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New entry-level GoPro Hero packs an impressive feature list for $199

New entry-level GoPro Hero packs an impressive feature list for $199
The GoPro Hero is an entry-level touchscreen action cam that makes GoPro affordable once again
The GoPro Hero is an entry-level touchscreen action cam that makes GoPro affordable once again
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The GoPro Hero is an entry-level touchscreen action cam that makes GoPro affordable once again
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The GoPro Hero is an entry-level touchscreen action cam that makes GoPro affordable once again
The GoPro Hero is waterproof up to 30 feet
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The GoPro Hero is waterproof up to 30 feet
GoPro Hero: maximum video settings give you 1440p/60 fps as well as video stabilization
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GoPro Hero: maximum video settings give you 1440p/60 fps as well as video stabilization
GoPro Hero: can be operated through touch screen, voice or smartphone controls
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GoPro Hero: can be operated through touch screen, voice or smartphone controls
GoPro Hero: sample 10-megapixel image
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GoPro Hero: sample 10-megapixel image
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GoPro has been the go-to consumer-level action camera pretty much since the Hero2 launched in 2011. Other cameras have been around in the same time frame, but no brand has become synonymous with the segment like these guys.

Mind you, in recent times, as the Hero series has become smarter, sharper and gathered features, the prices have been creeping up. The current model Hero6 Black retails for US$399, which is a fair chunk of change to stick on top of gear costs for your action sport of choice.

Hence this. Simply called the Hero, GoPro's newest offering is a simple and capable action cam built to a price point of $199 in the United States.

GoPro Hero: can be operated through touch screen, voice or smartphone controls
GoPro Hero: can be operated through touch screen, voice or smartphone controls

Max video quality is a very useable 1440p/60 fps, with 10-megapixel still shooting. It's got a two-inch touch display on the back, and voice control options to start/stop/shoot/turn the thing off.

Out of the box without a cover, it's waterproof to depths of up to 30 ft (10 m), making it suitable for beach shenanigans and scuba diving. Naturally, it fits with the full range of GoPro mount accessories.

Impressively, it also manages to include smartphone connectivity (presumably via Wi-Fi like other models) and video stabilization (presumably in software rather than mechanical form) to make it a pretty nifty piece of gear.

If you want full 4K vision, slow motion and the very best imaging available at this point, you'll still have to stump up for the Hero6. But at around half the price, the new Hero will likely be more than adequate for the vast majority of non-professional users – and you can spend that spare couple of hundred on another skydive, or shark wrestle, or whatever the heck is it you're doing.

Check out a video below.

GoPro: Meet HERO - Everyday Awesome

Source: GoPro

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4 comments
4 comments
Michael Lau
I reckon nowadays there are many options for action camera, many offer as good if not better video quality then Go Pro, Go Pro's main advantage are the ecosystem of accessories and more convenience of use then other action cameras, however battery life is a big issue, many action camera can swap out the battery for a fresh one and extend the period of filming, new Go Pro's internal battery can't swap out, adding a external battery will compromise waterproofing, adding a waterproof battery case often cause over heating, a Go Pro that can film for 4 hours in one charge would will be a true game changer, not lowering the price point or shooting 8K video.
piperTom
I'm commenting just to congratulate the author for CORRECTLY converting 30 ft to "10 m, instead of typing the right silly "9.155 M" as is common. The "30" has one significant digit, implying an accuracy (and importance) of +/- one foot. The simple "10" might imply a bit less accuracy, but it's still much better than going with "9.1" that would imply more. Thank you!
PaleDale
$299.95 in Australia, the good old Australia tax strikes again. Going by the current exchange rate it should be AUD $269. And given they are made in China, cheaper to ship to Australia that the USA.... No thanks, I'll continue to support other companies that make the same products for much less. I can get a 4K camera that has the same features for AU$130, that's less than half!
bwana4swahili
Many other action cams with similar or better features for less $$$'s.