DeeperBlue.com got a chance to meet up with GoPro guru Chris Clark at DEMA Show 2016 to find out what’s new.
This year, GoPro has zoomed out from its industry-leading camera technology to encompass what Chris calls an end-to-end ecosystem. GoPro wants to help you at every stage of the process with tools for capturing, managing, editing, storing, and sharing.
Capture: First order of business was, of course, the HERO5 (US$399/377 Euros). The newest generation of GoPro combines all the best features of both versions of the previous model, the HERO4 Black and the HERO4 Silver. Combining 4K30 video with the crucial built-in LCD screen on the back, the HERO5 Black is waterproof to 30 feet (10m) right out of the box. For divers Chris recommends the Super Suit (US$49.99/47.21 Euros) which is waterproof to 196 feet (60 m).
The HERO5 has some fun innovations and practical improvements that keep it on the cutting edge of action photography. In addition to 50% better battery performance over the HERO4, there’s the built-in image stabilization, GPS capabilities, and automatic upload to the cloud when you plug your camera in. The shiniest feature is far and away the voice control in both the camera and the wireless remote. There are thirty commands in nine languages, and it feels like you’re in the future when you tell your camera, “GoPro, record.”
The first must-have accessory is the 3-Way (US$69.99/66.10 Euros). This versatile mount does triple-duty as a camera grip, a 20-inch/51-centimeter extension arm, and a tripod. It’s waterproof and compact, collapsing down to 7.5 inches/19 cm.
For adventures that take you far off the beaten path, you’ll love the GoPro Seeker Backpack (US$169/160 Euros). This feature-rich portable storage system has a built-in over-the-shoulder mount for the 3-Way and an integrated Chesty mount, so you can get hands-free footage from multiple perspectives. Made with your GoPro in mind (naturally), the Seeker has dedicated compartments for cameras (up to six), Karma (more about that below), all their accessories, and a hydropack bladder.
The ultimate tool for capturing dramatic footage is Karma, the GoPro drone (US$799.99/755.53 Euros). Coming soon for the HERO5, Karma is designed to fold up and pack away for portability and user-friendliness. The controller has a bright screen that’s easy to read even in bright sunlight, with an onboard flight simulator to help train new users to pilot Karma like pros. It flies quietly, has removable stabilizers to help you get the best footage possible, and its four pre-programed modes make getting dramatic shots a snap. Orbit mode lets you set a center point and an external radius, sending Karma in a smooth loop around your focal point, while Cable Cam will fly back and forth between two points that you choose. Reveal mode starts with the camera pointed down and then slowly looks up, while the Dronie mode begins with a close-up of the user, pulling slowly back for a panoramic view.
Manage:  Once you’ve taken breathtaking video, you have to figure out where to put it. GoPro makes it possible transfer your files from your camera to the cloud, your phone, or your computer wirelessly. For a more efficient option, check out another tech-savvy GoPro gadget, the Quick Key card reader (US$19.99/18.88 Euros). Available for micro-USB, USB-C, and iPhones/iPads, this little dongle will pull your footage off the microSD card and upload it into your device much faster than sending it from the camera via WiFi, while conserving your camera’s battery life.
Edit and Share: In the final phase of their end-to-end ecosystem GoPro offers two free apps, Capture (for your phone) and Quick (available for both phone and desktop). With the Capture app you can preview and share 5-, 10-, or 30-second clips and pull still photos from your videos. When you’re ready to start editing, open up the Quick app to splice clips together, apply themes, and add music from GoPro’s rights-cleared collection. The interface is sleek-looking and intuitive, so editing couldn’t be easier. For $4.99/4.71 Euros a month, you can upgrade to GoPro Plus which will net you extra content storage in the cloud, an expanded music collection, 20% off deals at the GoPro website (plus access to GoPro apparel), and premium tech support.
GoPro has been an industry frontrunner in imaging tech since they burst on the scene. Not content to rest on their laurels, they continue innovating year after year to provide consumers with everything they need to create unique, professional-quality content as simply as possible* so they can stop worrying about the gadgets and keep their focus on the adventure.
*To learn more about how to use GoPro’s products check out their YouTube channel, where they post tutorials on everything GoPro.
