For those of you who haven’t been paying attention GoPro have just announced that their latest round of camera’s are on the way. Yes, you read that right, there’s more than one camera coming and we’re going to take a look at the details!
When?
That’s the big question and for now, GoPro are targeting a Q2 release for their new cameras. This is a huge break from the traditional Q3 release (Usually the 2nd week of September) and welcome news to GoPro’s loyal customers. After all, who wants to purchase an action camera in September after all the fun summer adventures are over and the evenings are getting darker and longer. This time around we can expect to see new GoPro model cameras between April and June of this year. In fact, GoPro have been releasing some test photos taken with the camera which would indicate work is further along than one may think.
What do we know about these cameras?
GoPro have released some interesting facts about their forthcoming models and we’re going to look at what GoPro themselves have confirmed.
1: These cameras will be powered by the new and all powerful GP3 processor. The previous GP2 processor (which has been used since the release of the Hero 10) was a 12nm SOC. The new GP3 processor is claimed to have twice the pixel processing power as the GP2 and is a 5nm SOC. This means the processor will run much cooler and consume less power while boosting performance. In fact GoPro have claimed that their inhouse testing has shown their new camera’s lasting 40% to 90% longer than the competition that’s to this power saving.
2: The cameras GP3 chip also has a custom NPU on board that is specifically designed to process low light footage. GoPro realize that they needed to enter this market so they’ve built their cameras to tackle low light scenarios. In fact they are saying that their cameras low light capabilities far exceed what’s currently offered by similar compact cameras and even some larger professional units.
3: Due to the raw power of the GP3 chip, GoPro are also claiming that they are going to be offering resolutions and frame rates that outperform the competition by far.
What models are coming?
GoPro have already stated that they will be bringing another action camera out, so it’s a safe bet that the first model we will see is the GoPro Hero 14. After that though, the news gets interesting. Here’s what markets GoPro have said they are interested in.
1: The action camera market. So likely a GoPro Hero 14, new budget model GoPro at next year, possibly a Max 2.
2: A Vlogging camera. This is interesting as some GoPro users already use their GoPro for vlogging. However the fact that the camera is primarily designed for action sports means that it’s not ideal for vlogging. So a less rugged (possibly not waterproof) camera with a larger footprint could work out well for vloggers. Something that offers fantastic video quality, low light performance, audio options, lens options and even grip options may be quite welcome in this market.
3: An ultra compact, professional cinematic camera. Movie makers have been using GoPro’s in their movies for quite some time. However in serious use cases, it meant having to modify the cameras with 3rd party cages and lenses. It can be tricky to do properly and still have some setbacks (lots of post processing as 3rd party lenses would not be calibrated to work with GoPro cameras). However offering a small form factor cinematic camera that professional movie studios can use with a variety of lens options may make GoPro the camera of choice for movie makers.
And that’s not all… GoPro acquired the helmet company “Forecite” a number of years back. This company was working on tech enabled motorbike helmets with a built in camera and HUD display. The GoPro acquisition meant that GoPro could not only put their own Emmy award winning camera tech into said helmets, but more importantly, they now owned the patents on these types of systems. This is a HUGE market for GoPro to get into. Since then, they have partnered with famous Italian helmet maker AGV as well as getting several heavy hitting investors and financial groups on board. More updates on this market to be announced this year!
GoPro may be facing some stiff competition in the action camera market, but rather than roll over and admit defeat, GoPro have seriously regrouped, reexamined their strategy and have come out swinging with both fists. They know an incrementally updated camera won’t cut the mustard this time round and rather than have a jack of all trades camera. they realize that customer focused needs is the way to go.
I for one, am looking forward to what GoPro are promising to bring this year.
This article contains image from GoPro regarding their low light camera’s. Hopefully GoPro are ok with that because let’s face it, it’s bringing welcome news to their customers. This article may contain links to 3rd party suppliers or affiliate links (not currently, but if come back and update the article, it likely will, because let’s face it, who doesn’t like to earn money?). Anyway, if you click on those links you may be taken to websites where you can purchase goods or services (legally mind you!) and I may or may not get a small kick back from that purchase (I mean, honestly, how would I know?). That money goes towards the expense of maintaining my website and producing DemonView.com videos. Also to purchase hardware for testing as this is a non sponsored channel (and shame on you for not considering sponsorship!). All spelling mizteaks are my own and I only do it to annoy the grammar police I swear.
English