Gear Review: GoPro HD Helmet Hero

What can I say about this piece of technology that hasn't been said already.  If you've watched any sport recently form car racing, moto gp, sailing, motocross, kayaking, skiing, snow boarding, sky diving, scuba diving, surfing, climbing, I guarantee that this little camera has been used.  It is a must have bit of kit if you're going on any trip and want great results from your film or pictures.  I have had mine for almost a year now and have used it kayaking, skiing and tombstoning, I've got some great shots with it and produced a few films along the way.  The colours are brilliant, the image is so crisp and the options and freedom it gives you are amazing.

Let get down to the brass tax!  The GoPro HD Helmet Hero is the highest performance wearable camera for still and video images. It shoots high resolution quality professional pictures at 1080p / 960p / 720p.  It can record up to 2.5 hours on a battery charge, and you can record up to 9 hours of film on a 32mb memory card or 4+ hours on a 16mb (these are not included with the camera). *Make sure you get a HD memory card, 16mb more than enough!

Film is captured in HD at the 3 different resolution mentioned above and in options of 30 or 60 frames per second.  This allows you to get great slow motion shots like jumps, waves and surfing!  Still pictures are captured at 5 megapixels and you can set the GoPro to shoot in 2,5,10,30 and 60 second intervals.

The camera come with it's own highly engineered polycarbonate exoskeletal housing.  Waterproof to 197’ / 60m and it able to take huge bashes and hits.  Mine has only a few scratches and I've smashed it pretty bloody good so far!!  The audio is excellent but if you're using it on the water then forget it, the waterproof casing distorts all voices, you do get the beautiful sound of the water though.  The Hero comes with another back plate with audio gaps in to.  So if you're on dry land the audio is amazing!

The GoPro HD Hero comes with:

    1 HD HERO Camera (5 megapixel)
    1 Rechargeable 1100 mAh Lithium-Ion Battery
    1 Waterproof Quick-Release Housing (197’/60 m)
    1 Headlamp-Style Head Strap
    1 Vented Helmet Strap
    2 Curved, 3M™ Adhesive Mounts
    2 Flat, 3M Adhesive Mounts
    1 Three-Way Pivoting Side Arm Assembly
    2 Quick-Release Buckles
    1 USB Cable
    1 Component Video (HDTV) Cable
    1 Composite Video + Audio Out Cable
    Warranty: One Year

This pack is the most expensive but you get everything from adhesive pads to straps, cables and housing.  The GoPro HD Helmet Hero 2 is out now and I am thinking of getting one before next springs kayaking trip.  When filming there are a few things to think about that can frustrate.  Drops of water on the lens, condensation within the housing, continuously charging the battery and clearing the memory.  Also a word of advice - Shoot film in small clips if so it's easier to import when you get back to the studio, there's nothing more annoying that scrolling through an hour clip for 3 seconds of action!!

A brilliant camera retailing at around £280.00.  The only camera for high octane sports, the only wearable camera worth owning!

Peace,

Dan