GoPro Hero 5 Release Date, Rumors and Updates: Disappointing Upgrade from Hero 4? Specs and Price Details
The GoPro Hero 5 Will Pack Little Innovation Over Its Predecessor
For adventurers, extreme sports athletes, and outdoor enthusiasts, documenting their thrilling escapades is a must. GoPro provided this solution with their action camera lineup. With their last update being in 2014, what's in store for the fans looking forward to the next generation GoPro Hero 5?
Out with the Old
The 2014 GoPro iteration, Hero 4, had a dismal market reception. The whole range, from the low-end Hero+ to the high-end Hero 4 Session, totaled a sales growth of only 16 percent. The demand for its high-end model was so low that GoPro had to cut its cost to half, and eventually discontinue the low-end model to reduce internal competition.
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With the release of the new GoPro Hero 5 drawing near, the company has surprisingly decided not to drastically depart from the Hero 4. Whether this is a good or a bad move, total lack of innovation is showcased by GoPro.
Design
Leaked images have surfaced online showing the next iteration of the outdoor camera to sport a very similar form factor with its predecessor. The new flagship will still be rectangular in shape, complete with a lens and a screen in front. The touchscreen LCD occupies the back side of the device. The entire body will be covered in black rubber, similar to last year's GoPro Hero 4 Session.
Camera
This is perhaps the most disappointing facet of the new iteration, so to speak. The Hero 5 would feature video recording topping at 4K resolution with 30 frames per second. It will be expected to offer higher frame mates of up to 120fps at lower resolutions, for slow motion videos in high definition. It is also unclear if GoPro will utilize a new image sensor from Sony or a new image processing chipset from Ambarella. Image stabilization will also be available, but not only for resolutions lower than 4K resolution and 60fps.
Connections
The standard Wi-Fi and microphone features will be back. Reports also say that the Hero 5 will include GPS technology, as well as a new USB Type-C connector instead of the Mini USB.
Voice Control, Waterproofing, and Battery
The leaked manual of the Hero 5 reveals that the camera will feature voice operation control, allowing for turning the device on and off through voice command. It will also come with waterproofing features. The device will pack a 1220 mAh battery, bumping the Hero 4's pack by a small amount.
Price and Release Date
GoPro announced via Twitter the company's new Karma drone on September 19, so the Hero 5 is expected to either come along with it or to shortly follow suit. The current price tag of the high-end Hero 4 Session is at $499.99, so the Hero 5 is expected to be priced at around the same range. With a very disappointing set of features with little innovation over its predecessor, how will the next generation GoPro Hero 5 fare against tough market competitors such as TomTom and Yi Technology?
