Action video innovator GoPro today introduced the latest in its line of durable, waterproof video cameras, named simply the GoPro Hero. Boasting basic features and a more limited range of options, this camera’s low cost may make it a working-class Hero. Designed with hobbyists and more casual users in mind, its simplified options may be an attractive choice for those who aren’t interested in its more advanced siblings’ extensive feature list.
Key features:
- 2-inch Touch Screen
- Waterproof to 33 feet
- Voice Control
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Auto offload to phone
- QuikStories Enabled
- 1080 and 1440p video with stabilization
Like the HERO5 Black () and HERO6 Black (), the Hero has a larger 2-inch screen and single-button operation, but lacks GPS, HDR Photo capture, RAW photo and audio capture, or Touch Zoom. The Hero also has Stereo Audio recording, HD Video Out, exposure control, touch-screen operation, and a Micro HDMI port.
The biggest difference between the Hero and other Hero models is that it offers a very limited choice in videos: 60 and 30fps frame rates in both 1440p and 1080p, as well as 10 fps still image burst rate. while the other cameras offer a wider variety of resolutions and frame rates.
Video features found in the Hero include burst photo, time-lapse video and photo modes, the ability to upload automatically to the cloud and to connect to the GoPro App, and QuikStories. QuikStories, which was introduced in mid-2017, lets the camera automatically edit video footage, and send the resulting compilation to a user’s iPhone without touching any buttons. QuikStories eliminates several tedious steps in video storytelling by automating the process.
The 2-inch touchscreen lets users quickly switch between modes. The camera body is waterproof down to 33 feet, so it can be used for snorkeling and some diving. Voice control lets you operate the Hero hands-free and will recognize simple commands such as “GoPro, start recording” or “take a photo.” Footage can be automatically transferred to your phone and with a GoPro Plus subscription, can be automatically backed up in the cloud. Up to 35 hours of video can be stored.
For still photography, GoPro Hero records 10mp images as either single shots or in 10fps bursts. Time-lapse photography is available at a fixed interval of 1/2 second.
The GoPro Hero can be ordered now from Adorama for $199—the lowest-cost camera in the GoPro line.
