Go Pro Hd Hero 2 Review

Go Pro HD Hero 2 Review-

Go Pro is commonly acknowledged as the leader in the action camera market.  They first burst into the scene in 2003 with their Point of View (POV) camera that became the go to product for action sports videography.

They’ve now come up with a successor to their original Go Pro HD Hero with the Go Pro HD Hero 2.  This new camera brings on a litany of new features such as lighting improvements, increased recording field of view, increased audio capacities, and Wi-Fi compatibility.  Do all these improvements justify buying the new HD Hero 2?

Hardware-

Just like its predecessor is heavy which may be uncomfortable during rapid movements when it is worn on a helmet for POV recording. In many ways, the HD Hero 2 is quite similar to the original HD Hero. Both look very much alike and have the same square form so much so that it can fit into existing HD Hero housings.

GoPro claims that HD Hero 2 is twice as powerful as its predecessor.   The original had a 5 MP camera while the HD Hero 2 has an impressive 11 MP camera, making it TWICE as powerful as its predecessor.  The time lapse has been reduced from 1 second to .5 second increments.   The frame rate has also been drastically improved from 60 FPS to 120 FPS.

As with the rest of the GoPro series, the HD Hero 2 is small, waterproof and very durable, which is why it can be used as a helmet camera to give a Point of View perspective while the wearer engages in everything from spear fishing to extreme sports like sky diving.

The HD Hero 2 also features a 2X sharper glass lens and a 2X faster image processor to allow for faster photography

Field of View-

One of the major improvements is the field of view.  The original had a set field of view of 127 degrees, which is slightly wider than our real life field of view.  However the HD Hero 2 has three field of view options, 190, 127, and 90 degrees.  This is a huge improvement for anybody who likes to play around with different field of views.  The 190 degree field of view probably would be amazing for skydiving or any other action sports where you would want to capture a wide view.

Here’s a youtube video by a user which showcases the new field of view options

Improved Audio-

The original HD Hero was often criticized for subpar audio.  It seems like the manufacturers have taken this to heart.  The HD 2 has a new audio input which allows for the use of an external microphone while recording.  Combined with a proper microphone the HD Hero 2 is able to produce high quality sound too, the HD Hero 2 features a 3.5 mm External Stereo Input

Improved Lighting Performance-

The new HD Hero 2 works better in low light situations compared to the original HD Hero.  This is a boon because the previous HD Hero’s performance suffered notably in lower lighting situations.  This is because the HD Hero 2 is more sensitive to the multitudes of light situations encountered by its users because of its improved sensor.  The new sensor and processor allows for incredible burst modes: 10 photos per second or one every .5 seconds in time lapse, all of which is at 11 MP, more than twice than the 5MP of the first HD Hero. The faster sensor allows for 960p at 48 frames per second, 720p at 60 fps or WVGA at 120 fps.

Here’s a good example of the HD Hero 2′s performance in dark and rainy situations uploaded by a youtube user.

Wi-Fi-

The Go Pro HD Hero 2 is Wi-Fi BacPac compatible, and supports video remote control through the   Wi-Fi Remote.  It can also stream photo and video through live broadcast onto the web. The Wi-Fi Remote can control up to 50 Go Pro HD Hero 2 cameras at once, which would allow you to take multiple videos with different perspective and angles on the action, or give them to your friends as you race each other down a mountain slope by snowboard, the possibilities are endless.

Software:

The most noticeable change to the HD Hero 2 is the user interface. The original HD Hero used a cryptic single character menu system which was not user friendly, unlike the fully equipped interactive menu system in the HD Hero 2. The HD Hero 2 is so accessible that you don’t even need to peek at the manual to operate it. If you can use a regular photo camera you can operate the HD Hero 2. The all new interface alone is reason enough to upgrade from the first HD Hero.

Three Categories:

The HD Hero 2 comes in three packages, the Outdoor, Motorsports and Surf Editions. Each priced for only $299.99, which is what the original Go Pro was priced for when it first was released.

Our Impressions-

The HD Hero 2 stacks up with an impressive array of features that would impress anyone.  The price of 300 dollars is also reasonable for something that’s so powerful and versatile.  This is the affordable go to video camera for anyone who’s involved in action packed activities like surfing, sky diving, skiing, basically anything. By attaching the Go Pro HD Hero 2 to a helmet you can film all of your adventures in Point of View, allowing your viewers to see your own perspective on the action.

The video quality is excellent due to the 11 MP camera, allowing for breathtaking scenes to be filmed in high definition as you embark on your adventures. Videos recorded on the HD Hero 2 are a sure fire way to impress your friends with your mad skills as you BMX down a mountain slope or go hunting.

Click Here to Buy- GoPro Camera HD HERO2 Outdoor Edition CHDOH-002