GoPro has released an updated version of its HD Hero mountable camera, along with plans for a Wi-Fi control unit.
HD Hero2 has twice the processing power of the original device and an 11 megapixel sensor.
It can capture 1080p video at 30 frames per second, 960p at 48fps, 720p at up to 60fps and 120fps at WVGA.
A redesigned wide-angle lens offers 170º, 127º and 90º field of view in 1080p and 720p recording modes.
It also has an external mic port and a mini HDMI port. It records H.264 and MP4 formats with an average recording time at 1080p of four hours.
The company also announced Wi-Fi BacPac and Wi-Fi Remote products (pictured below).
Wi-Fi BacPac attaches to the HD Hero2 camera for long range remote control of the device via the remote or a smartphone or tablet running a GoPro app.
The Wi-Fi Remote device enables control of up to 50 HD Hero2 cameras.
“We always have our eye on the professional, but with average consumer in mind,” said GoPro director of communications Rick Loughery.
“That what has driven the company and Wi-Fi will be no different. Auto enthusiasts in particular will be stoked because they have been asking the longest for functionality to remotely start cameras.”
The Wi-Fi package will be released in the first quarter of 2012. Loughery declined to say how much it would cost.
“We’re not sure of the price at the moment, but you can look at the cost of camera and in terms of the professional market, £299 for a professional user is very affordable.”
When paired with the Wi-Fi BacPac, the HD Hero2 supports live video streaming with one stream recorded to the camera’s SD card while a second can be streamed via Wi-Fi to a mobile device or the web.
The Wi-Fi BacPac and Wi-Fi Remote are compatible with the original HD Hero camera, but functionality is limited to remote control only and video and photo streaming is not supported.
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