The GoPro HD camera seems to be the must have extreme sport accessory. The GoPro HD is the latest incarnation in the GoPro series. For such a small and simple looking camera it delivers stunning high-definition HD 1080p video in a very light, waterproof, robust and user-friendly package.

The GoPro HD 1080p comes in variety of flavours that contain the same camera system but a range of different mounting straps and options. The pack I purchased from Dogcam was the helmet mount package.

What’s Included:

– 1 HD HERO Camera (5 megapixel)
– 1 Rechargeable 1100 mAh Lithium-Ion Battery
– 1 Waterproof Quick-Release Housing (180’/60 m)
– 1 Headlamp-Style Head Strap
– 1 Vented Helmet Strap
– 2 Curved, 3M™ Adhesive Mounts
– 2 Flat, 3M Adhesive Mounts
– 1 Three-Way Pivoting Side Arm Assembly
– 2 Quick-Release Buckles
– 1 USB Cable
– 1 Component Video (HDTV) Cable
– 1 Composite Video + Audio Out Cable

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Warranty: One Year

Tech Specs:

Camera Optics

Lens Type: Fixed Focus (2ft/.6m – ∞), glass
Aperture: f/2.8 (high performance in low-light situations)
Angle of View: 170º ultra wide angle in WVGA, 720p, or 960p mode
Angle of View: 127º wide angle in 1080p mode

Video

– HD Video Resolution Modes: (subject to change, pending final firmware release)
– 1080p = 1920×1080 pixels (16:9), 30 fps, 15 Mbit/s data rate
– 960p = 1280×960 pixels (4:3), 30 fps, 12 Mbit/s data rate
– 720p = 1280×720 pixels (16:9), 60 fps, 15 Mbit/s data rate
– 720p = 1280×720 pixels (16:9), 30 fps, 8 Mbit/s data rate
– WVGA = 848×480 pixels (16:9), 60 fps, 8 Mbit/s data rate
– Sensor Type: 1/2.5″ HD CMOS, 2.2µm-sized pixels
– Light Sensitivity: Super low-light sensitivity (>1.4 V/lux-sec)
– Video Format: H.264 compression, saved as Windows- & Mac-compatible MPEG4 (.mp4) file
– Exposure Control: Auto with user selectable center weighted average and spot metering settings
– White Balance: Auto

Audio

– Microphone: Built-in, mono with AGC (automatic gain control)
– Audio Format: 48 kHz, AAC audio compression
– Photo
– Resolution: 5 megapixel
– Capture Modes: Single shot, photo every 2, 5, 10, 30 or 60 secs.; 3 photo burst; self-timer

Storage

– Memory: SD card (SDHC), up to 32GB capacity (not included)
– Average recording times (using 32GB SD card):
– 1080p (30 fps): 4h 21m
– 960p (30 fps): 5h 26m
– 720p (60 fps): 4h 21
– 720p (30 fps): 8h 09m
– WVGA (60 fps): 8h 09m

Connectors & Cables

– PC Connection: USB 2.0 (data connection and battery charging)
– HDTV Out: HD NTSC & PAL (component cable incl.)
– Audio Out: Combo 2.5mm jack with stereo audio and composite video out
– PC Compatibility: Windows® Vista or Windows® 7; Mac OS® X 10.4.11 and later

Power & Battery

– Battery Type: Rechargeable 1100 mAh lithium-ion
– Battery Life: Approx. 2.5 hrs
– Charging: via USB to computer or optional power adapter
– Charge Time: 80% capacity after 1 hour with optional power adapter; or 2 hours with a computer’s USB port

Waterproof Camera Housing

– Depth Rating: Up to 180 feet / 60 meters
– Construction: Polycarbonate and stainless steel
– Hardware: Stainless steel

Size & Weight

– Dimensions (H x W x D): 1.6” x 2.4” x 1.2” (42mm x 60mm x 30mm)
– Weight: 3.3oz (94g) incl. battery, 5.9oz (167g) incl. housing

Additional expansion packs are available with different mounts, clamps, bigger batteries (£50) and even an LCD screen (£90). However once you starting to expand your options the cost soon mounts up!

I have worn the camera on my Sweet Strutter using one of the self adhesive mounts and using the vented helmet strap attached to the front of my PFD. On every occasion the camera has been very easy to setup and operate, no fancy settings to worry about at all. I have it set up for 1080p video as I tend to carry another camera for still shots.

Pros:

The output from the GoPro is nothing short of outstanding.
The newly released GoPro HD2 simply improves upon this.
Professional quality at an affordable price.
Clamp system works well.
Range of expansion packs and add ons available.

Cons:

Buttons are a little fiddly.
The user interface on the GoPro HD in particular is difficult to get a handle on.
Not always easy to tell if its on or not.

Update

Since the release of the new Hero2 the 1080p GoPro has dropped in price by a round £100.

GoPro HD Helmet HERO