GoPro launches the HD Hero2 camera

By Mike Flacy October 24, 2011

go-pro-hero2 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Announced earlier today, GoPro released details on the launch of the HD Hero2 digital video camera. This camera is the successor to the HD Hero, a 5-megapixel camera that shot 1080p HD video. The HD Hero2 has been bumped up to 11-megapixels and can also shoot at eight or five megapixels to save on memory space. GoPro claims that the camera has an image processor that’s twice as fast at the original HD Hero. They also claim that the lens produces images that are twice at sharp. The HD Hero2 can shoot in multiple fields-of-view (FOV) including 170 degrees for widescreen, 127 degrees for a normal shot and 90 degrees for a narrow shot. It also has the same FOV capabilities for shooting video.

The company also claims that the HD Hero2 has professional level low light performance for those shooting at dusk. While the original HD Hero could only shoot three 5-megapixel shots per second, the HD Hero2 is capable of shooting ten 11-megapixel shots per second. In addition, there’s a new time-lapse setting that can record a 11-megapixel photo every 0.5 seconds. Other new additions to the new model include a mini-HDMI port for viewing photos or videos on a high definition television, a language based interface instead of the numeric interface, multiple LED lights on all sides of the camera and a 3.5mm stereo microphone input for plugging in an external microphone.

Similar to the previous model, the HD Hero2 is currently available in three different packages dependent on the usage. The packages include the Outdoor edition with a head / helmet straps for activities like mountain biking, the Motosports edition with suction cups / buckles and the Surf edition with surfboard mount. All packages are priced at $299.99 and comes with a 30-day return policy if the camera doesn’t perform well enough for the activity.

Editors' Recommendations

Contributing Editor

By day, I'm the content and social media manager for High-Def Digest, Steve's Digicams and The CheckOut on Ben's Bargains…

Photography

GoPro’s Hero 9 Black to include big changes, report suggests

gopros hero9 black to see big changes report suggests gopro rumored

The leak of apparent packaging for GoPro’s Hero 9 Black suggests that a slew of exciting changes are coming to the next iteration of the popular action camera.

With DJI’s Osmo Action and Insta360’s recently released One R system now on the market, GoPro has some serious competitors snapping at its heels, so it needs to get it right with the Hero9 Black.

Deals

Turn summer into a movie with a GoPro Hero7 or Hero8 from only $250

The GoPro Hero 8 placed on a wooden surface.

Nothing beats GoPro when it comes to action cameras. The company's latest offering, the GoPro Hero8 Black, easily topped our list of the best action cameras of 2020 thanks to its unparalleled photographic prowess even in the most extreme conditions. Unfortunately, it's usually a wee bit expensive. Not anymore. Right now, it's on sale at Best Buy for a $350 instead of $400. If you don't need GoPro's latest and greatest yet still demand a solid camera, the GoPro Hero7 Black ought to do the trick – it's $100 less than the Hero8. Read on and decide which action cam will capture your upcoming summer adventures.
GoPro Hero7 Black – $250, was $330

GoPro's previous flagship, the Hero7 Black, is still a solid action camera that has the power to take the most stunning action shots for a fraction of the Hero8's cost. Design-wise, it looks identical to the GoPro Hero5 and Hero6, which means you'll need a mounting frame in order to attach it to its accessories. If you're upgrading from any of those cameras, you can just reuse the same frame. This is the very first GoPro to feature the HyperSmooth stabilization technology, which lets you say goodbye to excessive video shaking and wobbling regardless of the filming conditions. Its 12-megapixel sensor is capable of shooting glorious 4K at up to 60 frames per second, and with Live Stream built-in, you'll be able to share your adventures on social media as they're happening, although its maximum resolution is 720p while the Hero8 goes overboard at 1080p. Get the GoPro Hero7 Black today at Best Buy for $250 instead of $330 – a huge $80 off.

Photography

GoPro Hero8 Black vs. GoPro Hero7 Black: Worth the upgrade?

Two GoPro Hero8 Black cameras.

We're very impressed with the new GoPro Hero8 Black, but last year's Hero7 Black is no slouch and is still available new and at a lower price. Here's what you need to know about the differences between these two top action cameras before deciding if the premium is worth it for GoPro's latest and greatest. With an MSRP of $400 for the Hero8 Black and $330 for the Hero7 Black (currently available for $300 during Cyber Week), the price difference isn't huge and the older Hero7 should meet the needs of many customers who want to save a few bucks.

However, if for any reason you miss these deals, there are always Black Friday GoPro deals to look forward to.
Design
The Hero8 Black is the first new physical design in four generations of GoPro. It incorporates a mount into the camera body itself, which means you no longer need a mounting frame or case. This makes the camera smaller overall compared to the Hero7 Black, and also allows you to swap the battery and memory card without removing the camera from whatever it's mounted to. The lens also protrudes less from the body and its cover glass is now twice as strong.