We got our hands on one of the first GoPro HD HERO2 s. The camera almost looks exactly the same on the outside as earlier GoPro HD HEROs but there are major differences inside the case. There are numerous exciting new features including HDMI out and mic input. In fact other than the enclosure the HD HERO2 is almost like a completely new camera.

Here are the big improvements in the HD HERO2.

• new English language based LCD readout, no more hard to understand codes
• red LED recording “on” lights on all sides of the camera so you always know when camera is recording
• 11 megapixel still images
• improved faster image sensor
• faster f 2.4 lens to match sensor
• 10 frames per second still photo mode
• 120 to 30fps
• HDMI out
• mini jack mic input
• Full 170º, Medium 127º, Narrow 90º FOV in 1080p and 720p Video

Since the HD HERO 2 is the same size as earlier HD HEROs they fit all previous cases, mounts and accessories. In late winter GoPro will introduce two new BacPac’s that will give the HD HERO2 some astonishing new features. The Wifi BacPac will allow wireless camera control, preview and playback via your smartphone with the GoPro App. You will also be able to live stream video and photos to the web via wifi.

The Wifi Remote BacPac will allow long range remote control of up to 50 other GoPro cameras for extraordinary Matrix like “bullet time” videos using multi camera arrays.

Check out the different editions.
GoPro HD HERO2 Outdoor Edition
GoPro HD HERO2 Motorsports Edition
GoPro HD HERO2 Surf Edition
 

The new GoPro has been announced!  Its called the Hero 2 and they upped the game across the board….

Heres what we know:

Redesigned, Sharper Optics— This is a big deal because it makes every video, even the ones uploaded to the web look more defined.  Sharpness really brings things into focus.

New shooting modes—

It allows shooting a full 170 degree field of view in 1080P.  The Hero 1 was only 170 in 720p. 
120 Frame per sec video in WVGA (848×480) which is roughly DVD quality.  120 will let you do even slower and more fluid slo-mos although because its in a lower quality mode it wont see as much use with the pros, but itll be fun for the rest of us to play with… 

Photo mode, now has higher def photos but also a 10 shot burst photo mode which will allow in motion shots…  Itll be a quick and easy way of getting cool air or motion shots and combining them into one image to show the motion…  Well do a tutorial on that soon to help you all figure that out…

Sound—  Stereo 3.5mm mic input!  This is huge for getting great sound in that now youll be able to pair the Hero2 with a external mic when you need to get even better sound. 

New accessories—

The great new is the all the other Bacpac’s, battery, lcd and the 3d system will work with the new gopro so you wont have to buy all new accessories…  The big news on the block however is the new Wifi Bacpac.  Details are still sparse but I think this will likely be the must have feature for the new GoPro.  Im sure they are working hard on apps for android and apple phones and tablets to allow you to control camera settings, and possibly manage media on the camera (not sure about this yet, but I would think it is likely).  Wireless streaming is also going to be a cool option, it just got a lot easier to setup and manage a camera without having actual access to it.  Can be either out of reach or inside an enclosure of some other kind.  Can also be setup for multiple camera situations…  Imagine having 5 cameras on a car at once and being able to hit the capture button simultaneously on all of them.  Thats what you can do now, which will be HUGE for editors lining up footage in an edit. 

Check out some video below to get stoked!

Check out our pages here.
GoPro HD Hero 2 Motorsports
GoPro HD Hero 2 Outdoor
GoPro HD Hero 2 Surf

Have you ever heard of Cineskates? They are skateboard like wheels with special mounts that fit on the Joby Gorillapod Focus made for dslrs but there is no reason you can’t attach this to a Contour+, Drift HD or GoPro Hero.

Check out the Cineskates slider dolly wheels review.

Our sister site bought the first one off the line from the company and did a full unboxing and overview of the Cineskates in action. With these wheels you can do super smooth tracking and dolly moves with your camera. Check out the video in the review for an example of what you can expect with the Cineskates. We shot this with a Canon T2i with just the kit lens. Amazing what smooth motion can add to your videos, making them look more professional.

You guys asked for it, here it is!

I recently set up a side by side comparison of Contour’s growing arsenal of very capable helmet cameras. The results were exactly as they should be… in order of best picture overall (in my opinion):

• 1st Place: Contour+ with it’s six element glass lens, GPS, Bluetooth, HDMI live out, mic input, waterproof case option and other features make this model stand out from it’s little brothers.
• 2nd Place: ContourGPS with a four element glass lens, GPS and the ability to dial in the exposure settings with Bluetooth directly from your smartphone!
• 3rd Place: ContourROAM at such an affordable price, this latest edition to the Contour family is a perfect fit. Striped of some extras with some new features added in such as the one slide power on and record switch, build in battery, and built in waterproofness it places it a very close third.

I guess if you compared three Ferraris one would have to come first, but they would still all be sick cars!

Thank you Contour, for giving us options