GoPro HD HERO2: Motorsports Edition

by GoPro

• 2X Sharper Professional Glass Lens than the GoPro HD Hero Camera
• 10 Photos Per Second Burst
• VIDEO: HD Resolutions: 1080P 30 FPS, 960P 30 and 48 FPS, 720P 30 and 60 FPS
• PHOTO RESOLUTIONS: 11MP, 8MP, 5 MP
• Wi-Fi BacPacTM + Wi-Fi RemoteTM Compatible: Long range remote control of multiple cameras, Wi-Fi Video Preview + Playback on Smartphone /and Medium 127o FOVVIDEO

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 3.9 x 3.9 x 9.6 inches ; 1.7 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B005WY3TMA
• Item model number: CHDMH-002
• Batteries Lithium Metal batteries required. (included)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (553 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #404 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
  • #31 in Electronics > Camera & Photo > Underwater Photography > Camcorders
  • #39 in Camera & Photo > Camcorders
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 23, 2011

Product Description

Style: Motorsports

From the Manufacturer

The Camera That Started a Movement

Born from a passion to capture your love of sport from your perspective, the HD HERO2 is a feat of engineering. Wearable and gear mountable, waterproof to 197' (60M) and boasting an immersive 170° wide-angle lens, the HD HERO2 has ushered in a new era of image capture. Professional quality 30 fps 1080p and 60 fps 720p video, combined with 11 megapixel still photo capture that has landed magazine covers, HD HERO2 has stoked out more professional and amateur athletes, adventurers and filmmakers than any other camera in the world. GoPro gives you the ability to capture and share life's most passionate experiences. This is your life... GoPro.

 

HD HERO2 2x More Powerful In Every Way

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We spared no expense engineering the HD HERO2.
 

 

Widest Range of Video & Photo Capabilities

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The HD HERO2 offers three different HD resolutions, giving you three filming modes to capture the best angles for any given activity.
1080p - 170° wide angle, 127° medium, 90° narrow FOV @30 fps, 16:9 aspect ratio
960p - 170° wide angle FOV @ 48 fps + 30 fps, 4:3 aspect ratio
720p - 170° wide angle, 127° medium, 90° narrow FOV @60 fps + 30 fps, 16:9 aspect ratio
Standard Definition - WVGA - 170° wide angle, 127° medium FOV @120 fps +60 fps for super slow motion.

 

Amazing 11MP Photos

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Shoot hands-free, 11 megapixel photos automatically at multiple intervals until the SD card is full.
Resolutions - 11MP, 8MP, 5 MP
FOV - 170° wide angle FOV, 127° Medium FOV
Capture Modes - Single, 10 Photo Burst, Time-Lapse*, Self-Timer

* Now supports time-lapse photo every 0.5 seconds. Requires Class 10 speed SD Card.

 

Audio Excellence

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We've invested more in the HD HERO2 camera's sound system than most companies spend on their entire camera development. You'll only be hearing the sounds of your experience, not the howl of the wind. How? Obsessive audio engineering and an understanding that good sound is as important as good video. The HD HERO2 also utilizes a 3.5mm stereo external mic input for professional sound quality.

 

Shockproof & Waterproof to 197' (60m)

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Proven in heavy surf from Hawaii to Tahiti, Southern Mexico to Northern California, HD HERO2 cameras can handle it thanks their highly engineered polycarbonate exoskeletal housing. Ready for action ranging from scuba diving to dirt track racing, and tough enough to take a spin across the asphalt, GoPros are built to take a beating & keep filming. Replacement lens kits & housings are available, so there's little worry while going for glory - even while diving with sharks.

 

New Easy-To-Use Interface

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Simple Language-based user LCD interface.

One Button Mode: One Button Mode forces the camera to automatically begin recording in its default power up mode once the camera is ON. To stop recording, you turn the camera OFF.

LED Lights: LED lights on all sides. This allows you to know if the camera is on from nearly any angle.

 

Rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery lasts 2.5 Hours, Heater Included

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The 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. The Battery BacPac is a second battery can be added to the back of the camera, doubling the battery life to 5 hours. Wall Chargers and Car 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.

 

Shoot 8+ hrs of HD Video with 32GB SD Card (SD Card NOT INCLUDED)

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Media saved to SD card, up to 32GB capacity (SDHC). Average recording times using a 32GB card:

• 1080p @ 30 FPS = 4 hours
• 960p @ 30 FPS = 6 hours
• 720p @ 60 FPS = 4 hours
• 720p @ 30 FPS = 9 hours
• WVGA @ 120 FPS = 4.5 hours

SDHC Memory: Up to 32GB (Class 4 or higher. Class 10 is required for photo every 0.5 second time-lapse.) SD Card not included.

What's in the box: GoPro HD HERO2 Motorsports Edition, Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery, Waterproof Quick-Release Housing, Skeleton Backdoor Housing, Assorted Mounting Hardware, USB Charging Cable, 3 x Curved Adhesive Mounts, 2 x Flat Adhesive Mounts, J-Hook, Suction Cup Mount, 3-Way Pivot Arm and 1-Year Limited Warranty.

 

Mounts for your HD HERO

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GoPro mounts enable you to capture a fully immersive experience of your most exciting moments.

• Handlebar Seatpost Mount
• Roll Bar Mount
• Chest Mount Harness
• Suction Cup Mount
• Surf HERO Expansion
• Helmet Front Mount
• Vented Helmet Strap Mount
• Head Strap Mount
• NVG Mount
• Tripod Mount
• HD HERO Wrist Housing
• Curved Adhesive Mounts
• Flat Adhesive Mounts
• Grab Bag of Mounts

 

Compare HD HERO Cameras

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Features	HD HERO2: PROFESSIONAL	HD HERO: ORIGINAL	HD HERO: 960
IMAGE QUALITY
Glass Lens Low Light Performance	2x Sharper Professional	Sharp Standard	Sharp Standard
PHOTO FEATURES / FOV
MEGAPIXELS	11MP, 8MP, 5MP Wide 170° FOV Medium 127° FOV	5MP Wide 170° FOV	5MP Wide 170° FOV
MODES	Single 10 Photos in 1 Sec Time-Lapse every 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 30, 60 Self-Timer	Single 3 Photos in 2 Sec Time-Lapse every 1, 2, 5, 10, 30, 60 Self-Timer	Single 3 Photos in 2 Sec Time-Lapse every 1, 2, 5, 10, 30, 60 Self-Timer
VIDEO RESOLUTION / FPS / FOV
1080p	1920x1080 / 16:9 Wide 170° FOV Medium 127° FOV Narrow 90° FOV 30 fps	1920x1080 / 16:9 Medium 127° FOV 30 fps	Not Compatible
960p	1280x960 / 4:3 Wide 170° FOV 48 fps 30 fps	1280x960 / 4:3 Wide 170° FOV 30 fps	1280x960 / 4:3 Wide 170° FOV 30 fps
720p	1280x720 / 16:9 Wide 170° FOV Medium 127° FOV * ** Narrow 90° FOV * ** 60 fps 30 fps	1280x720 / 16:9 Wide 170° FOV 60 fps 30 fps	1280x720 / 16:9 Wide 170° FOV 30 fps
WVGA	848x480 / 16:9 Wide 170° FOV 120 fps 60 fps	848x480 / 16:9 Wide 170° FOV 60 fps	848x480 / 16:9 Wide 170° FOV 60 fps
USABILITY
User Interface	Simple Language-Based Interface	3-Digit Code Interface	3-Digit Code Interface
LED Lights	4 (On all Sides)	1	1
Inputs	Mini-HDMI Port, Composite Port, USB, SD, HERO Port, 3.5mm External Stereo Mic Input	Composite, Component, USB, SD, HERO Port	Composite, Component, USB, SD
Average Battery Life	2.5 hrs	2.5 hrs	2.5 hrs
Simultaneous Record + Charge	Yes	Yes	Yes
COMPATIBILITY
Wi-Fi BacPac + Remote	Wi-Fi BacPac + Wi-Fi Remote Compatible Remote Control via Wi-Fi Remote or Smartphone / Tablet with GoPro app Wi-Fi Video Preview + Playback on Smartphone / Tablet Wi-Fi Video + Photo Streaming to Web**	Wi-Fi BacPac + Wi-Fi Remote Compatible Compatible with Wi-Fi Remote only. Does not support GoPro app and Video + Photo Live Streaming	Not Compatible
Other GoPro BacPacs	LCD BacPac, Battery BacPac, 3D HERO® System	LCD BacPac, Battery BacPac, 3D HERO® System	Not Compatible
* = GoPro Exclusive Feature | ** Available with a FREE future downloadable product update at gopro.com/update

 

What's Included with your HD HERO2: Motorsports Edition

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Included are mounting accessories you're most likely to use on your car or motorcycle. Other accessories and mounts are available.

 

	1 11MP HD HERO2 Camera			Waterproof Housing (197' / 60m)
	1 HD Skeleton Backdoor			1 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery
	1 Suction Cup Mount			1 J-Hook Buckle
	1 Three-Way Pivot Arm			3 Flat Surface Adhesive Mounts
	2 Curved Surface Adhesive Mounts			Assorted Mounting Hardware
	1 USB Cable			* SD Card Not Included

 

Premium Accessories

 

Wi-Fi BacPac + Wi-Fi Remote Combo Kit
Wi-Fi-enable your HD HERO2 or original HD HERO camera with the Wi-Fi BacPac and Wi-Fi Remote.

LCD BacPac
The LCD BacPac keeps your camera as small and light as possible, yet provides the convenience of an LCD screen when attached.

Battery BacPac
Perfect for long duration time-lapse photo sessions, endurance motorsports racing or any application where you need up to 2X the battery life.

3D HERO System
Combine two HD HERO cameras or two HD HERO2 cameras into a single housing to record 3D video and photos while simultaneously recording in 2D.

Mounts
GoPro offers the widest variety of mounts to capture life's most exciting moments.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

589 of 612 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Better than the Original HD November 10, 2011

By Y. Yamamoto

Style Name:Outdoor

(Update 6/6/2012) GoPro finally released the new diving case which fixes the infamous underwater focus problem with the standard waterproof case after two years of long wait for some users. The diving case will cost $49 that is a great price, but it is extra. Anyway, all my comments regarding the underwater problem should not be a concern with the new diving case.(Update 5/21/2012) I got the new diving case from GoPro. Although it cannot attach any filter, it is still great. I like the lens cover that came with it too. I can also see tiny bid less fish-eye effect and wider angle on land. That is nice IMO. I am giving 4 stars because they have the fix now even though I needed to spend extra $49. The diving case is that good.

After all these issues / promises are solved and updated, I will give this product 5 starts.
1. (Fixed!!!)Underwater focus fix with Extra $49.
2. 127FOV and 90FOV for 720P as promised
3. Overheating issue and short battery life
4. Price is still too much for such low quality materials used in this product.
5. (Released!!!)This was not expected, but as they promised "Pro-tune" firmware update will be released in this summer, not in summer 2015 like the diving case that GoPro promised long time ago.
6. Bugs in low light videos, photos, and time lapse feature.
7. Hopefully this will get fixed with "Pro-tune" firmware, but Auto White Balance does not perform well underwater at all.

Quick Summary:
Hero2 is clearly better than the original HD Hero in many areas. The price difference is justifiable although $300 was bit too much for my wallet. I am still happy with the purchase. If you are choosing between Original HD Hero and Hero2, I would get Hero2 for better low light performance.... I would not use this camera for photos like point and shoot cameras unless there is lots of light and steady mount to take time-lapse photos. (Update 3/16/2012) My GoPro Hero 2 is broken now from getting wet. GoPro HD Hero 1 and 2 both have underwater focus issue. In order for the camera to work underwater, you need to modify the case with some flat lens. FYI: Modifying GoPro cases voids the warranty.

Video Quality: ***** (Amazing)
Photo Quality: * (iPhone is much better unless you need fisheye look)
Built Quality: ** (Cheap plastic body, but the case is sturdy)
Fun Factor: ***** (Can mount on anything. Very versatile)
Easy To Use: *** (It is easy to use, but hard to configure)
Underwater Video: * (Horrible)
Underwater Video w/ Flat Lens: *** (Great, but modifying a case with some flat lens voids the warranty)
Value: *** ($300 is pretty expensive)

(Update 2/21/2012) I started seeing some disappointments from reviews regarding underwater focus and photo quality issues. The underwater focus issue is pretty disappointing, but there are many quality solutions from other vendors as little as $22. GoPro is almost ready to release the new diving case. IMHO, GoPro2 with a flat lens option produces amazing underwater result. I first thought $300 was too much for such plasticky cheap looking camera, but the performance is there as long as you know its quirks. I have not found any better solutions under $500 to shoot wide angle underwater video. For underwater macro video and photo, a point and shoot camera with an underwater case works better. If you are thinking about replacing your point and shoot camera with GoPro, you might not like this camera. This is pretty much the best wearable/mountable action/helmet camera that has different purpose than Point and shoot cameras. I use DSLR, Mirrorless (CSC), Point and shoot, and Action/Helmet (GoPro) cameras all for different purposes. If you shoot more photos and do not wear a camera on you, Panasonic TS3, TS4, and Nikon AW100 suit your need although they can not do time lapse (except TS4).

Pros Over the Original HD Hero:
* (Update 2/20/2012) Addictively fun camera to use once I understood the quirks.
* low light. Especially at 60fps in low light, I see huge difference.
* Video is sharper. I am not sure about 2X though.
* Auto White balance is much better in low light.
* The Running LED light on the back side. I do not care about the top and bottom ones.
* Motion is clearer and less motion blur due to faster shutter speed I think.
* Auto Exposure is more accurate.
* Improved dynamic range. I see good detail in shadow areas.
* Config LCD is easier to use.
* 120fps!
* I can use the same protective cases and mounts on Hero2.
* And other neat features like 10fps photos and more.

Pros Over Other Action Cameras like Contour HD series, Tachyon HD series, Bullet HD series, Midland XTC series, and Oregon Scientific ATC-9K
* (Update 2/21/2012) The waterproof case is amazing and inexpensive to buy extra. I had to drill a hole in one of the cases for mic jack. When I checked the hole, the wall was very thick and strong. I am extremely confident to take the camera anywhere!
* Most action cameras use microSD card which is little more expensive and easy to lose. GoPro sticks with Full SD card. That is great!
* There are other action cameras that are on par with the original HD, but this Hero2 is one step ahead of other competitors. There are no better action cameras in terms of video quality than Hero2 as of 11/10/2011.
* As far as I have seen videos of other products, Hero2 handles the best in high contrast scene and low light.
* Rolling shutter issue seems well controlled compared to other cameras.

Cons Over the Original HD Hero (Update 5/8/2012):
* (Update 6/26/2012) Hero2 underwater auto white balance is much worse than Hero1. Hero2 underwater videos are very very green, so I need to post-process. I tried with a red filter, but Hero2 AWB sometimes goes crazy and outputs super red tinted underwater videos.
* Battery does not last as long as the original HD. Hero 2 @ 720P/60fps lasts max 1.5 hours with a new battery in optimal temperature. Usually it will stop recording in less than 1.25 hours. I am expecting 1 hour, so that I can plan my recording.
* I keep repeating myself, but Hero 2 gets very very very hot. Make sure no small children touch the camera while recording without a case.
* More bugs. Newer products usually have some software issues, but Hero 2 has many. Occasional lock-ups. Strange streaks in photos. Half of one picture in different exposure. Losing some color. In low light video, there are two strange lines showing up. There are more issues I have experienced, but I have to ignore. I guess it is because working-around issues are also part of fun for GoPro users.

Temporary Cons (Gopro says a new firmware will fix the following items):
* No support for 127ş and 90ş FOV at 720P even though that was specified.
* 3D is not supported yet. (Update 2/20/2012: 3D has been supported via firmware update)

Cons:
* (Update 4/2/2012) Overheat Problem. Now that I broke my Hero 2 by getting it wet, I am bit scared to use it underwater. I tried one of my newly purchased hero 2s to film in a room at 75F degree temperature with the case and LCD backpack. It overheated in 30 minutes and shut itself down. I saw the overheating icon on the LCD screen. The camera and the SD card were very very hot.
* (Update 4/2/2012) Much more noises toward end of video due to excessive heat with the case and LCD backpac. After I was getting the overheating issue with one of my Hero 2 (I now have two hero 2s and one hero 1). I started testing all my GoPro cameras. Hero 1 got hot, but it was not as bad as hero 2. I tested my two Hero 2s recording at 720P/60FPS for 30 minutes on a tripod. Both of my Hero 2 cameras took excellent noise free footage at first few minutes. However, towards the end, both cameras recorded pretty noisy footage that I am sure that came from the excessive heat. I know many cameras overheat recording long period of time, but Hero 2 seems little too easy to get that hot. I did not realize this noise issue since I have been using it underwater exclusively in very cold water. Without LCD backpac, they run little cooler, but they still get very hot.
* (Update 2/20/2012) While recording or not recording for about 1 hour, the camera body gets super hot. I can understand when recording, but if I am not recording, it should not get that hot and drain battery. I have to make sure I turn it off when I am not recording. I now use automatic shut-off.
* (Update 2/20/2012) Using the external mic jack with nice powered mics still gets too low volume. I can increase volume level in post-process by adding 10db-15db to get better sound quality than the internal mic though.
* (Update 2/20/2012) It is very addictive. I bought all sorts of accessories for it that ended up costing more than some nice DSLR cameras.
* Flimsy battery cover.
* Built quality is good, but for $300, they can do better IMO.
* No in-camera exposure adjustments like Contour HD.
* Config LCD is better than the original, but it is still hard to adjust.
* No underwater lens or case option that fixes the underwater blur issue directly from Gopro. There are 3rd party options available, but they are not perfect. They are either too big or have vignetting at 170ş. If GoPro is putting underwater footage on their boxes and the promo-videos, they should provide some kind of underwater solution.
* 120fps is great, but you need lots of light. Well I guess we knew that.
* As we know, this is not an indoor camera. Even though video is pretty good indoor, photos are pretty noisy and blurry due to use of slow shutter speed. For time-lapse movies, slow shutter and motion blur are welcome though.
* Audio is still not good as the Original HD Hero. There is a stereo mic jack, but to use it, we have to buy another special case that has a opening on the side.
* Price. There are no other action/wearable cameras better than Gopro HD Hero2 at this time, so the price can be justified. However, when I look at Panasonic TS3 at $260 with metal body, GPS, and all the other features, huh... this is a pretty expensive plastic camera that has only two buttons from China. I am sure the profit margin on this camera is huge!

Wish list:
* Standard 1/4" 20tpi thread on the body would be nice.
* Different color bodies. It is not a big deal, but I would like it in black or camu for hunting and fishing.
* Electric or Software Image Stabilization: I see other cheaper video cameras have this feature. Any action cameras without it disparately need image stabilized, so viewers do not get motion sickness.
* A small Built-in LCD for liveview and playback would be nice. The LCD Backpac makes the camera too thick.
* Would like to know how to shoot and edit a video like the Hero2 promotional video!

Workarounds:
* (Update 2/20/2012) Unfortunately, GoPro has not released their underwater housing to solve the blur issue (ETA in April). There are quality workarounds from other vendors. The best option is "blurfix". The second best IMO are "Pursuit Glass Flat Lens" and "eyeofmine flat lens housing". The cheapest solution is "mako flat lens".
* (Update 2/20/2012) Sometimes GoPro2 takes very dark and underexposed images (almost black) in time lapse mode. I found that the use of 1 second or faster interval can cause the issue even in slight low light condition. If you give GoPro 2 at least two second interval, GoPro2 has enough time to process and use 1/2 sec shutter speed to get some what right exposure.
* (Update 2/20/2012) Not so good indoor photo quality is due to use of 1/2 sec shutter speed almost all time in low light condition. Since I know that now, I do not use the camera handheld indoor. I always make sure I mount on something for steady shots.

Tip:
* (Update 3/4/2012) The best setup for fast action scenes is 720P/60fps/170FOV. I had hard time post-processing 1080P footage since the CMOS rolling shutter issue got exaggerated from camera shakes. If I can mount my gopro on a steady tripod, then I will switch to 1080P. When I am wearing it on me, I only use 720P/60fps/170FOV to avoid the rolling shutter problem. I had to use 1080P mode most of the time using the Original Hero HD because 60FPS in the old GoPro HD had pretty bad low light performance. HD2's 60fps performs really good in low light situation.

Non-scientific Test:
I compared the original GoPro HD Hero@1080P/127ş and Hero2@1080P/170ş against Nikon D7000@1080P with 8mm Fisheye lens@F3.5 in low light condition. Original GoPro could not capture most of the low light scene. GoPro Hero2 got it fine, but it was bit noisier than D7000. Assuming D7000 has jerky motion at 24fps, overall I liked Hero2's color rendition better than D7000.

(Update 3/16/2012) Broke My GoPro 2:
It is my first time to break an underwater camera in at least 100 dives while taking videos with several cameras. My GoPro Hero HD 2 case got some moisture inside, and it does not turn on with a fully charged battery. The case was not flooded, but I guess GoPro or digital cameras in general are pretty sensitive electronic devices. I understand when cameras get wet, they break, and manufactures cannot help. I trusted my GoPro case, but GoPro told me the cause of moisture getting inside was more likely use of a flat lens on my GoPro case. I never had issue with two of my flat lenses before. We are not supposed to modify GoPro cases to use the camera underwater if we want to retain the warranty. I should have known that. GoPro is not saying anything wrong here. They are right. However, my point is "How can we take underwater videos using GoPros without modification?" I know GoPro has a promotional video using modified cases. I just wanted to apologize for recommending third party flat lens options here on Amazon. You do not want to modify GoPro cases, and I now recommend not to use GoPros underwater unless you can live with blurry video footage or no warranties. The GoPro support person was not bad. He was doing his job making sure I modified the lens, so it is not GoPro's fault. As far as I investigated why my camera got moisture inside is that GoPro cases are not all made the same. Thier manufacture torallance is not tight. I have four cases that they all seem to have different tightness when closing the case door. Anyway, if you are going to use it underwater, make sure to test the case before use.

I still like GoPro2's excellent video quality. I also invested too much on several GoPros, mounts and cases, so I am getting it again from freedivingspearfishinggear.com, where I got my flat lens from. The person there really tried helping me on this issue. He did actually help me more than GoPro support (GoPro offered me some discount on a new camera as long as I returned the bad camera). The GoPro support kept the 24 hour reply policy. It is unfortunate that GoPro does not have a service department that can repair cameras. My GoPro2 works fine when connected to USB. It does not work with any of my three batteries (Fully charged using my other GoPro). I feel like it can be repaired, but I guess a new camera is much cheaper than repairing labor cost for them. Even though you scratch your GoPro lens (the actual lens on the body), GoPro will not replace with a new lens that is not expensive at all. Instead, they will give you some discount on a new GoPro that still cost much more than just a new lens.

If I can go back in time, I would start all over with Contour since their cameras are all weatherproof just by themselves. Contour Roam is waterproof. Contour has some of thier own quirks with thier cameras. Contour video quality is not as good as GoPro Hero 2. However, I am not a professional and cannot afford insurance on my equipments. I now feel much better with a weatherproof body and a waterproof case combination. With Contour + underwater case, I do not have to buy an expensive flat lens and modify a case to void warranty!

I am downgrading from 4 stars to 3 stars because GoPro does not have any phone support. GoPro does not have a service department that can repair cameras with fee basis. Despite I defended the underwater issue last month, If GoPro does not allow modification with flat lenes, they should not promote underwater videos. Lastly, GoPro cases are made strong, but they are not all made exactly the same. This is also a known issue. Read more ›

222 of 238 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Updated review - great customer service, nice quality November 1, 2011

By Richard C. Drew TOP 500 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Style Name:Outdoor|Amazon Verified Purchase

Length: 0:38 Mins

April 2012 - I've edited this review a few times, detailing the ups and downs of the Hero2. Turns out I had a defective unit. In my several contacts with the help in the forums never suggested this - it was not until I contacted customer service directly that this came up. I sent the camera in (the rep said they would "keep an eye out for it" - Yea, right! I thought) - I needed it back ASAP for a ski vacation is Steamboat. Well, it arrived back in my anxious hands 8 days later. They had it for less than three days - that's impressive. The fastest turn-around for Canon has been four weeks.

The movie accompanying this review was is a time lapse shot at One frame every five seconds, 1145 photos. I reduced them in size, then used Quicktime Pro to make the movie. The extreme color shift towards the end is the camera automatically switching settings when it grew darker out.

So I used it every day for a week, plus every few days since then (When not shooting skiing, I shoot a lot of time-lapse.) No issues, no problems - the quality is stunning. I think my earlier complaints concerning customer service were due to the rush accompanying the Hero2 introduction.

I still have complaints with the Scuba aspect of the camera, plus I can't even use it in our pond and produce usable results.

Underwater? The specs have an impressive "Waterproof to 197 feet." Except the thing can't actually shoot any usable underwater footage. How many snorkelers and SCUBA divers have purchased this thing, only to find out that EVERY video and photo are totally out of focus? The curved lens cover acts with the water to create a second lens - this shifts everything out of focus by about five feet! Since the camera has no manual focus, you're stuck.... So all your underwater photos and videos will be nothing but blurs. Doubt that? Just check Youtube. Gopro will be offering an optional housing with a flat port to correct this problem - and will charge another $75 or so for it! So you'll be paying extra for a feature they brag is included - underwater use. Of course you can shell out $55-$100 for 2nd party modified housings or replacement lenses. I have been taken to task for criticizing the "SCUBA" aspects, as Gopro never specifically mentions SCUBA. They do, however, actively market the cameras to SCUBA stores. I have personally spoken to employees of several SCUBA stores selling the Hero cameras. Only one was aware of the focus issue! So, yes, the housing can be used underwater, but not actually *work* underwater. Check the various SCUBA store websites - many sell the Hero line - none mention the focus issue.

The 120fps is amazing. The video quality is much improved over the Hero - I looked at the same footage from both cameras - the Hero2 is obviously better. The time lapse? Fool proof. In warm weather, I can shoot around 6000 photos on a single battery. I use Quicktime Pro to create the final movie, as it has a one-step time lapse feature.

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Previous review

If you've used the original Hero, this updated version will be a real treat. The menu is so much easier to navigate - no more obtuse codes to decipher. You can use the camera without ever looking at the user manual. Other improvements include LED's on top and bottom (as well as the front,) a more informative display, higher resolution for still images - this of course includes time lapse, and a 10 photo burst mode (the camera takes a few moments to store these out.)

If you're new to the Hero line, this beats the pants of any competitor. The vast array of mounting options, both from GoPro and third party vendors make mounting this puppy anywhere a breeze. The fact that it uses SD cards (class 4 or above) keeps the cost down. and the tons of options make this a no-brainer. There's a Streaming video back being released shortly - yes - streaming video! You can add extra power using the USP port and any generic power supply (Aluratek, Belkin, or Tekkeon) for those really long shoots. The affordable replacement housing and parts are another big plus. I've seen this thing survive being tossed from a go-cart doing 50mph (It needed a new housing, but the camera was undamaged) and being knocked off a ski-helmet and tumbling down a rocky mountain face.

The slo-mo and new super-slo-mo are really cool - watch those trick jumps and stunts in all their glory. You can always speed them up in most video editing software! When I first saw this unit online I thought it looked a little strange and was larger than it actually way. Once I actually held one in my hands, I was shocked by it's tiny size, negligible weight and variety or mounting options.

For the most bang-for the buck, the motorsports version is your best deal - you can purchase the vented helmet mount for about 1/2 the price of the suction-cup mount - that's the main difference. That suction-cup is a must-have for automotive shooting (unless you want to permanently stick a mount to your dash.)

In case you're not sure, it's the same camera in all three Hero sets (the original Hero) and it's the same Hero2 camera in all Hero2 sets. The differences are the included mounting accessories.

Special mention goes to the anti-shake/anti-vibration the GoPro has. It's amazing. It cancels out 99% of the vibration from motor vehicles and rough ski-runs! The camera is so light, some model helicopter flyer's use it mounted to the chassis.

For some additional fun, you can make a mechanical kitchen-timer rotating base for 360 degree time-lapse movies. The camera, including mount and housing, is light enough to make this work. Check out YouTube for samples and how-to videos. One final tip - the packaging has a base that the camera comes attached to. This base is great for clamping to surfaces, for use as a extra-stable base, or for screwing to an outdoor surface where you'll use the camera a lot. I'll attach it to the starting house for our ski races so I can do some motion capture from the same spot and edit them together.

One final observation on the still photo quality - it's using the video sensor, so don't expect it to be as clear or crisp as en equivalent resolution camera. The photos show a lot of compression artifacting and noise.

Update: 11-6-11 - I've shot over a dozen time lapse indoors and out with the Hero2, both at max quality and lowest (wide angle.) The results were about the same. Decent, but not fantastic. Indoor shots with varying light conditions tend to "blow-out" - brights are white with no detail and darks are lacking detail. Outdoors is decent, in bright light. For short time lapse shots, you're better off with video and speeding it up in a video editor. I shot an approximate 4 hour bodybuilding show - almost 8000 exposures. In every shot, The stage was too dark and the bodybuilders blow-out and lacking detail. I'm going to try and batch adjust them in Photoshop. Read more ›

94 of 106 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars WOW, there is no competition for the best helmet cam October 31, 2011

By Mike C.

Style Name:Motorsports

The previous hdhero was the consensus best helmet cam on the market and now with the hdhero2 there is absolutely no doubt which one is best. These are just the imporvements that are relevant to me:

1. The screen is MUCH easier to navigate through and gives you a lot more info while filming than the previous hdhero. Resolution, wide angle/medium wide angle, battery life, remaining recording time on sd card, mode, and record time are all on the screen at the same time.

2. The beeping is louder. With the previous gopro if you had the waterproof housing on it was hard to hear. Not anymore.

3.New super slow mo option. You can now shoot at standard definition at 120 frames a second which lets you play back at incredibly slow mo. On the previous go pro the maximum was 60 frames per second. So you can now go twice as slow.

4. If I'm not mistaken this motorsports editin comes with more mounting hardware than the original hdhero.

Although this is advertised as having a lens that's 2x clearer than the original hdhero I really can't tell a difference. The hdhero had great 1080p quality, not much to improve on there.

There wasn't much to improve on over the previous gopro and now there's even less. I have no idea what they are going to do for the hero3. 120 frames per second in 720p I guess. GPS speedometer would be cool.

Anyway, if you can afford this, get this. Don't even look at the other helmet cams. If you can't afford this then get the previous hdhero as it is now on sale and is better than any of the other options. The only helmet cam that offers something that hdheros don't is the contour hd with gps.