GoPro officially unveiled its new Hero5 action cameras, introducing the impressive Hero5 Black flagship and the tiny, cube-shaped Hero5 Session, both waterproof, voice-controlled and feature-packed, without breaking the bank.
It's been a long time coming, and action camera fans have been eagerly awaiting for the hot new Hero5 cameras. Now that they're finally official, they seem well worth the wait. Here's the deal:
GoPro Hero5 Black
The flagship Hero5 Black blends the best features of the Hero4 Black and Hero4 Silver before it. More specifically, it rocks 4K video capture at up to 30 fps like the Hero4 Black, while also sporting a touch display like the Hero4 Silver.
Thanks to the new two-inch display, Hero5 users will be able to frame their shots without having to rely on a connected smartphone. Needless to say, a display also makes it far easier to handle options and settings.
Even better, the Hero5 comes with a substantial price drop compared with its predecessor, launching at only $399.
The new action camera also has several other neat tricks up its sleeve. The Hero5 Black can also shoot 2K at 60 fps and full HD (1,920 x 1,080) at 120 fps, while image stabilization will help keep the video smooth even when there's a lot of movement while filming, such as having the camera mounted on a bike. GoPro also added built-in GPS, making it easier to tag a clip with location data.
Moreover, the Hero5 Black is now wrapped in a waterproof housing, which means it can withstand being submerged in water of just over 40 feet without requiring an additional protective case. For deeper waters, however, you might want to equip it with extra housing.
Another cool feature the GoPro Hero5 Black has to offer is voice control, as it enables users to operate the camera hands-free simply by uttering voice commands. You'll first have to say its name to activate it, then speak the voice command. For instance, you can say "GoPro, start video" and the camera will automatically start shooting video footage.
You can also use voice commands to turn the camera on or off, start or stop time lapses, or tag special moments while recording.
GoPro Hero5 Session
The new and improved Hero5 Session is notably better than its predecessor, now rocking 4K video recording at up to 30 fps and 1080p at up to 120 fps, native waterproofing and support for voice commands. Just like the Hero5 Black, the Hero5 Session is also cloud-connected, offering the same backup-while-charging feature with GoPro Plus.
Unlike the Hero5 Black, however, the Hero5 Session doesn't have a display nor GPS, which is understandable considering its tiny size.
GoPro Plus Cloud Service
With the new Hero5 family, GoPro is also adding a new cloud service called GoPro Plus, allowing users to store their footage safely in the cloud and access it on any mobile device to edit or share.
The Hero5 cameras will automatically start uploading all videos and photos over Wi-Fi once they're plugged in for charging. Once all content is up on GoPro Plus servers, it will be available for download on any mobile device or desktop with a GoPro account connected.
"Offloading and enjoying footage from a GoPro is now as easy as plugging it in to charge," GoPro notes in its press release.
"Editing and sharing has never been easier with this game-changing experience."
The GoPro Plus cloud service will require a subscription fee of $5 per month, but it also offers additional perks. The subscription will unlock access to a large trove of music soundtracks for editing, offer exclusive access to GoPro apparel and 20 percent off mounts and accessories at GoPro's website, as well as premium support.
GoPro Plus will launch on Oct. 2 in the United States, followed by other markets in January 2017.
GoPro Hero5 Release Date And Price
The GoPro Hero5 series is set to go on sale next month. Both the Hero5 Black and the Hero5 Session will hit retail on Oct. 2, selling for $399 and $299, respectively.
GoPro says its Hero5 Black is "simply the best GoPro, ever," while the Hero5 Session is "the best, only smaller."
"With these new products, we're delivering on our promise to make it easy to capture and share engaging stories," says GoPro founder and CEO Nicholas Woodman. "HERO5's ability to auto-upload photos and videos to a GoPro Plus account dramatically simplifies mobile, on-the-go editing, sharing and enjoyment. This is a game-changing experience that we will continue to build upon."
