GoPro HD Surf Hero

Price : $248.79

Product Description

Style: Surf HERO
From the Manufacturer
Developed for the consumer and proven by professionals, GoPro's all-new HD HERO cameras are the world's most advanced line of waterproof, full HD 1080p cameras designed to be used during sports. With amazing clarity, stability, and slow-motion capabilities, these cameras record your sport's most exciting moments in professional quality HD video and automatically-captured 5 megapixel still photos. HD HERO cameras can shoot video or photos from your point-of-view, mounted on your surfboard, helmet, body, car, motorcycle, or other equipment. And GoPro's 170° wide-angle lens (the industry's widest) lets you take shots of yourself while surfing or doing other activities. All captured hands-free, while you stay focused on your sport. The cameras feature a quick-release mounting design, making it easy to mount the cameras in many different locations for a variety of angles and a stunning professional look.The HD Surf HERO is the surf-specific HD HERO camera model developed specifically surfing. Included is the HD HERO camera, 180'/60m rated waterproof housing, and a mounting kit that attaches to your board in minutes. For quick setup, the included 3M adhesive base mounts to your board just like a traction pad. Clean your deck, apply the adhesive base, click your camera onto the base...and paddle out. It's that easy. Proven in heavy surf around the world by GoPro's professional team of surfers, you can be sure the HD Surf HERO is designed to charge as hard as you do. Another included mounting option is the FCS fin plug compatible mount. This sleek, patent-pending mounting option allows you to install an FCS center fin plug into the deck of your board and then allen-key screw your HD Surf HERO in place on the deck. When you remove the camera, all that remains on your board is the flush, smooth FCS fin plug. The HD Surf HERO is so light that even top pros riding ultra lightweight boards claim they don't notice the camera on their boards. All this from an HD camera that is waterproof to 180'/60m.Originally designed for the consumer market, GoPro's wearable cameras have garnered praise from professional athletes as well as film and TV producers who demand convenience and performance from their filming equipment. The HD HERO line produces higher quality HD video than action sports cameras costing ten times as much, and as a result many video segments you see in action sports film and TV today are shot on GoPro cameras. As the 1 maker of wearable sports cameras in the world, GoPro has years of experience in developing cameras and mounting accessories for the most hardcore of sports. As a result, GoPro has won many coveted awards, including Motorcyclist magazine's prestigious "2009 Product of the Year" award and the "Editors' Choice Award" from both Popular Mechanics and Backpacker Magazine.In the end, GoPro's HD Surf HERO adds so much stoke to your session that arriving home to watch your footage is almost as much fun as surfing, itself. Here are some of the highlights:Professional 1080p HD Video that Looks Great Even on a 52" TVTruly professional quality video that delivers the clarity and excitement you see on TV or in films. HD quality so good, GoPro's cameras are used regularly by both professional athletes and film and TV production companies around the world. See the quality for yourself in these sample videos: click here. Easy to UseTurn the camera on and press the shutter button. Shooting your own HD action sports video is that simple thanks to the HD Surf HERO's user-friendly default settings. Upgraded controls such as brighter LED icons and louder status beeps make the camera easier-to-use than ever.Widest Range of Video ; Photo CapabilitiesFor the more technically-inclined user looking for the latest in technology and options, the HD Surf HERO offers a remarkable range of video and photo modes, giving you more creative control:

• 1080p – "True HD" video at 30 frames per second produces maximum clarity and realism. To put it in perspective, 1080p video at 30 frames per second is the equivalent of shooting thirty 2-megapixel photos per second. Incredible realism you're used to seeing only in the movies. The viewing area becomes a slightly less-wide (127º) at this resolution, wide angle view, making 1080p a slightly less wide-angle view than the other resolutions. Perfect for situations where you might want to focus more on objects in the distance than up close. It's like having two lenses in one camera.
• 960p – "Maximum Wide Angle" 170º video at 30 frames per second. Certain sports like surfing benefit from 960p's maximum top to bottom viewing area. This makes it easy to film yourself from head to toe while riding even your shortest shortboard. Document more of you, the wave, and your surroundings with 960p for the most immersive video possible.
• 720p – "Slow-motion Cinema" is possible thanks to the HD Surf HERO's incredibly smooth 60 frames per second 720p video. 720p (1280 x 720p) can record in either standard 30 frames per second or 60 frames per second. While 30 frames per second pleases the eye, 60 frames per second straight blows the mind when played back in liquid smooth slow motion. Everything looks good in slow motion...including you.

Rich, Realistic Color with Fast Automatic Exposure Adjustment The HD Surf HERO combines the industry's leading DSP technology (digital signal processor) with cutting edge sensor technology to bring you the richest, most natural color available in a wearable sports camera. This powerful combination also results in the fastest automatic exposure adjustment of any wearable camera. This means you can move back and forth quickly between bright and dark settings (like sunshine and shadows) and still achieve smooth exposure adjustments that give your videos a professional look.Professional Sound that Automatically Adjusts to your EnvironmentThe best sound quality of any wearable camera, period. Professional quality sound with AGC (automatic gain control) tuned for action sports and motorsports. With the ability to reduce the sound of wind noise at high speeds, the HD HERO line of cameras are simply the best sounding wearable sports cameras available. Fully automatic with no manual settings or adjustments needed, the camera will adjust the sound level automatically to maintain and optimum sound recording.Also includes an optional non-waterproof back door that can be used in activities where waterproofness is not needed. This feature allows more sound into the protective housing, resulting in fuller, more immersive soundtracks. That said, the AGC (automatic gain control) does an excellent job of automatically increasing the microphone's sensitivity to provide impressive sound even when the camera is sealed in the waterproof housing with the waterproof back door.Trademark Video Stability, only from GoProGoPro is famous for producing cameras that record extremely stable video. Video that is smooth even at highest speeds and during the most intense sports. The HD Surf HERO takes GoPro's obsession with stable video to the next level, keeping the action amazingly stable with no wobble or "jello-cam" shakiness that plagues other wearable HD cameras. See for yourself in these sample videos: click here. Shoot 5 megapixel Photos Automatically, a Feature Available only from GoProGoPro's HD HEROs are the only wearable sports cameras to offer automatic photo-taking modes, making hands-free photo capture a reality. You'll be amazed at the photos you'll capture thanks to an ability to shoots a photo every 2, 5, 10, 30 or 60 seconds, automatically while you surf. Press the shutter button once on the paddle out and the camera will shoot automatic photos of you during your entire surf. It's that easy. Other photo modes include traditional single shot, triple shot and self-timer modes, making the HD Surf HERO the only camera you need to document not only the most active moments of your life...but also the more relaxed moments where a traditional photo is what you want. You'll also appreciate the edge to edge sharpness of the 170º wide angle lens as well as the HD Surf HERO's terrific low light performance (1.4 lux). Rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery lasts 2.5 Hours, Heater IncludedThe included 1100mAh Lithium-Ion battery lasts 2.5 hours and is rechargeable through any USB port. You can charge it with your computer or with any USB compatible wall or car charger. You can even use the camera while the battery is charging, convenient for filming road trips where you might leave the camera running for long periods of time. A second battery can be added to the back of the camera, doubling the battery life to 5 hours (see Battery Bakpac under Optional Accessories, below). AC/DC wall outlet and car cigarette lighter-based chargers are also available from GoPro.For colder temperatures, an integrated battery heater helps keep the battery warm during winter sports, extending recording times beyond what's possible with other camera systems. Largest Storage Capacity of Any Wearable Camera: 32GB Capacity for 9+ HoursUsing up to a 32 GB SD card (not included) allows for 9+ hours of HD video or thousands of still photos when using the automatic photo mode. Also works with smaller 2, 4, 8, and 16GB SD cards. Write speed does not affect the performance of the camera, though GoPro does recommend using only well known, name-brand SD cards for maximum reliability.Industry's Widest Angle Lens (170º) Now Shoots 127º Wide Angle, TooA sharp wide angle lens is critical to capturing your entire body, the wave, your board, and all of the details that capture the incredible experience of surfing. Finally, your waves will look as good as they really were. And you...you'll look like a HERO. GoPro's cameras are famous for their wide angle lenses, the widest, sharpest, and highest performance lenses available in any wearable sports camera. Plus, when mounted on your board, the 170º lens is wide enough to capture yourself in the scene, to really record your exploits. But this is no "fisheye"…you'll see remarkably little distortion, despite the wide angle.Unique to the HD HERO line of cameras is the ability to shoot in both 170º and 127º wide angle modes. The 960p and 720p video modes utilize the full170º wide angle, while a lesser wide angle view of 127º is possible in the 1080p video resolution. This gives you more creative control and the opportunity to capture the action with different "lenses"...making for a more professional looking video. In reality, the lens is the same but the processing power of the HD HERO camera makes this convenient feature a reality.Professional image quality, edge to edge sharpness, and the industry's best distance focus makes for exceptionally clear HD videos and photos.Shockproof / Waterproof (180' / 60m) Housing Protects Camera from the EnvironmentPolycarbonate shockproof, waterproof housing protects the camera from rocks, rain, snow, and on dives down as deep as 180' (60m). Proven in the giant surf around the world, you can be sure the housing will protect your HD HERO camera in even the heaviest surf.Optional Accessories Available in Early 2010, Compatible with all HD HERO CamerasA HERO BUS expansion port on the back of the camera allows you to click in expansion "Bakpac" modules allowing for add-on features, including:

• LCD Bakpac, a click-on LCD screen attaches to the back of the camera, allowing for instant preview / review of your footage as you capture it.
• Battery Bakpac, a click-in secondary battery allows for 2.5 hours more recording time, for a total of 5 hours recording time between charging batteries. Can also be used as a wall charger for additional HD HERO Lithium-Ion batteries.

HD Surf HERO Includes Mounting Hardware for Motorcycles, Cars, Etc.The HD Surf HERO's camera mounting hardware has been proven in the heaviest waves in Hawaii, Tahiti, Mexico, and Northern California...used by professional surfers looking to document their most heroic moments in giant surf. Industrial-grade 3M brand adhesive tape used on the Mounting Base holds camera securely on the board, and can be removed if desired. Or you can install an FCS fin plug into the deck of your board and then use our patent pending camera mounting plug to allen key your HD Surf HERO into the FCS plug. The camera's quick-release mounting design makes it easy to re-position the camera for professional quality HD video or photos, shooting either forward in the direction of travel, or backward to capture your action. The HD Surf HERO comes with:

• 5 Megapixel HD Surf HERO Camera
• 1 Rechargeable 1100 mAh Lithium-Ion Battery
• 1 Waterproof Quick-Release Housing (180'/60 m)
• 1 3M Adhesive Mounting Base
• 1 FCS Plug-Compatible Mount
• 1 Quick-Release Buckle
• 1 Leash
• 1 USB Cable
• 1 Component Video (HDTV) Cable
• 1 Composite Video + Audio Out Cable
• Warranty: One Year

Replacement lens kits are also available for $20, so there's little worry of scratching the tempered glass lens while going for glory. Trash the housing in a massive crash? Replacements are available for $40. It's a GoPro...go for it.Warranty: One Year
GoPro's HD Surf HERO is the world's only 1080p HD on-board video and still photo surfing camera. Professional quality 1080p / 960p / 720p HD resolutions record at 30 and 60 frames per second (60 fps in 720p). Easily mounts to any surfboard in seconds. So light, even top pros claim they don't notice the camera on their boards. The HD Surf HERO cam can also shoot 5MP photos automatically every 2 seconds while you surf. With the simple press of the shutter button on the paddle out you can capture photos during your entire surf, dive or ride. Other photo modes include 5 / 10 / 30 / and 60 second time lapse as well as single shot, triple shot, and self timer modes. The batteries last for over 2.5 hours of HD video or automatic photo taking on a 32GB SD card (not included), so you can document your entire surf with a single push of the shutter button on the paddle out. The included adhesive base mounts in seconds and is proven in heavy surf from Hawaii to Tahiti, Southern Mexico to Northern California. Or you can install an FCS(tm) fin plug into the deck of your board and then use our patent pending camera mounting plug to allen key your HD Surf HERO into the FCS plug. Lighten your load on your next surfing trip and use the HD Surf HERO for your non-surf related photos and videos, too. Optional accessories make it easy to mount the camera on your wrist, bike, scooter, jet ski or helmet. Tow surfing? A chest harness is available for that, too. Waterproof to 180' / 60m and protected from rocks and other hazards thanks to its removable polycarbonate housing. Replacement housings and lens kits are available, making repairs or refurbishing your HD HERO camera affordable and convenient. It's a GoPro ... go for it.

Product Details

• Item Weight: 3.4 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B002VA59DK
• Item model number: CHDSH-001
• Batteries: 1 Lithium ion batteries required.
  

Technical Details

• Professional-grade full HD video up to 1080p
• 60 frames per second option in 720p and WVGA resolutions provides liquid smooth slow motion playback.
• Videos can be easily edited with iMovie or Windows Movie Maker
• Widest angle (170º) and sharpest lens captures more of the scene, including you. 127º wide angle viewing area in 1080p
• Includes easy-to-apply mounts for attaching camera housing to surfboards, paddleboards, etc. Impact-resistant housing is waterproof to 180 ft
• 30 frames per second recording option available in all HD resolutions (720p, 960p and 1080p)

 

GoPro HD Surf Hero

 

Customer Reviews

I have used this camera a couple of times since receiving it for Christmas. I have used both the strap mount for my vented bicycle helmet as well as the permanent stick on mount for my dual sport motorcycle helmet. In both cases, the mounts work as well as the camera. I still have the previous generation GoPro HERO in standard definition, but not in the wide field of view lens configuration like the current HD version. I like the wide field of view of this HD model. It is great at giving a very good view of both the trail as will as your handlebar movements while riding both my mountain bike or motorcycle. The quality of the video is fantastic. The files do get large, but that is to be expected with the high resolution of this camera. I have been using a 16GB SDHC card and have filed up about half of it on one battery charge. I would recommend a high speed card reader to improve the download times from the card. A 12 min video was nearly a gigabyte. The battery last I think longer than the previous standard definition camera which ran on AAA batteries. I think that I will buy an additional battery someday for long rides with lots of action.
The only reason I have not given it a full 5 stars is the difficulty in reading the small status screen with all the various modes it has. The same issue I have with the standard definition HERO. The icons that tell you if you are in burst, still, timed, or video mode are very small across the top of the display. The numbers to tell you the number of pictures or videos taken are much larger. It is just difficult if you have the camera mounted on top of your helmet and you try and look in the mirror on your bike to see if the camera is on and what mode it is. You have to use the select button on the front to both turn the camera on and select the right mode. The shutter button is on top and is easy to operator even with gloves. It is not difficult to read the display if you are holding the camera in front of you, but much more difficult when mounted on top of your helmet. You can unclip the camera from the mount, but that can be difficult when it is on top of your helmet.
I am looking forward to the expansion port options being available, like the LCD screen to view the videos in the field. I am also thinking of investing in the chest strap mount so I can get different view over the handle bars as will as making it easier to see the small status display. Other than the small icons telling you which mode, this is a very nice camera that takes very high quality action videos. It is very small and light and easy to use when you have it in the right mode. I would highly recommend this camera to anyone wanting action videos of their bicycling, motorcycle, or skiing activities.

I bought this HD camera to replace a VholdR Wearable Camcorder (Black) which didn't survive getting run over by my SUV. The Hero is a well constructed camera, very solid feeling with quality construction.
Pros: The camera has four modes - video (in several resolutions), still pictures, self-timer still pictures, and interval photos (pictures every few seconds). The lens gives a tremendously wide wild view which is nice for HD's 9:16. It will shoot 1080p, 960p 720p (at 30 and 60 frames per second), and 480 (at 60 frames per second) line resolutions. It uses standard SDHC memory cards and has an internal battery which recharges via a USB cable. The recorded audio is very good both inside and outside of the motor sports waterproof case that came with my kit. Video is relatively good, not as vivid as a dedicated camcorder but the resolution is good. My kit came with a variety of mounts and a suction cup mount for windows and car body use. The waterproof case comes with two backs, one that is watertight and one that is not for better audio when waterproof use isn't required. The kit comes with connectors for connecting the camera up to an HDTV monitor (component video) or a TV monitor (composite video). A neat feature in the menu is that you can flip both the video and still photos so you can shoot with the camera upside down without a problem.
Cons: The quick release mounts have a bit of wiggle to them. The back of the waterproof case can be difficult to lock closed. The menu system is a bit troublesome to use as there are only two buttons and three LCD characters to use. Once set you'll not have to go into the menu very often.
Future: There's a connector on the rear that GoPro plans on using for an external battery or a monitor. Neither are available at the time of this review but they are being worked on.
In use on the trail the mounts worked very well. I used the suction cup primarily to mount the camera to my windshield, bumper, side body panel, and side window. Across rugged rocky trails the camera held firm and the video came out very well. The simple interface was easy enough to use. One button to turn the camera on and select the mode and another to stop and start the recording.