As many of you may know GoPro have been hard at work on their new line of cameras powered by the new GP3 processor. What was surprising though was that out of nowhere, GoPro announced that they were releasing new “cameras” in Q2 of this year. GoPro however played their cards close to their chest on this one and although they did hint at 3 camera models (A GoPro Hero 14, A Vlogging camera and a compact cinematic grade camera) they haven’t said which models are going on sale in Q2. So what do we know? Well based upon what GoPro themselves have said, here’s what we can say for sure:
THE FACTS
A: The new camera models will be revealed at the NAB in Las Vegas on April 19th. Attendees will be able to see and get their hands on the new model cameras.
B: GoPro have repeatedly stated “Cameras”, so more than one model may be revealed.
C: These models will be GP3 powered cameras.
D: GoPro have stated these cameras will have higher resolutions, larger sensors, and improved audio quality.
E: The new GP3 processor is a 5NM chip and is therefore expected be much more efficient. GoPro have stated this results in better thermal efficiency, much longer runtimes and double the pixel processing power of the GP2 processor.
F: GoPro have stated that these cameras will be low light focused with a significant advantage over the competition in low light.
So with those facts confirmed, now let’s take a look what GoPro have said that a lot of people may not realize. This is usually where some of the better hints and inside information come from. GoPro are VERY careful with their press releases and what they say and you really do have to pay attention as to what’s stated as fact vs what the general public is assuming.
LET’S READ BETWEEN THE LINES!
1: The NAB is the National Association of Broadcasters. It’s a professional event aimed at radio, tv, movie and production companies. So we may not see a Hero 14 displayed. What we’re very likely to see is their Vlogging camera and prograde compact cinematic camera. “Being a show for professionals, the NAB Show is the perfect stage to introduce our new line of professional cameras and accessories,” GoPro SVP of Global Marketing and Digital Commerce, Rick Loughery.
This makes sense, it’s a targeted audience and GoPro may not want to push their consumer focused action camera to production companies. In fact it makes more sense to push their Vlogging and Cinematic camera to potential customers instead that production companies may want to use.
2: “Come visit us at NAB to get a firsthand look at the world’s most capable compact professional cameras. If you’re pushing boundaries and need cameras and equipment that can meet the demands of your mission…then GoPro is your camera company.” – Nick Woodman
This also makes it seem like GoPro are targeting professional tv and video production companies (and don’t forget, this would also include large streamers and creators). It could be possible that we may not see a Hero 14 revealed during this exhibition. The Hero line traditionally debuts in September of every year and showing what their other GP3 powered cameras are capable of could help GoPro generate a LOT of interest for the Hero 14 when it goes on sale.
3: Distributors and reviewers are already rumored to have the new model cameras, and they are locked down under NDA’s regarding the cameras. This means that the release date could be the end of April/early May. This makes sense as it would be of no use to display and demonstrate new cameras with a release date of September.
THE LONG SHOT!
There’s one other camera model that GoPro are working on and haven’t mentioned yet and that’s their motorbike helmet with integrated HUD and camera system. Originally a project by Forecite helmet systems, GoPro acquired the company in Q1 of 2024 (and more importantly, all their patents relating to such a helmet) with the intention of producing motorbike helmets with integrated GoPro camera technology. Since GoPro aren’t a helmet manufacturer, they teamed up with famed Italian helmet maker AGV to produce these helmets. AVG has some serious investment power behind it and they have produced helmets not just for consumers but for F1 and MotoGP racers.
It’s doubtful that the helmet systems may make an appearance but it’s possible. After all this would be of interest to IndyCar productions, MotoGP broadcasters, F1 broadcasters even private production companies such as those that produce “Drive to Survive”. This new line of products may not just be confined to moto racing either. Skateboard helmets, Paintball helmets, mountain biking helmets… these could all be on the menu and GoPro are allegedly going to license out their tech to other helmet manufacturers. This makes sense as AVG may just want to concentrate on motorbike helmets whereas other manufactures could make helmets for their specific niches.
DEMONVIEWS THOUGHTS!
It’s now April 5th and we only have 14 more days until GoPro make their reveal at the NAB. We’re going to see a lot of rumor and speculation about what’s to come before then, but I would urge you, if you want to know the facts, to pay attention to the specific wording straight from GoPro themselves. Look up reviews from people who’s attended the NAB and have seen these new cameras for themselves. The review embargos will be likely lifted the day the cameras go on sale and honestly, I think this will be soon. Usually reviewers get their hands on new cameras about 2 to 3 weeks before their release date. We don’t know which models we’ll see (but it will be more than 1) so fingers crossed that all 3 models (or more) get displayed.
Until then, keep checking back for more information and updates, I’ll try to keep the facts separated from the speculation and make sure that you know as much as possible about GoPro’s new line of cameras.
Please note that the above article is based upon personal opinion and experience. It also may contain links to external sites. If you purchase goods from said external sites I get a small fee for said purchase. This money is used to fund and support Demonview.com and related channels. You should be proud to support such efforts and know that you’re helping me out. I also want to say congratulations for reading this small print that many people wouldn’t bother to do. This shows that you’re a detail oriented person and you realize that sometimes, even the smallest of print may contain valuable information worth paying attention to. Therefore I’m going to include some other bits of information as a reward for you taking the time to read this. Are you ready? Then we shall begin! A larger sensor would mean that the focal length changes. That means the camera itself has to be larger to accommodate the need not just for the larger sensor, but the increased focal length. It’s not a huge footprint but it does mean that you have to be further away to be in focus (if using a fixed focus lens which is what GoPro have always used). There are two ways around this. Either the camera has an adjustable focus OR include a lens with an adjustable focus. GoPro have “Trained” people who purchased the GoPro Hero 13 into using an adjustable focus lens with the Macro Lens for the Hero 13. So, for the Hero 14, we could see an updated suite of lenses with the Macro lens being rebranded as a vlogging lens. This won’t be a problem for other models as they would likely have an autofocus system anyway (as most vlogging and professional camera systems have). We’ll know more on the 19th but there’s some food for thought. Have a Happy Easter and if you don’t celebrate, just have a great Sunday anyway!
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