In addition to the GoPro HERO4 that is expected next month, it appears a new entry-level model will accompany it and will reuse the title of just “HERO” – even though it is a fourth generation device (fifth if you count the HERO3+ as its own generation).
As was the case with the HERO4 leak, PetaPixel scooped what appears to be several press photos of the upcoming GoPro HERO.
It appears that the GoPro HERO will reside as the most affordable and least-spec’d out version available from GoPro – behind the HERO3 White, HERO3+ Silver, HERO4 Silver and HERO4 Black. And, while pricing has not been revealed yet, its presence below the HERO3 White suggests that it will come in at least $50 below the $199 price point of the HERO3 White.
As of now, and prior to the launch of the HERO4, the GoPro line price points are as follows:
- HERO3 White – $199
- HERO3+ Silver – $299
- HERO3+ Black – $399
The next set of price points is pure speculation; however, the GoPro line price points could look something like this after the HERO4 launch:
- HERO – $149
- HERO3 White – $199
- HERO3+ Silver – $249
- HERO4 Silver – $299
- HERO4 Black – $399
Another possibility is that the HERO4 Black scales up to the $499 price point, which may be more realistic because you are still getting 4K/30p and 1080/120p for $500. That’s unheard of to date and people are still going to be lining up for the HERO4 Black at the $100 premium over the prior generation.
If GoPro scales the top end unit up by $100, then the model breakdown could look like this:
- HERO – $99 (or $149)
- HERO3 White – $199
- HERO3+ Silver – $299
- HERO4 Silver – $399
- HERO4 Black – $499
That’s a pretty clean looking price scale, especially if GoPro can hit the $99 price point for the entry-level HERO. Again, this is pure speculation and not part of the leaked info.
As far as resolution and frame rates go, the HERO remains competent among other low-end action cameras with 1080/30p and 720/60p available modes. The camera can also capture 5MP still images in a burst mode, as well as a time lapse mode.
The downside of the camera is that the waterproof housing is fixed and the camera cannot be removed. Likewise, the battery is non-removable. The microSD slot and USB port are on the back of the camera. Additionally, there is no built-in WiFi as is the case with other GoPro models.
The entry-level GoPro HERO is expected to launch officially on October 8, alongside the HERO4.
Here’s a closer look at the camera in a Russian-language video (English subtitles are available):
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3g50DjBwDc&w=700]
Brian says
The $130 price on this is awesome. And the specs 1080/30p & 720/60p are basically what Canon has been giving us with most of their DSLRs.
As a video pro, my problem is likely going to be the quality of the footage and how it compares to the more expensive models and models from even 2-3 years ago. I don’t know if buying several of these to cover more angles is an option if cutting between them looks bad and you can pretty easily pick out the “cheap” footage. I’d say it’s worth it for a throwaway shot or mounting on something where you don’t want to risk the more expensive camera being damaged. Regardless, I’m not the target audience.
This is a great option for people who don’t want to spend the bigger money and just want to start recording with a GoPro.