GoPro Building an Empire on HD Video Cameras for Thrill-Seekers

by Don Reisinger

One might look at the GoPro and what it’s designed to do and wonder what all the fuss is about. After all, any camera could conceivably be attached to a helmet or stand and provide a “live-action” experience. However, GoPro cameras have been specifically engineered for this purpose with rugged designs, vibration resistance, waterproofing and more. Anyone who needs a video camera that will work in rough conditions needs a GoPro.

Choosing between the different GoPro “Hero” camera models can be a little difficult. They come with a variety of options and prices depending on the desired experience. From options for 4K video recording and various lenses to concerns about future-proofing, it’s important to clearly understand the devices’ key features before making a purchase.

To help you make the decision on which device is best for you, first decide whether the camera will be used for consumer or profession applications. Many consumers will be satisfied with the Hero or Hero 2 for simple recording chores. Those who need to shoot high-quality video for broad distribution or for special professional applications may want to go with the more-capable Hero 3 or Hero 4.

The GoPro is far and away the best camera available for extreme experiences. Numerous videos have been published showing people using the GoPro while jumping out of planes, surviving an avalanche, navigating a difficult bike trail, or parachuting from a mountain cliff or tall building with scant margin for error. They select GoPro not just because they are light and highly portable, but also for their broad fields of view and ability to handle low-light environments.

GoPro has its own professional side of the business. One product in that lineup is HeroCast, which allows users to record video with a higher-end GoPro Hero camera and stream the video over the Web in real time. The Spherical Solutions professional option puts several GoPros into a cubelike device and stitches images together. The Spherical option creates truly unique video experiences, but either product helps professionals deliver interesting video.

Getting the most out of GoPro video shoots means having a nice mount for different experiences. GoPro sells a host of mounts, including handheld units, a flexible mount called the Gooseneck and various models that fit on the user’s head or helmet. There is even one called the Fetch that fits on your dog.

Another important consideration when picking a GoPro is what kind of accessories to buy. The device has everything the customer needs out of the box, but adding things like an LCD touch screen, a smart remote for mobile usage and a screen protector might be a good idea. In addition, GoPro sells housing for enhanced protection and some colored lens to add a little flare to videos.

One of the main things that sets GoPro apart from competing devices is its outstanding video resolution. All of the cameras in the GoPro lineup can record in full 1080p, meaning videos will look great on just about any HDTV. And the Hero4 comes with full support for 4K video viewing. Best of all, the higher-end GoPro models come with professional-grade lenses. Overall, the GoPro image quality is impressive.

GoPro may focus its business on hardware, but it’s also competing in the software and entertainment spaces. For instance, the company has a GoPro Channel where users can upload their creations and share with the community. In many cases, those videos go viral and millions view interesting creations and experiences. It’s worth at least checking out the channel before buying a GoPro to see what’s possible with the devices.

One might think that a camera that can record 4K video recording and has built-in protection against the elements and features that support mobile recording in extreme situations would carry a high price tag. But the GoPro Hero is just $130 with free two-day shipping. The Hero4 Black, the highest-end model, goes for $500. There are three models between those extremes—the Hero3 White, Hero3+ Silver and Hero4 Silver that range in price from $200 to $400.