The technorati are abuzz with rumors that the latest GoPro action camera will hit shelves starting in June. Dubbed the Hero4 until official word from GoPro, the new action camera gets a big boost in the specs department, with major frame rate and resolution upgrades.
The new GoPro Hero4 is allegedly capable of recording 4K (Ultra HD) video now at 30 frames per second (instead of the 15 fps in the current Hero3+ Black), 1080p at 120 fps (60 fps Hero3+) and 720p at 240 fps (120 fps Hero3+) for those ultra slow motion shots. Something Apple is now quite used to, rumors started flying after GoPro’s chip supplier Ambarella announced the release of their A9 4K Ultra HD Camera System-on-Chip (SoC) that would allow the GoPro to record 4K resolution at faster frame rates.
So why does frame rate matter? Even though about 15 fps is needed to deliver the illusion of continuous motion, higher frame rates make footage appear more lifelike by enhancing clarity and smoothness – cutting out the typical “judder”. You can also extract sharper and more precisely positioned stills from video with higher frame rates.
GoPro Hero 4 will also come with a 13-megapixel photosensor (12MP in the Hero3+ Black) and a completely new lens for shooting in low light situations. You also get electronic image stabilization, remote viewfinder playback, built-in WiFi module, and USB/HDMI connectors. The Hero4 will come in the same waterproof housing with flat lens for shooting under water (up to 60m).
According to the supposed leaked press release, the GoPro Hero4 will be priced at $340. So if you are looking to purchase a new action camera, you might want to wait a few weeks to see how this plays out. Or if you want a bargain, GoPro may drop the price of the Hero3+ in anticipation of the new release.