GoPro, the world’s leading manufacturer of wearable digital cameras for sports, launches its new HD Helmet HERO camera at the 2009 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market. GoPro’s HD Helmet HERO camera marks the industry’s first true high-definition 1080p wearable camera for sports.

The HD Helmet HERO captures professional-grade 1080p, 960p, and 720p HD video at 30 and 60 frames per second (720p). Designed for film and TV professionals and consumer enthusiasts alike, GoPro’s HD Helmet HERO camera boasts higher performance than action sports cameras costing ten times as much. The HD Helmet HERO goes on sale this fall, MSRP $299.

“GoPro is very fortunate to be the leader in wearable camera technology,” says Nicholas Woodman, GoPro’s founder and CEO. “We cannot thank our customers enough. Their incredible support has helped GoPro succeed to where we’re able to secure technology partnerships that we could only dream of a year ago.


Go Pro High Definition launch at the Outdoor Retailer Show ‘09

Our product development is now ferociously paced, and in the HD Helmet HERO you’re seeing the first of many leading-edge products that will establish GoPro as the world’s pre-eminent manufacturer of convenience-based image capture devices. The HD Helmet HERO allows consumers to capture professional-grade 1080p / 960p / and 720p video and is the size of a matchbox.”

On that note, every HD Helmet HERO camera comes standard with an internal RF transceiver that allows consumers to add a wireless stereo microphone and remote, both with a range of 30 feet. The remote control enables users to send a “preview” image wirelessly from the camera to the remote, allowing the user to preview the camera’s aim and viewing angle prior to recording.

“Sound is as important as resolution when it comes to capturing your life’s most adventurous and exciting moments,” says Woodman. “We’re obsessed with creating the best products possible for our customers. The RF stereo microphone marries HD sound to GoPro’s professional HD video, creating one of the most convenient and capable image capture devices in the world. And you can wirelessly preview your shot with the RF remote control?! Absurd. I love it.”

The HD Helmet HERO also captures 5MP photos in a variety of modes including a “Photo every 2 seconds” mode that allows for creative hands free image capture during even the most intense consumer activities. Mount the camera facing back from the bow of your kayak or nose of your surfboard and be amazed at the in-action photos you’ll capture. All the while you are free to simply enjoy your sport while the camera works for you.

With it’s incredible image stability, industry first 1080p / 960p / and 720p video, and hands free automatic capture of 5MP photos, the HD Helmet HERO is a professional-grade wearable HD camera, albeit at a consumer price.


GoPro HD Test on a Yamaha R6

At a remarkable $299 retail price, the matchbox-size camera comes standard with several mounting accessories for attaching it to your helmet, head, and favorite gear. GoPro’s HD Helmet HERO adds so much to your enjoyment of your favourite activities. Arriving home to watch your footage is almost as much fun as having experienced it in the first place. Relive Reality™…GoPro.

The HD Helmet HERO features user-friendly default settings that allow even the most techo-phobic consumers to capture and enjoy HD footage with the push of a single shutter button.

For those consumers looking for the latest in technology and options, the HD Helmet HERO offers a wide range of video resolutions and settings to tailor the camera to meet specialized needs. Choose from:

1080p — “True HD” video at 30 frames per second – to put it in perspective, 1080p 30 frames per second is the equivalent of shooting 30 2-megapixel photos per second. Each video still is a 2-megapixel photo, in essence. A first in wearable camera technology, available only from GoPro.

960p — “Maximum Wide Angle” video at 30 frames per second – 960p offers 25% more vertical viewing area than other resolutions. This means you can see your knees and skis on the slopes, and your handlebars and bike frame beneath you when charging the singletrack. Yet another first in wearable cameras, only from GoPro.


High Rise MotoX Stunt – Filmed in 960p

720p – “Slow-motion Cinema” is possible thanks to the HD Helmet HERO’s incredibly smooth 60 frames per second 720p video. Again, a first in wearable camera technology, only from GoPro.

The HD HERO is not simply an upgrade from the original and beloved Helmet HERO. It also branches out with new features no other video camera offers, including rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that feature an industry first internal heating system to keep your battery warm for longer recording times in cold temperatures. Let it snow, let it snow…GoPro.

Other enhancements include louder audible and brighter visual indicators to communicate the camera’s operational status. And now you can use up to a 32GB SD card to store over 8 hours of HD video. Want to plug in an external power source to keep your camera going longer than the 2.5 hours provided by the internal battery? No problem, you can do that, too.

Have a creative idea for a video that requires an external wired mic? Not a problem thanks to the external wired-mic jack built into the side of the camera.

Durability and easy of use are GoPro trademarks, so it’s no surprise that the GoPro’s bombproof mounting hardware and waterproof housings live on with the HD Helmet HERO. The result? One of the most durable pieces of consumer electronics available today.

The HD Helmet HERO comes standard with industry’s widest-angle lens of 170 degrees.


Go Pro HD Widescreen Test

“With so many professional film and TV producers, athletes, and hardcore action sports enthusiasts already using GoPro cameras in their own work and lifestyles, it was inevitable that GoPro would build industry leading technology into our latest camera, the HD Helmet HERO,” says Woodman.

“It’s exciting that for $299 consumers can buy the same HD camera that brand giants like Red Bull, BFGoodrich, Specialized, and many production companies use for their action sports filming…the HD HERO line from GoPro. We’re energized about how powerful this new camera has proven and we know our fans are going to lose their minds.”

Outdoor Retailer participants can expect the usual excitement around GoPro’s exhibit (booth # 38131), including their always-popular camera and beer giveaways everyday at 3pm. This year, however, marks a major milestone for both GoPro with the industry’s first professional-grade wearable HD camera and 1080p / 960p / and 720p video.

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.

Be a Hero…GoPro

Action Cameras will keep this site updated about launch dates when we have these confirmed.

Article originally from Paddling Instructor

[Here's GoPro's Official Press Release for the Announcement of the GoPro HD]

GoPro Introduces First True HD Wearable Camera for Action and Motor Sports…

Phenomenal Professional Quality at a Consumer-Friendly Price!

GoPro, the #1 maker of wearable sports cameras in the world, is excited to announce our new HD Hero. This new line gives action and motor sports enthusiasts the ability, for the first time, to capture their exploits in incredibly crisp, smooth, and bright full HD video and still photos. Using a cutting edge technology, the HD Hero is the industry’s first true HD camera… and the first in many more ways, such as producing video at a professional-grade 60 frames per second. All this while maintaining GoPro’s incredible rock solid picture stabilization and wide range of super-stable mounts for an ever broadening roster of sports. Let the games begin!

Startlingly clear, smooth, and rich video right out of the box
• Default settings allow consumers to capture HD footage with no programming
• Great range of video resolution options. Each of these is unique…no competitive camera offers any of these:
­ True HD video (1920 x 1080p) at standard 30 frames per second. Perfect option for most sports.
­ Slow Motion Cinema mode: a high resolution mode (1280 x 720p) at an amazing 60 frames per second (or 30 fps if desired). Permits “liquid smooth” slow motion viewing, and ideal for body-mounted applications and the highest action sports.
­ Maximum Field of View (1280 x 960p) that adds 25% more “height” to the picture. Developed specially by GoPro to let you see more action at the top & bottom of the screen — critical things like the tips of your skis, a longer stretch of trail, or the horizon…things that make your video much more exciting.
• Incredibly rich color and fast light/dark adjustment. Action footage looks perfectly natural, even as you jump from shadows to bright sunshine.
• Great, natural sound that requires no high/low sound setting
• Rock solid image stabilization keeps the action crisp with no vibration or “double vision” even at highest speeds in the most challenging sports

Amazingly crisp action photos as well – a feature which no other video camera offers.
• 5 megapixel photos can now be taken automatically every 2, 5, or 10 seconds. Upgraded sensor means that photos are clearer, colors are brighter, and the light is better – all by an order of magnitude.

Fantastic new features that make the camera even simpler to use and more useful
• Rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery lasts 2 hours in most ambient temperature
• Stores video and photo on 32GB SD card, for 8-10 hours of video or thousands of still photos
• Louder audible and brighter visual on/off indicators make it easy to know camera status
• Upgraded battery life indicator
• Unique battery heater feature permits longer use in cold temperatures

Maintaining the proven design features that have made GoPro the choice of action and motor sports enthusiasts
• Industry’s widest angle lens (170 degrees) capture more of the action
• Clear impact-resistant polycarbonate waterproof housing as standard equipment. Now rated to a remarkable 180 feet (55 meters) underwater.
• Compact size maximizes versatility for mounting camera anywhere you want.
• Bombproof GoPro mounting hardware for use on helmets, bike or motorbike frames, cars, kayaks, snowboards or skis, or many other sports equipment…or on your body.

And GoPro’s not stopping there. More “firsts” are on the way with these optional components, available by January 2010:
• Wireless Remote Control offers an on-off control with wireless still image preview system. Wear on the wrist or mount on your dashboard.
• Wireless Stereo Microphone
• LCD Bakpak adds an LCD video view screen to the back of the camera
• Battery Bakpak lets you double your recording time by adding a second battery

GoPro’s new HD Hero Breaks New Ground in Wearable Cameras for Sports

1. First True HD camera at full 1920 x 1080p screen resolution
2. First wearable camera to offer professional-grade 60 frames per second in HD resolution
3. First wearable camera to offer Maximum Field-of-View mode (25% more screen height) to capture more of the action
4. Only wearable video camera to capture 5 megapixel photos automatically
5. Only wearable camera to offer 170 degree wide angle lens
6. Only wearable camera rated to 180 feet (55 meters) underwater
7. First wearable camera to extend battery life in winter environments through unique battery heating technology
8. First wearable camera line to offer modular accessories for:
­ Remote on-off control and screen preview
­ Full LCD preview and playback screen
­ Wireless mic
­ Extended battery pack