During a launch event in San Francisco last week, GoPro officially unveiled the newest members of their camera family. With the goal of creating a fully immersive virtual reality experience, the new Fusion captures 5.2K30 video and high-resolution photos in full spherical.
GoPro Fusion is a 5.2K spherical camera designed to capture both fully immersive virtual reality content as well as conventional non-VR video and photo formats. The action camera uses two lenses to shoot up to 5.2K video at 30 frames per second, take 18-megapixel spherical photos, and capture 360-degree sound.
Waterproof up to 16 feet, the Fusion works on voice control in 10 languages, and includes a variety of sensors including a GPS, accelerometer, gyroscope, and compass that works to deliver gimbal-like stabilization. Both WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity are available for transferring files to your phone or computer.
With Fusion you don’t have to worry about framing your subject thanks to its OverCapture or reframing ability. The spherical camera captures absolutely everything around you so that later you can either share your footage as VR content or hone in on a focus area to reframe your shot as a traditional fixed perspective video or photo. It basically enables you to shoot first and frame later.
Compatible with most GoPro mounts, the Fusion retails for $700 and is available for pre-order now — the spherical camera will start shipping in November, just in time for the holiday season.
GoPro also announced the Hero6 ($499) at the event — powered by GoPro’s GP1 processor, the Hero6 ups the performance level while shooting 4K60 and 1080p240 video with the most advanced video stabilization yet. GoPro also improved the dynamic range and low-light performance, while adding a digital zoom.