The lens gives a slightly fish-eye, nevertheless cool, angle on the action. Audio recording isn’t anything special, but captures plenty of rushes, splashes and voice – a bundled, non-waterproof back-plate allows extra sound in. Squeaks and scrapes can be a little intrusive, with the camera pivot especially volatile. Overall, sound capture performs best when the unit is fully fixed.
Delivers a unique perspective but a tad pricey
Verdict
In the UK, the $270 price of GoPro Surf HD Hero doesn't translate too well, being nearer to £285, so you need to be sure you're going to really use this camera, likewise with the£300 Helmet . For surfers, skiers, wake and snowboarders, the HD Surf Hero delivers a convenient way to view yourself up-close, in action and provides the means to reflect and improve from such with the slow-motion video option proving invaluable. As the sample video shows the Helmet version offers a distinct perspective too. Both moving and still images are of reasonable quality with the versatile, attach-anywhere, cheaply replaceable camera housing offering enormous appeal to capture some rather unique footage. ®
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GoPro HD Hero camera
COMMENTS
watersports
I keep telling this friend of mine that he really shouldn't mention "watersports" on his CV under the "interests" section without qualifying it in some way.
I mean, people could get the wrong idea.
You understand that they might think he likes swimming or some such.
Looks Great....
..how about you strap one of those to Paris? Plane or socialite, I'm not fussy.
Contour HD worth a look at too
If you are looking at HD helmet cameras, the contour HD is the other option to consider. For me, videoing the cycle to work, they are both a tad expensive. Nice for fun use though
Chest mount is good too!
We have used the chest mount Go-Pro for firefighting training. When reviewing the video, it's much better than footage taken from a distance as you are right there in the thick of the action.
Good review - HD Hero is awesome when used for the purpose it is intended
I grabbed the HD Hero Motorsports camera. It's the exact same hardware just different mounting options. I do a fair amount of motorcycle riding and have it mounted on the very front edge of my BMW R1200GS.
When it is used for that kind application it cannot be beaten. The size and weight mean of the camera has zero effect on the handling of the bike and the quick release mounts mean I can mount it on the front or back in just seconds.
A recent ride on a beautiful road in low light at speeds of 80 mph (ish) showed that the capture is still absolutely superb even at speed, with no discernible digital artifacts.
I ran the camera for over 2 hours and there was still one bar of battery left.
In short:
Great for "action" type of video where any normal HD Video camera would be too heavy/bulky/expensive to use
No so great for day to day video of the family at DisneyLand.
As an aside, the camera crew for Discovery Channels "Deadliest Catch" started using these last season!
