GoPro Helmet Hero Wide Helmet Camera
Recently, GoPro introduced the impressive GoPro Helmet HERO Wide to its wide lens camera family of products, which also includes the Wide HERO, the Motorsports HERO Wide, and the Surf HERO. Priced affordably at $189, the new Helmet HERO Wide produces unique video footage using a 170-degree fisheye lens, while the increased still photo resolution (from 3 megapixels to 5 megapixels) provides crisper, brighter pictures. With outstanding products and a broad range of mounting options, the HERO Wide series provides a great value for wearable video enthusiasts.
Highlights of the GoPro Helmet HERO Wide:
- 512 x 384 television quality resolution
- 30 frames per second
- Super wide angle, 170 degree field of view
- Supports NTSC and PAL formats for video playback on television
- Waterproof to 100 ft
- Take photos in single, burst, and timed modes.
- 5 megapixel resolution for still photos
- Small LCD screen displaying battery, modes, and status
- Automatic white balance
- Removable SD card storage (up to 2GB SD cards)
- RCA cable to television compatibility
- USB cable to computer compatibility
- AAA battery powered
- 4 different mounting bases
- Waterproof and impact resistant case
- What You Get
- The Helmet HERO Wide
- Helmet HERO Wide Documentation
- Codec Settings
- Sample Video Clips, RAW and Unaltered
- Sample Video Frame Grabs
- Recording Capacity
- Battery Time
- Warranty and Support
- Software
- Summary and Recommendation
- Pricing
- About HelmetCameraCentral.com
- Review Change Log
- 5 Megapixel Helmet HERO Wide Camera with 170 degree wide angle lens
- 1 Shockproof/waterproof quick-release housing
- 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/RCA combo cable
- 1-Year warranty
The GoPro Helmet HERO Wide camera’s compact, cable-free design encourages new filming opportunities through creative mounting locations that are unhindered by proximity to the user, such as the stern of a 15-foot sea kayak, the nose of a long-board surfboard, the wheel well of a stock car, or the front fender of a motorcross bike. Waterproof to 100 feet, the Helmet HERO Wide can even scuba dive.
The GoPro Helmet HERO Wide camera provides a wearable video system that allows users to capture the most sought-after shots, regardless of location.
Mounting Options
The Helmet HERO Wide comes impressively equipped with multiple hardware mounting options:
1. Headband mount: No bulkier or heavier than a high-powered headlamp, this strap configuration keeps the camera firmly attached to the user’s forehead for more accurate video capture. The sturdy headband mount allows users to quickly and easily remove the unit to check its status, change menu options, or store it for later use. The mount can even be worn outside of some helmets, especially those designed to accept headlamps. Although it is not as dignified as a lipstick camera, the headband mount makes up in usability what it lacks in style.
2. Helmet vent-hole strap mount: For activities that warrant a helmet with air ventilation holes, this non-adhesive mount is an easy method for attaching the camera to helmet surfaces. Furthermore, it is easily transferrable to a different set of ventilation holes on the same helmet or to a different helmet entirely. It has the benefit of being an adhesive-less and easy way to attach the camera to the helmet surface, as well as being easily transferable to a different set of vent holes or to a different helmet. Using vent holes located in the front of the helmet has the advantage of keeping the camera low profile and safe from clothes lines, tree branches, and other yard dangers during the occasional wipeout. The vent-hole strap mount provides the least risk of the camera being ripped from the mount. The straps are solid, yet there is enough slippage and flex to absorb some impact when necessary.
3. Base mount with single pivot: This mount provides numerous camera mounting options courtesy of the well-built pivot mechanism, which ensures that your footage will be captured in the angle that you desire. After sticking the base to a smooth surface with the provided adhesive patches, sliding the quick release camera mount onto the base, and pivoting the camera to the desired field of view, simply tighten the knob (by hand or using the recessed screw head improved strength).
4. Base mount with double pivot: When a helmet isn’t the ideal mount to capture the best footage, the double pivot mount is useful for the side of a bike, car, four-wheeler, or similar places. The second pivot simply returns the camera to a horizontal position, while the camera’s menu settings give users the option to rotate images 180 degrees or 90 degrees.
In addition to these mounting options, users should also take advantage of other mounts from GoPro, including handlebar/seatpost, chest harness, roll bar, and surfboard mounts.
Usability
The Helmet HERO Wide scores high in overall usability. It has a simple one-page manual for quick reference or easy (partial) memorization. The two-button configuration is ideal for adjusting settings or using different modes, such as video, triple shot sequence, photo every five seconds (up to 700 photos on a 2 GB SD card), and self-timer photography, all of which are displayed on the unit’s compact LCD screen. A single camera cord is used as an A/V cable connector (NTSC and PAL), as well as a USB connector to a computer. Both Mac and Windows users can seamlessly upload and edit files. The open design of the camera and two-button configuration make it simple to record. Additionally, two different flashing LEDs display recording status on both sides of the camera.
The Case
The camera’s waterproof case (up to 100 feet) is one its most impressive features. Inside the case, the camera is durable enough to be placed on a keychain, attached to a backpack, or clipped to a climbing harness, making it easily accessible for capturing great footage. The 100-foot waterproof rating combined with the graceful movements of snorkeling or scuba diving make it ideal for underwater pictures or videos.
Super Small
Outside of its case, the Helmet HERO Wide is exceptionally small. In fact, the camera can fit easily inside a closed fist, yet it can hold approximtely an hour of video footage.
Cons While the Helmet HERO Wide is a strong, versatile camera, there are some drawbacks that users should keep in mind. One drawback centers on the video quality, which is not adequate for producing high-quality professional videos. However, the quality is perfect for the Web or standard television viewing. Another significant problem with the camera is its short battery life. During testing, the Helmet HERO Wide only provided about two hours of recording time using NiMH rechargeable batteries and three hours using lithium batteries. Alkaline batteries produced even shorter recording times. Many users have also found the upside-down LCD screen cumbersome. It should be noted that the design was intended to benefit users viewing the screen while upside-down. The camera also does not include a video monitor for reviewing footage, thus footage can only be reviewed using a video monitor, such as a computer. Angle reference marks on the camera would be a useful addition to the camera because it would allow users to switch angles for different applications.
GoPro provides a one-year manufacturer’s warranty on the device. Returns are only accepted for defective or unopened packages.
Helmet Camera Central is here to assist with any issues that may arise with any products that have been purchased from us.We are available toll-free at 888-409-4408 to answer your questions. Please contact us directly to discuss quantity discounts.
