GoPro announced the HERO5 line-up of action-cams, the Karma Drone, and a cloud-based subscription called GoPro Plus for auto-uploading footage. The $400 HERO5 Black is the larger one with a rear touchscreen display and GPS, and the $300 HERO5 Session looks a cube with nearly all the same features except the two I just mentioned. Both cameras can attach to the new $800 Karma Drone for aerial videos. Karma also includes an image stabilizer which makes it versatile for handheld or mountable use.
Both new HERO5 cameras include voice controls, so you just say “start recording” without tapping any buttons. Also, both feature advanced wind noise reduction, built-in Wi-Fi / Bluetooth, and can auto-upload photos and videos to GoPro Plus to access, edit and share GoPro content anytime, anywhere using a phone or computer.
Karma features a compact, fits-in-a-small-backpack design and includes an image-stabilization grip that can be handheld or mounted to vehicles, gear and more. Karma makes it easy for anyone to capture amazingly smooth, stabilized video during almost any activity.
GoPro’s founder and CEO, Nicholas Woodman sums it up:
“With these new products, we’re delivering on our promise to make it easy to capture and share engaging stories. HERO5’s ability to auto-upload photos and videos to a GoPro Plus account dramatically simplifies mobile, on-the-go editing, sharing and enjoyment. Karma packs Hollywood-caliber aerial, handheld and gear-mounted image stabilization into a backpack for $799. It’s so easy to use, a beginner can have fun straight away.”
HERO5 Black
- 2-inch Touch Display + Simplified Controls
- Video Resolutions up to 4K at 30 Frames per Second
- Professional Quality 12MP Photos
- Auto-Upload of Photos and Video to Cloud when Camera is Charging
- Voice Control with Support for 7 Languages (additional languages coming)
- Simple 1-Button Control
- Waterproof Without a Housing to 33 Feet (10m)
- Compatible with Existing GoPro Mounts, Including Karma
- Stereo Audio Recording and Advanced Wind Noise Reduction
- Professional-Grade Electronic Video Stabilization
- Distortion-Free Wide Angle Video and Photos with New Linear-View Setting
- RAW and WDR Photo Modes
- GPS
HERO5 Session shares the same small design and brilliant convenience of the original HERO Session camera, but benefits from significant performance upgrades:
- Video Resolutions up to 4K at 30 Frames per Second
- Professional Quality 10MP Photos
- Auto-Upload of Photos and Video to Cloud when Camera is Charging
- Voice Control with Support for 7 Languages (additional languages coming)
- Simple 1-Button Control
- Waterproof Without a Housing to 33 Feet (10m)
- Compatible with Existing GoPro, Mounts Including Karma
- Professional-Grade Electronic Video Stabilization
- Distortion-Free Wide Angle Video and Photos with new Linear-View Setting
KARMA
Karma features a painless out-of-the-box experience unlike any other drone in the market:
- Compact and foldable, the entire system fits into the included backpack that’s so comfortable to wear during any activity, users will forget they’ve got it on.
- A game-style controller features an integrated touch display, making it fun, fast and easy to fly without the need for a separate phone or tablet to see what your drone sees.
- The 3-axis camera stabilizer can be removed from the drone and attached to the included Karma Grip for capturing ultra-smooth handheld and gear-mounted footage.
GoPro Plus
Offloading and enjoying footage from a GoPro will soon be as easy as plugging it in to charge. When a HERO5 camera is charging, it can auto-upload photos and videos to GoPro Plus, a cloud-based subscription service that makes it easy to access, edit and share GoPro content anytime, anywhere. A GoPro Plus subscription costs $4.99 per month.
Later this year, GoPro will release:
- Quick Key — a key-chain, micro-USB card reader that plugs into your phone to quickly transfer photos and videos from your GoPro.
- REMO — a voice-activated remote that extends the voice control range of HERO5 cameras while providing one-button remote control.
Price and Availability
- HERO5 Black – $399 (October 2, 2016)
- HERO5 Session – $299 (October 2, 2016)
- HERO Session – $199
- Karma without a GoPro camera for $799 (October 23, 2016)
- Karma bundled with HERO5 Black for $1,099 (October 23, 2016)
- Karma bundled with HERO5 Session for $999 (early 2017)
GoPro HERO5 Reviews
From Critics Around the Web
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