GOPRO: On October 2, 2016, GoPro released their new and highly anticipated action camera: the Hero 5 Black.
By Jack Weggland, Staff Writer
With technology constantly advancing before our eyes, GoPro improves and redefines the meaning of the action camera once again with the Hero 5 Black. Its new features, in comparison with the previous Hero 4 Black, include: a waterproof camera —without needing a case—, voice control, a two inch liquid clear display touch screen, a Global Positioning System (GPS), electronic stabilization and stereo recording. “I think the technology is absolutely insane for the size of the camera and it will definitely increase the quality of all media forms,” Poly student and photographer Henry Krieger (11) said. With such improvements, this action camera is now replacing the Hero 4 Black and retailing at a price of 399 dollars.
One of the GoPro Hero 5 Black’s advanced features is the new-and-improved Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) touch screen and menu system, which allows users to easily control and change the camera’s various settings, for instance, while in extreme circumstances and on the move. Furthermore, the LCD screen enables them to easily capture their field of vision when snapping photos and filming their surroundings, editing the moments and sharing their work.
Another key feature added to the Hero 5 Black is the electronic video stabilization. With this software, the action camera can capture stunningly smooth video, whether handheld or mounted, which will omit any unnecessary movements during the action. “I think it’s amazing. One of the biggest problems for me as a filmmaker, with any camera, is keeping the footage steady to make sure it’s nice and smooth so it’ll flow in the final edit,” filmmaker Braden McPhail (12) commented. “I usually end up deleting more than half my clips because they are too shaky; however, with the Hero 5, I won’t have to worry about that,” he added.
The most exciting and recognized characteristic of the action camera is the new voice control. GoPro founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Nick Woodman, stated that their goal as a company was to make a compact camera that “disappears.” His hopes and goals came true as the new addition became a prodigy in regards to the usability of the product; it enables the user to remotely control the camera through voice commands. This allows an individual to continue to live in the moment but also capture it with simple words. “This is by far my favorite technological advancement to the new GoPro Hero 5. The ability to give commands to the camera such as, ‘start recording, take a photo and take a burst’ all with the voice audio systems —no matter the weather conditions or extreme activities— is truly amazing,” Krieger said.
GoPro’s Hero 5 Black has introduced a new and developed line of action cameras that will continue to dominate and lead the technology market in the advancement of such products.