Manufacturer: GoPro (USA)
Type: POV Camera

GoPro - HD Hero Camera

The GoPro - HD Hero Camera is a POV (Point of View) camera system that shoots digital video up to 1080p HD. We've reviewed a few Gun Cameras here in the past, but they do not come close to the quality that can be shot with the HD Hero system.

The other problem with gun mounted cameras, is there tends to be lots of shots of the camera pointing down or up in the air and tons of "shakey" shots (i.e. when running, moving, etc). The gun is not always pointed at the action, so the gun camera will follow suit.

Helmet mounted cameras take much more stable shots. More like a Video Game, First Person Shooter POV. The GoPro HD specifically, takes very nice High Definition digital video, but it does have a "fish eyed" lens. The lens effect reminds me of Virtual Reality from the movie Brainstorm.

The GoPro HD is easy to operate. There are only 2 buttons which control the camera and set options. It has no internal memory, so you will need an SD Card for video storage. The largest SD card it takes is a 32GB which will store 4+ hours at 1080p, 30/fps.

GoPro - HD Hero Camera with NVG Helmet Mount

The following video was shot by our friend Spice at a large airsoft event called Operation Lion Claws X on May 27-29 at George Airforce Base, CA.

Tech Specs:

Camera Optics

• Lens Type: Fixed Focus (2ft/.6m – ∞), glass
• Aperture: f/2.8 (high performance in low-light situations)
• Angle of View: 170º ultra wide angle in WVGA, 720p, or 960p mode
• Angle of View: 127º wide angle in 1080p mode

• HD Video Resolution Modes: (subject to change, pending final firmware release)
  
  • 1080p = 1920×1080 pixels (16:9), 30 fps, 15 Mbit/s data rate
  • 960p = 1280×960 pixels (4:3), 30 fps, 12 Mbit/s data rate
  • 720p = 1280×720 pixels (16:9), 60 fps, 15 Mbit/s data rate
  • 720p = 1280×720 pixels (16:9), 30 fps, 8 Mbit/s data rate
  • WVGA = 848×480 pixels (16:9), 60 fps, 8 Mbit/s data rate
• Sensor Type: 1/2.5″ HD CMOS, 2.2µm-sized pixels
• Light Sensitivity: Super low-light sensitivity (>1.4 V/lux-sec)
• Video Format: H.264 compression, saved as Windows- & Mac-compatible MPEG4 (.mp4) file
• Exposure Control: Auto with user selectable center weighted average and spot metering settings
• White Balance: Auto

• Microphone: Built-in, mono with AGC (automatic gain control)
• Audio Format: 48 kHz, AAC audio compression

• Resolution: 5 megapixel
• Capture Modes: Single shot, photo every 2, 5, 10, 30 or 60 secs.; 3 photo burst; self-timer

• Memory: SD card (SDHC), up to 32GB capacity (not included)
• Average recording times (using 32GB SD card):
  • 1080p (30 fps): 4h 21m
  • 960p (30 fps): 5h 26m
  • 720p (60 fps): 4h 21
  • 720p (30 fps): 8h 09m
  • WVGA (60 fps): 8h 09m

• PC Connection: USB 2.0 (data connection and battery charging)
• HDTV Out: HD NTSC & PAL (component cable incl.)
• Audio Out: Combo 2.5mm jack with stereo audio and composite video out
• PC Compatibility: Windows® Vista or Windows® 7; Mac OS® X 10.4.11 and later

• Battery Type: Rechargeable 1100 mAh lithium-ion
• Battery Life: Approx. 2.5 hrs
• Charging: via USB to computer or optional power adapter
• Charge Time: 80% capacity after 1 hour with optional power adapter; or 2 hours with a computer’s USB port

• Depth Rating: Up to 180 feet / 60 meters
• Construction: Polycarbonate and stainless steel
• Hardware: Stainless steel

• Dimensions (H x W x D): 1.6” x 2.4” x 1.2” (42mm x 60mm x 30mm)
• Weight: 3.3oz (94g) incl. battery, 5.9oz (167g) incl. housing