By associate editor Elliot Smith:
GoPro are synonymous with the idea of go-anywhere, attach-to-anything action cams – though it can sometimes be a bit of a performance to actually see what you’re shooting via a remote smartphone app.
The new HERO+ LCD isn’t the first GoPro to feature a built-in LCD screen but it is the cheapest and it’s also a touchscreen (also available in the HERO4 Silver). This will also hopefully make changing camera settings more straightforward and less of an exercise in tiny button-mashing frustration.
The new unit also allows trimming of clips in camera – not sure that’s what Newsshooter readers have been clamouring for but it could be useful for clipping out a particularly stand-out moment of footage and getting it back to base ASAP. That footage will be restricted to a maximum of 1080p60 – if you want higher frame rates or resolutions you’ll still have to step up to one of the camera’s bigger sisters.
The HERO+ LCD comes with GoPro’s signature waterproof housing, but here it’s not removable – which actually makes a lot of sense for an action cam. GoPro claim it’s waterproof to 40m and should fit all the existing GoPro mounts and hardware. It’s also still compatible with the GoPro app if you’d rather frame your shots up on a slightly larger screen.
The HERO+ LCD will be on sale in the US from 7 June and ‘internationally’ from July 12, for a very reasonable $299 US.
From GoPro:
SAN MATEO, CALIF. (June 1, 2015) – GoPro, Inc. (NASDAQ:GPRO), enabler of some of today’s most immersive and engaging content, has announced the availability of its new HERO+ LCD camera. Capturing life-like high definition 1080p60 video and 8MP photos, the HERO+ LCD features a convenient touch display for easy shot framing, settings control and access to an all-new in-camera video trimming feature. Like the entry-level HERO, the HERO+ LCD is built directly into its waterproof housing. The simplicity of this all-in-one design now combines with expanded features to make capturing life’s memorable moments easier than ever.
Rugged and waterproof to 131’ (40m), HERO+ LCD also includes advanced features like HiLight Tagging and in-camera video trimming to make it easier to identify and share your favorite moments. HiLight Tagging lets you mark key moments while recording and during playback so you can easily find them later, and the all-new video trimming feature allows you to create short clips in-camera for easier sharing without a computer.
Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth® connect the HERO+ LCD to your GoPro App-enabled smartphone or tablet for easy camera control and shot preview when your camera is mounted or out of reach. The GoPro App also allows for easy content sharing to Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and more and combines with the new in-camera video trimming feature to form a convenient content sharing solution.
“HERO+ LCD illustrates that even as we push the limits of life capture with bleeding-edge devices like the HERO4 Black, we’re also focused on delivering accessible, high-quality capture solutions to anyone wanting to GoPro,” said Nick Woodman, founder and CEO of GoPro.
