use; and a Mini-USB cable.
The HERO has the ability to capture excellent video in three modes: with the resolution of 1080p at 30 frames per second, 720p at 60 frames per second, and 720p at 30 frames per second. New modes like QuikCapture, SuperView and Auto Low Light make the process of shooting very simple and easy, resulting in images of almost professional quality. There is also an option to take pictures with the resolution of 5 megapixels.
The QuikCapture option allows you turn on the camera and start recording by pressing just one record button, which promotes to increasing the battery life as well. SuperView, as the GoPro exclusive function, allows you to capture shots and show the surroundings to a maximum. With the SuperView mode the camera automatically stretches the video from both sides, changing the aspect ratio of the video from 4:3 to 16:9. The Auto Low Light automatic mode effectively optimizes shooting in lowlight conditions, allowing you to go crossing light and dark areas with no need to alter camera parameters.
The GoPro HERO is an ideal camera for beginners. It is designed for people who are just starting to learn the world of GoPro. It seems that the HERO has been created with the idea of maximum simplicity in use, but at the same time with the desire to keep all of the major benefits of the GoPro cameras.
