gopro
Latest
Into the wild: cultivating the next generation of American scientists with Project Aether
At first it was faint -- a blurry smear bisecting the sky above, running roughly north to south and flanked by a second, even more indistinct line to the west. Soon, though, both lines began to change, coalescing and intensifying into bright green streaks impossible to miss and difficult to ignore. As the night began to expire and the morning matured, those lines grew brighter and brighter and then, without warning, they started to dance. Numbing feet and chilly fingers forgotten, bundled-up onlookers looked skyward to gasp and laugh out loud as the evergreen, spectral curtains far above began to waver and move, blown by a fickle celestial wind. Waves traveled from north to south and back as the luminescent lines above twisted, forming glowing knots of purple and red before slowly spreading out, covering the night sky in green, bright enough that even the snow-colored landscape glowed like an emerald wonderland. Gradually, the motion stopped and slowed, seeming to stall in the sky above, exhausted before -- encore; the heavenly dance began anew.%Gallery-160375%
JVC unveils ADIXXION camcorder -- the second X is for 'xxtreme'
Sony's not the only one looking to edge in on the action camera game ruled by the likes of GoPro and Contour. JVC this morning claims to have "upped the ante" with the GC-XA1 ADIXXION -- and it's a hard point to argue. Let's look at the facts here: Sony's Action Cam has zero Xs in its name and the GC-XA1 ADIXXION has three. Three! Also on-board is WiFi and a 1.5-inch LCD monitor. The camcorder can do HD video, five megapixel stills and has 5x digital zoom. It's waterproof up to five meters, dustproof, freezeproof and can stand up to a fall of two meters -- all without that extra plastic casing. When it hits in late summer, it'll run you $350 -- or about $117 per X.
Sony's Action Cam prototype is incredibly small, we go fingers-on at CE Week in NYC
CE Week isn't typically a venue for major product introductions, then again neither is Sony's blog. Last night, we got a sneak peek at the company's new Action Cam on the aforementioned site, and this morning the Japanese manufacturer dropped the black curtain on what appears to be the very same prototypes used in yesterday's tease. We almost missed it at Sony's pint-sized booth at the annual week-long CEA event in New York City -- the camera, which has yet to get an official name and model number assignment from Tokyo, is massively smaller than yesterday's snaps may have implied. The adventure shooter is hidden behind glass, but we did manage to pull it out for a brief inspection, and boy is it tiny. A variety of mounts were on hand to demonstrate the shooter's versatility, including a handlebar attachment, helmet holster and some sort of plastic enclosure that could presumably be used to shield the Action Cam from underwater hazards, though Sony declined to confirm. Specification details are also quite spotty at the moment, but we were able to confirm that there will be an Exmor R CMOS image sensor and a wide-angle Carl Zeiss Tessar lens on board. Things seem to be quite limited on the controls front, with simple navigation buttons, a Start/Stop toggle, a tiny LCD and stereo mics up front representing the entire bounty of I/O offerings. There also appears to be SD and Memory Stick storage on board, based on familiar logos printed on the jet-black housing. For now, that's all she wrote -- we expect more details as we approach the Action Cam's official launch in the fall. Flip through the gallery below for a closer look.%Gallery-159248%
Sony teases ruggedly handsome 'action camera,' has GoPro in its sights
It's lights, camera, action cam over at Sony's blog. The company is giving the world a teaser of a new "hi-def wearable video camera" that looks to be an answer to the GoPros and Contours of the world. Sony offered up a handful of shots, including one of the camcorder encased in rugged plastic, mounted atop a helmet. According to the blog, the lightweight camera features SteadyShot image stabilization and an ultra-wide angle lens from Carl Zeiss. Sony's promised more info to come, naturally, until then, you can peep more shots in the source link below.
How would you change the GoPro Hero HD 2?
You can strap the GoPro HD Hero 2 to any number of things to document your extreme adventures in high definition. However, for all of the improvements in the second version, we found it to be distractingly heavy, difficult to mount and with audio that left plenty to the imagination. Still, a few days of testing, even with some aerial combat thrown in, can't match constant use over the last six months. So, why not tell us how you've found using this thing on a daily basis and if you could, what would you change about it?
GoPro's WiFi BacPac and Remote available for helmets and wrists everywhere (video)
We all know how annoying it is when you're trying to land a tre flip, and trigger your GoPro at the same time. That's no doubt why they came up with the WiFi BacPac and remote combo we saw at CES. Well, they are finally out in retailers in the US, Europe and internationally online. So double-corkers and megaloopers alike can finally control their favorite helmet cam, literally, on the fly. Not only will you get the remote convenience for $99, but smart-phone (Android and iOS) viewfinder capabilities too. A new software update will also let you stream directly to the web. Kickflip over the break to see three-times X Games skateboarding gold medalist Ryan Sheckler put the kit to the test, in a way most of us never will.
Engadget's summer gear guide 2012: bags & cases
In the interest of keeping cool this summer, we've put together a list of the hottest products out right now. From smartphones to e-readers and everything in between, there's no time like the present to re-up that post-spring-cleaning stash. So grab a popsicle or a cold one and dive in -- the water's just right. Sure, you'll want to snag some new tech candy for your summer mountain expedition or ocean excursion. But once you splurge for that new gadgetry, you'll need something to keep it safe for the duration of your travels. Whether it's a go-to rucksack to carry your mobile workstation or added protection for that shiny, new GoPro camera, we've got you covered. In this portion of the Summer Gear Guide, we'll take a look at the bags and cases that will cradle your valuables -- and perhaps even enhance their utility. Read on to view our seasonal recommendations.
Flat-front dive housing for GoPro cameras available now, ready for your Memorial Day diving trip
Anyone looking to capture their next deep-sea adventure in high-definition video is in luck, because GoPro's new dive housing is now available to buy at its online store. We got a peek at this one during NAB 2012 a few weeks ago and were told its flat lens should cut down on vignetting and blurring. Compatible with all of its HD Hero family, the casing will set you back $50 and also up for grabs in the bricks-and-mortar likes of Best Buy, Sports Chalet and several specialist sports stores. All that remains is to recall where we left that robot submarine.
Project Aether films northern lights at 100,000 feet using a GoPro camera on a balloon (video)
Sadly we can't all be spacemen. Commercial travel beyond the atmosphere is getting closer but still priced way, way, way beyond the budgetary constraints of mere human beings. The closest many of us will get to outer space is photography and, thanks to ever-cheaper and ever-more-durable cameras, getting those pictures is easier than ever. We recently visited Project Aether on location in Fairbanks Alaska, a group working to study what happens in the upper atmosphere and, along the way, inspire students around the world. Using a helium-filled weather balloon and a payload made of carbon fiber tubing, the team lofted a set of GoPro HD Hero 2 cameras, one of which captured photos of the green aurora borealis and, off to the side, the lingering the glow from a long-set sun. That black arc below? That's the earth. We'll have much, much more to come on Project Aether in an upcoming Distro feature, but for now, enjoy the video below -- and keep your head in the clouds.
GoPro HD Hero 2's free ProTune upgrade will add 24fps and higher bitrates
On the show floor at NAB 2012 GoPro had more to show off than just a finalized version of its $99 WiFi BacPac and Remote Control kit we saw at CES, announcing a ProTune firmware update that should bring an all new level of quality to its existing HD Hero 2 cameras -- for free. Once it's released in the in the summer, the new ProTune mode will enable owners to record their video at a new 35Mbps data rate, and shoot at 24fps to more easily intercut it with other sources later. Also integral to the new software is the "CineStyle" color profile developed by Technicolor that will let pros and prosumers streamline their workflow and produce better looking videos. We got a look at some of the video shot with beta versions of the new firmware aboard and the tweaks did plenty to enhance the color balance and image quality we were already impressed by earlier this month in the desert. Unsurprisingly given the pro atmosphere here at NAB, GoPro is also continuing to push the Cineform codec it acquired last year. There are press releases after the break as well as a few more pictures in the gallery, including a few more of its new underwater dive housing (above) with a flat front to reduce blurring and vignetting.
Contour+ vs. GoPro HD Hero 2: through the desert and into the skies
Engadget Show segments come about in any number of ways. Sometimes it's a no brainer, with some awesome new gadget just aching for some air time. Other times it's a matter of our wanting to do something cool, like, say, flying a plane. The GoPro / Contour segment from the last Engadget Show was a little bit of both. The ultra-rugged camcorders were a perfect fit for our desire to take on some extreme activities in the Nevada desert. We started out by taking Polaris RZR for a spin on some sand dunes around the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. And while we didn't really anticipate that it would be windy enough that day to ground planes at nearby McCarren Airport, the 50MPH sandstorms certainly did their part in testing the mettle of the devices -- and our camera crew, for that matter. We strapped both to the roll bar of the all-terrain vehicle and took off into the desert. Things were thankfully a bit calmer when we took to the sky the following day with help from the folks at Sky Combat Ace. The camcorders joined us in our respective cockpits, proving that they could take the punishment of a several G ride -- even if we didn't hold up so well. So, which of the two camcorders fared better? Tim and Brian hash it out after the break.
BeetleCam's back with armor on board, and it brought a friend packing a Canon EOS 1Ds MK III
Having braved the wilds of Tanzania and emerged with some brilliant photos, but a camera destroyed by a lion, the remote control BeetleCam is back at it. This time around, the buggy's got a Canon 550D, is sporting an armored shroud and it brought a buddy with some serious imaging chops to help it get up close and personal with a pride of lions in Kenya's Masai Mara. The new BeetleCam, dubbed the Mark II, has six wheels, two flashes, a Canon EOS 1Ds MK III for stunning stills and GoPro camera capable of streaming HD video. How did round two in Africa turn out? Pretty darn well, but as they say, the proof is in the pudding, so check out the amazing shots taken by the twin BeetleCams at the source below.
Insert Coin: UNRULY Headcase, wants to make your GoPro less 'so so'
In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line. We've had a bunch of fun testing out GoPro cameras, but one thing that has always been a source of frustration is the fiddly mount system. A problem that's seemingly inspired a Kickstarter project called Headcase Pro. Effectively it's a lightweight aluminum case aimed at making the GoPro infinitely more mountable. Unlike the bog-standard plastic housing, the Headcase Pro has a self-tightening door that should prevent it from flying open on impact, along with gunk-repelling rubber sealed buttons. Most pleasing to frustrated directors will be the nine threaded mount holes, letting you attach it to your existing tripods and peripherals. Also, the Headcase Pro is large enough to work with the BacPac and battery packs without the need to change doors, and a protective lens ring is a final sweetener. For those of us with more amateur needs, there is the Headgear model, which fits around the standard GoPro case, but still bumps your mount choices and protects your lens. Think this has got legs? Or simply want one for yourself? Then $328 will get you one of the first run, and push the project along to its $25,000 goal. Still not sure? Then focus on the video after the break for a demo.%Gallery-149190%
Kogeto unveils Dot panoramic video capture prototypes for Android, GoPro (video)
Earlier this week, Kogeto announced plans to bring its Dot panoramic video recording accessory to Android handsets. Having already launched an iPhone version of the device back in May, Kogeto has a prototype of its Android counterpart on display here at CES, along with a second prototype, for the GoPro HD Hero 2. The idea behind the device is pretty simple: just download Kogeto's app, attach the holster to your smartphone, and begin recording. The accessory will then automatically capture 360-degree panoramic video, which can then be uploaded to the web, via the company's dedicated web platform. While you're there, you can also use Kogeto's online editing tool to cut and splice your video, jumping from angle to angle with the company's intuitive user interface. The quality of the video we captured during our hands-on with an iPhone 4 version wasn't exactly top-notch, but we're told that there are notable improvements for 4S users. All told, it's definitely a cool little attachment, and one that seems rife with creative potential. The iPhone 4 version, as we mentioned earlier this year, retails for $79. The Android rendition, meanwhile, is slated to hit the market this fall, likely for a similar price. No word yet on when we can expect to see the Dot arrive for GoPro, but be sure to check out our full gallery and video, after the break.Mat Smith contributed to this report.
GoPro Wi-Fi BacPac and Remote Control Kit hands-on (video)
We're certainly not going to say no to more functionality for GoPro's rugged camera units. Here at CES's Digital Experience, we've got to get a glimpse at both the WiFi BacPac and Remote Control Kit. The WiFi Bacpac does what you'd expect it to do -- but with an extra twist. Alongside WiFi connectivity, it'll also play nice with both Android and iOS devices. The apps will display any captured content immediately, with a free-to-download app that will connect with the camera. The remote control kit, meanwhile, is capable of stringing together several different cams, with a largely dual-button setup that looks an awful lot like a heart-rate monitor. Check the hands-on after the break and expect to see these arrive later this year -- price to be confirmed.
GoPro HD Hero 2 review
GoPro has been in the HD action sports and helmet cam game for some time now, with its Hero line proving a popular sight atop many a daredevil's lid. Now, you can add HD Hero 2 ($300) to the ever growing list of options now, as this is the latest (and they say greatest) incarnation to date. Last time we tested the Hero Original -- as it's now called -- against the Contour HD, but now we're pitting new against old, like for like, side by side. Not only will we discover how the new boy stands up against the camera it effectively usurps, we'll also see how it fares out in the field. Above all, we'll see whether a smattering of new recording options, and a supposedly "two times sharper" image make it worth the extra dollars.%Gallery-141687%
GoPro launches HD Hero2 helmet cam, announces video streaming Wi-Fi pack for winter
Want to catch every frame of your next extreme sports wipeout in all of its grotesque glory? GoPro knows where you're coming from, and has updated its line of high definition helmet cams to help you capture every bone-breaking moment. The HD Hero2 competitively boasts that it's twice as powerful its 2009 predecessor, the original HD Hero. The new helmet cam promises to capture 1080p 16:9 footage from atop your sweaty noggin at both narrow (90-degree), wide (170-degree) and medium (127-degree) angles, and can snap up to ten 11 megapixel photos per second. The camera's mini-HDMI port, composite out, USB, SD card and HERO ports will help you share the spoils of your spills when your adventure ends -- at least until this winter, when GoPro's WiFi BacPac promises to enable live broadcasting and camera control over WiFi. Best of all? The Hero2 kills the original HD Hero's confusing 3-digit code interface in favor of a simple language-based menu. The HD Hero2 comes in three $300 configurations: outdoor, motorsports, and surf editions, all of which are compatible with existing accessories. Too rich for your blood? Then you'll be happy to know that the previous models are getting price drops -- $200 for the original HD Hero and a paltry $150 for its "960" variant. Hit the break for the official PR and a full list of features.
FPV servo controlled plane grabs epic vacation footage, puts old family videos to shame (video)
By the time winter rolls around, Alistair Roberts will probably remember his summer vacation a heckuva lot better than the rest of us. Why? Because he brought an FPV plane to record his mountain biking holiday in the Spanish sun. With a GoPro camera mounted on the servo-powered cradle, Alistair piloted the plane by moving his head and using a remote control -- all while streaming first person video from the cockpit into a pair of goggles. By pairing the high tech toy with another GoPro on his dad's mountain bike, and a stationary camera on the ground, Alistair was able to create a truly amazing vacation video from 1200 - 1500 feet in the air traveling around 20kmph (12mph) -- way cooler than any of the ones our dads recorded back in the day. Check out the video after the break. [Thanks, @btudor]
Russian eclipse enthusiasts launch floating globe to shoot the moon
That globe, which launched June 15th, was attached to a weather balloon, and apparently carried with it a GPS / GSM tracker, two GoPro cameras, two Canon cameras, and one Buzz Lightyear figurine. The mission? Capture last week's lunar eclipse. Lucky for us, the mission was successful and both the cartoon astronaut and the accompanying film were successfully recovered. The resulting photographs are quite stunning, but you don't have to take our word for it. If you missed Google's live stream, you can catch up with Buzz and the team at the source link below.
GoPro ships $99 3D Hero expansion kit, acquires CineForm in its spare time
Remember that 3D Hero expansion kit we ogled back at CES? How would you forget is likely the superior question. At any rate, GoPro has just announced the general availability of that very module, with $99.99 getting you a waterproof 3D expansion kit for the insanely popular HD Hero camera. For those who've forgotten, the kit allows a pair of 1080p lenses to form a single 1080p 3D camera, and it's waterproof to 180 feet, too. In related news, it seems as if GoPro has also taken this opportunity to snap up CineForm, and it's wasting no time in putting the outfit's compression and workflow technology to good use. Customers can surf over to to GoPro's website in order to suck down a gratis copy of CinaForm Studio, which makes it easier on 3D shooters to create, watch and share their three-dee imagery. The app also converts 2D material into 3D H.264 files, and for the price mentioned here, it ain't a half bad inclusion. PR's after the break, if you're so inclined to visit.
