The GoPro HERO6 can record UHD 4K video at up to 60 fps, and 240 fps video at up to 1080p. It also features a new optimized GP1 processor.
GoPro haven’t been without their struggles in recent years and the company hopes the newest HERO model will help them win back some of the market share they have been losing. With more affordable action cameras appearing on an almost weekly basis, and the release of cameras such as the Sony RXO, GoPro have a tough fight on their hands. The company used to dominate the action camera market, but in recent years the updates to the HERO line have tended to be minor, and quite underwhelming. So will the HERO6 return GoPro to its glory days?
Speed
The HERO6 Black is the companies fastest action camera to date, thanks to the new optimized GP1 processor. It’s the GP1 that allows the camera to have double the processing power of HERO5 Black. The GP1 chip was designed in conjunction with Socionext, and by incorporating this new processor in the HERO6, GoPro have moved well ahead of other action cams that are using generic imaging chips. The GP1 is the primary reason that the camera is able to record UHD 4K video at up to 60 fps, and full 1080p capture at up to 240 fps. You can also record in 2.7K at up to 120fps. The HERO5 Black could only do 4K UHD video at up to 30fps, and 240fps in 720p.
5 GHz Wi-Fi
Getting videos off your GoPro and onto your phone was hardly a fast process in the past, but the inclusion of 5 GHz Wi-Fi support means faster video transfers to compatible smartphones/tablets. The higher 5 GHz has less interference than the crowded 2.4 GHz spectrum, so importing videos should be a whole lot faster.
Improved image stabilization
When GoPro introduced the HERO5 Black, it was their first action camera to incorporate image stabilization. The HERO6 Black has improved stabilization performance thanks again to the more powerful GP1 processor. GoPro claims that shaky and jarring footage should now be a thing of the past. It’s currently unclear whether the image stabilization is available in the 4K UHD 60fps recording mode. From what I can work out it only seems to work in resolutions of 2.7K and below.
H.265
The HERO6 is the first GoPro to record in MP4 (H.265/HEVC as well as MP4 (H.264/AVC). The maximum bitrate has been upped to 78Mb/s in ProTune mode, but remains at 60Mb/s in all other recording modes.
The sensor looks to be the exact same 12MP that is used on the GoPro HERO5, so despite having a much faster processor, it will be interesting to see if there is any drastic improvement in the image quality. GoPro are claiming that the HERO6 has better dynamic range, better low light performance and better overall image quality than any previous camera they have made.
Just like the HERO5 Black the HERO6 Black features the exact same rugged, rubberized, adventure-ready exterior, and is waterproof to 33′ without a housing. The good news for existing HERO5 owners is that the HERO6 uses the same batteries and accessory mounts.
At $499.99US it is $100US more expensive than the HERO5 Black. The soon to start shipping Sony RX0 is almost $200US more expensive than the HERO6 Black, but in my opinion probably represents a lot better value for money if image quality is your number one priority. Yes, it doesn’t record 4K UHD internally, but the 1080P internal footage will probably look a lot better than anything recorded on a GoPro in UHD.
Camera
Sensor: 1 x CMOS
Pixel Gross: 12 MP
Effective Pixels: Not specified by manufacturer
Fixed Focus: Yes
Recording
Recording Media: microSD/HC/XC
Video Format:
3840 x 2880 at 24, 25, 30 fps (60, 78 Mbps MP4)
3840 x 2160p at 24, 25, 30, 50, 60 fps (60, 78 Mbps MP4)
2704 x 2028p at 24, 25, 30, 50, 60 fps (MP4)
2704 x 1520p at 24, 25, 30, 50, 60, 100, 120 fps (MP4)
1920 x 1440p at 24, 25, 30, 50, 60 fps (MP4)
1920 x 1080p at 24, 25, 30, 50, 60, 100, 120, 240 fps
1280 x 720 at 50, 60 fps (MP4)
Still Image Resolution
RAW: 12 Megapixel
JPEG: 12 Megapixel
Burst Photo: 30 Photos / 1 Second
Audio
Channels: 2.0-Channel Stereo
Audio Format: AAC, WAV
Display
Display Type: LCD
Touchscreen: Yes
Screen Size: 2″
Status Display: Yes
Features
Image Stabilization: Digital
Waterproof Depth Rating: 33.0′ / 10.0 m (Camera)
White Balance Modes: Not specified by manufacturer
Built-In Mic: Yes
Built-In Speaker: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes
Input/Output Connectors
Outputs: 1 x Micro-HDMI (Type-D)
Microphone Input: Yes
Headphone Jack: No
General
Battery: Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack, 1220 mAh
Charging Method: AC Adapter, USB
Dimensions: (W x H x D) 2.6 x 1.8 x 1.4″ / 6.5 x 4.5 x 3.5 cm
Weight: Not specified by manufacturer
What do you think about the GoPro HERO6? Do you still use GoPro’s? Do you think the Sony RX0 will be a better choice as an action camera? Let us know in the comments section below.
