GoPro launches new mini camera

[Kaido]

Introducing the "Hero4 Session":

http://www.engadget.com/2015/07/06/gopro-hero4-session/

http://indefinitelywild.gizmodo.com...-a-tiny-cube-i-took-it-on-adventur-1715297255

Product page: (available July 12th)

http://shop.gopro.com/hero4/hero4-session/CHDHS-101.html

* $399
* Super compact size & light weight
* Submersible to 10m without needing a case
* Dual microphones (auto-switch when one detects too much wind or noise & has a drainage system)
* Ball-joint quick-release (lets you easily make corrections without an elbow joint)
* New "Strap" glove-style mount
* 1080p60, 720p100, 1440p30 recording options
* 1.5 to 2 hour battery life (depending on settings)
* Max 64gb MicroSD
* Works with $79 Smart Remote (not included) or smartphone app

It's about 50% smaller (just under 1.5" all around) & 40% lighter (2.6oz or 74g) than the other cameras in their waterproof cases. It does have a few drawbacks: no 4K, no 240fps 720p slowmo, no screen/touchscreen for starters, and apparently there is no video out, so if you're into FPV R/C, that may be a showstopper.

Also new is The Strap, which gives a hand POV. Gizmodo thinks it'll be great for stuff like ice climbing, air hockey, and MMA. They posted a video spearfishing underwater:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmGEY-VYk7E

Very neat! I just setup my buddy's Hero 4 (with touchscreen) & was amazed at how small it was. I don't know if I'd want to give up the touchscreen (or A/V output, apparently), but this form factor will let them stick the camera in a lot of places it couldn't get into before :thumbsup:

 

[Imp]

Another form factor... At least this one's really different and a lot smaller unlike Hero2 to Hero3.

 

[luv2liv]

i cant stand fisheyes fx. i cant be the only one here.
is it normal for action cams have this fisheyes fx or is it only gopro?

 

[Kaido]

i cant stand fisheyes fx. i cant be the only one here.
is it normal for action cams have this fisheyes fx or is it only gopro?

You can remove the fisheye in the GoPro software, it's basically just a wide-angle lens:

http://gopro.com/support/articles/how-can-i-remove-the-distortion-fisheye-effect-in-gopro-studio

http://gopro.com/support/articles/curved-nature-pictures-videos

There's an aftermarket plugin for various NLE's that has more controls, too:

http://www.crumplepop.com/gopro-fisheye-correction/

Since most people edit & color-grade their footage anyway, it's just an extra checkbox to click if you want to eliminate the fishbowl effect.

 

[sswingle]

One early review noted much difference in video quality when comparing this to the 1920x1080 of the 4 Silver. ie much worse.

 

[JohnAlmighty]

You can even remove the fisheye in the camera.

 

[Kaido]

Price has been cut in half; the Hero4 Session is now $199:

http://www.engadget.com/2015/12/05/gopro-hero4-session-price-drop/

Much better price for no 4K or LCD!

 

[corkyg]

Farewell, privacy!

 

[ronbo613]

GoPro needed a lower priced camera to compete with all the sub $100 "personal action cameras" that are flooding the market.