GoPro revamps lineup with Hero5 Black

For years, GoPro has been peddling their signature Black, Silver, and regular action cameras. Two weeks ago, they have revamped their lineup with a renewed focus on connectivity and convenience. Their new models are the GoPro Hero5 Session and the GoPro Hero5 Black. Both cameras will join the GoPro Session to make up GoPro’s main lineup.

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GoPro Hero5 Black

The traditional GoPro design is succeeded by the top-of-the-line GoPro Hero5 Black. Unlike other batches, the Hero5 will not feature a Silver version or a regular version. Instead, the Hero5 Black combines the features that made the GoPro what it is today. It largely retains the design language that GoPro is known for, but introduces hardware and software changes that make the action camera more connected and convenient.

Firstly, the Hero5 Black is now waterproof up to 10 meters without a housing. Unlike its predecessors, the Hero5 Black can run fine without the traditional polycarbonate housing. This feature was first introduced in last year’s Hero Session. Now it’s made its way to all of GoPro’s cameras.

Secondly, the Hero5 Black features simplified controls with a 2-inch touchscreen display and one-button controls. The single button powers the camera on and starts recording simultaneously.

Thirdly, the Hero5 Black now has three microphones to improve GoPro’s infamous audio recording problems. The camera can automatically detect which mic works best at any moment. This feature works especially well for advanced wind noise reduction. Moreover, the Hero5 introduces voice control capabilities which range from simple capturing commands (like saying “GoPro please record”) to spontaneous outbursts which automatically highlights that moment in the recording (like exclaiming “Oh shit” or “That was sick”).

Speaking of camera, the Hero5 Black now has improved capturing capabilities: shooting 12MP photos, recording at 4K resolution, wide dynamic range, and professional electronic image stabilization. In addition, the Hero5 Black can take images in RAW format. The Hero5 series can now correct images and videos for linear field of view, instead of the traditional wide angles.

The GoPro Hero5 Black retails for P21,990.

GoPro Hero5 Session

The GoPro Hero5 Session is the middle ground between the smaller Hero Session and the Hero5 Black. Like the Black model, the Hero5 Session can take videos in 4K resolution, capture with electronic video stabilization, and operate using voice controls. The Hero5 Session is also waterproof up to 10 meters.

Rather than three mics, the Hero5 Session interchanges between two mics. The two-mic system will still greatly reduce wind noise. It will be capable of shooting only in 10-megapixel photos.

For the more casual user who doesn’t need professional video capabilities, the Hero5 Session is a perfectly capable action shooter. It retails for P16,490.

GoPro Karma

Alongside these new releases, GoPro is also launching their hybrid drone, the Karma. First and foremost, the Karma is an out-of-the-box drone that’s compact and easy to use. It comes with its own backpack in which the Karma can be folded and stored for any activity. It boasts controller which features an integrated touch display, a virtual tutorial, and gaming-style controls.

Besides a drone, the Karma can be transformed into an image-stabilization grip that can be attached to GoPro’s standard lineup of mounts. Drone or not, the Karma helps GoPro users take ultra-smooth handheld or gear-mounted footage.