GoPro has given us the first look at its new 2019 product range, and it’s big in more ways than one. There’s a couple of new cameras and a bunch of hardware mods to get you going and for those who want to put together videos on the go, there’s a pile of creative options in the updated GoPro app.
Let’s take a closer look at the hardware:
GoPro Hero 8 Black: AUD$599.95
GoPro’s enjoyed continued success with the Hero range due to the continued development of hardware and new functionality being added. Hero 8 is no exception with four digital lenses to quickly and easily adjust your frame.
There’s some new smarts built-in to improve wind suppression, new presets allowing you to get to the action quicker, and a new design with “folding mounting fingers”.
Dramatically improved stabilisation over HyperSmooth 1.0 (if you can believe that!) HyperSmooth 2.0 works in all resolutions and frame rates, features a new Boost mode and has in-app horizon levelling.
The software improvements start with a new iteration of their video stabilisation built in – HyperSmooth 2.0. Having used 1.0 I’ll be hugely impressed if it’s improved further, so much so that you may not need a gimbal for many daily use functions.
There’s also improvements to TimeWarp, the GoPro Time Lapse feature. It’s aimed at making an event that occurs over a longer period of time a sharable moment, but the changes mean you’re able to adjust the speed multiplier.
GoPro Max: AUD$799.95
The GoPro Max is the culmination of several years of development. It’s a dual-lens, waterproof camera with capacity to run as a 360-degree camera or single lens with stabilisation similar to the Hero 8, but maxed out and called Max HyperSmooth.
The greater sound capabilities (media mod – see below) and front facing screen also make the Max a great starting point for creative vloggers.
There’s so much more in the GoPro Max.
MAX also features four digital lenses, including the new ultra-wide Max SuperView – the widest field of view ever in a GoPro. Additional updates include in-camera 360° video and photo stitching plus keyframe-based editing of 360° content in the GoPro app. GoPro MAX is like no other camera in the world – perfect for innovative users looking to take their creativity to the…errr…MAX!
GoPro Mods
When you get a top flight piece of hardware, there’s nothing more important than knowing you’re going to be able to get the accessories you want. GoPro has some new goodies to add to your action camera arsenal.
Media Mod: AUD$139.95
A shotgun-mic directional audio performance and features two cold shoe mounts for additional accessories and sports multiple input options: USB Type-C, HDMI and 3.5-mm external mic input.
Display Mod: AUD$139.95
A folding front or rear-facing display that attaches to the top of the Media Mod. The 1.9″ screen means you’ll be able to setup framing for vlogging or other self-managed activities. It will fold out of the way when you’re not using it.
Light Mod: AUD$84.95
Unsurprisingly it’s a light to help improve your filming opportunities. Its waterproof to 10 metres, wearable and mountable on gear. The Light Mod can be attached to the Media Mod or attached to a GoPro mount, also comes complete with a diffuser to soften lighting when filming with Hero 8 Black.
GoPro App updates
Back in August the GoPro App saw a welcome update, and with the latest changes there’s now even more to like.
The GoPro app also supports both GoPro and phone content in edits, allows filters to be applied to single clips as well as multi-clip edits and now streams live at full 1080p resolution on both Hero 8 Black and Max.
The app’s auto-generated video edit feature also has four new themes inspired by iconic GoPro edits from the company’s in-house media team. Choose between Adrenaline Seeker, Adventure Travel, Cinematic and Memory Curator and share directly to social media or store within the app as an editable draft to revisit.
It will be great to see the combination of the new cameras and the GoPro App. We’ll get getting our hands on a review unit very soon and having some good fun days out!
Pre-orders for the new cameras are now available at GoPro’s website – click through for GoPro Hero 8 (shipments beginning 15 October, at retail from 20 October), or GoPro Max (shipping and at retail on 24 October. The new mods will be going up in December.
