Waterproof camera "HD HERO 2" which can take full HD movies with hand stick size Review of real machine

GoPro's waterproof video camera that can shoot full HD movies attached to various vehicles and places, such as bicycles and cars to surfboards "HD HERO 2". The main body size is 72 (W) × 66 (H) × 41 (D) millimeters which is one size larger than the match box and the weight is about 72 grams and it is small, it has 1 / 2.3 inch CMOS sensor of 11 million pixels and it is about 2 hours 30 minutes Battery can be driven. As a compact video camera, it is a considerably high spec model, so let's actually purchase it and check usability and image quality.

Direct selling price is 30,148 yen including tax and shipping fee is free.


This time I decided to purchase "Motor Sports Edition" which was set with huge sucker attached to car dashboard and glass, and try using it as in-vehicle camera.


◆ Actual machine review

The package looks something like this. The body of the video camera is visible in the upper right of the photo.


In the introduction of use examples, images taken by mountain biking, surfing, canoeing etc. are posted, both of which have a composition to draw a line from those shot with a general handheld camera.


In addition to the main body and the case, the contents include an arm for fixing inside the car, a USB cable for charging, and a logo seal of "GoPro".


A transparent waterproof case (weight about 72 grams) is included as standard. Even if you dive down to a depth of 60 meters, it's okay so you can use it for scuba diving and other purposes.


The button on the upper left of the photo is for starting and stopping shooting. The buttons on the front are for switching modes such as movies, photos, settings. Since it is the same feeling of operation as a general camera, it should not be confused for the first time.


It's on the back. Since it assumes that it is worn on a car or a bicycle, it does not include a display for checking the shooting image.


Remove the fasteners at the top of the case and the lid of the case opens casually. The slit-like terminal seen on the left side of the main body is for connecting accessories, and an optional external display or expansion battery is attached.


Taking out the main body looks like this. The shooting angle of view is a maximum wide angle of 170 degrees and it is a considerable wide angle. When a person with a height of about 175 cm stretches out his hand and shoots the camera towards himself / herself, the entire upper body fits within the field angle with plenty of room. As the picture becomes close to what you shot with the fisheye lens, you can shoot vivid images and pictures as the subject comes close.


As seen from the front, the SD card slot and mini HDMI port are installed on the left side of the main unit. With an optional preview display connected, you can play movies and pictures on a large screen by connecting the display with a mini HDMI cable.


On the other side there is a mini USB port for charging and a microphone input terminal, composite output. Since the performance of the built-in microphone is not so good, purchasing an external microphone is recommended when you want to stick to the sound.


At the bottom of the main unit is a microphone and LED light that can check the shooting condition.


There is a shutter and LED light on the main body. Since there are LED lights on all sides except for both sides, it is convenient to quickly check the shooting condition.


This is a pedestal for fixing to the glass surface and the dashboard inside the car.


Pressing the button releases the sucker's air and is strongly fixed.


Locking is completed by further raising the lever.


When removing the sucker it is easy to pull out a small ledge.


I actually fixed it in the car.


As long as you are running on a paved road, it is a sense of stability that will not come off no matter how much it shakes.


◆ Video Review

The images actually taken on the car and shot taken are as follows.

Taking a picture with GoPro "HD HERO 2" on the car - Part 1 - YouTube


Please take a picture of the scenery seen from the window beside the car body with the movie below.

Taking a picture with GoPro "HD HERO 2" on the car - Part 2 - YouTube


◆ Accessories Review

Screen for performing Live View shooting and preview attached to the back of the camera "LCD BacPac(9975 yen including tax) ".


It is like this when taking out from the box.


On the right side there are screen on / off buttons and speakers.


It is the back side. A mechanism to connect by inserting the terminal visible on the right side of the photo to the camera body.


Just plug it off like this.


Although it becomes about 1.3 cm thick, since it is originally compact, it does not mean that portability will be impaired.


With this feeling you can see the contents you are shooting so you will be able to operate with the same feeling as a general video camera.


External battery "Battery BacPac (tax included 6300 yen)" to extend the driving time.


I tried out it from the box. The mini USB terminal that can be seen at the upper left of the photo can be connected to a PC etc. and can be charged.


Since the installed batteries are the same capacity as those installed in the camera body, the time that can be extended should be around 2 hours and 30 minutes.


The back side looks like this. It is a common terminal with "LCD BacPac".


I attached it to the main body. Weight increases by 43 grams, but it is a level that is rarely bothered.


"Tripod Mount (1050 yen including tax)" for attaching to a camera tripod.


I can fix it like this with such feeling.


"Handle bar / seat post mount (3150 yen including tax)" for attaching to a bicycle.


There are 3 parts in all.


I actually installed it. Screws are designed to turn by hand so there is no problem even if there is no tool.


So, if you actually run on a bicycle and see what kind of image you can see in the movie below.

I put GoPro "HD HERO 2" on my bicycle and shot it - YouTube


There are more than 10 demonstration movies on the site of NIPPINN of the selling agency and there are wonderful results. For example, it seems that the state of somersaulting with water skiing is as follows.

Can Can not Backflip - YouTube


Running on a slope with a skateboard (long board).

Maryhill Freeride 2010 - Round 2: Eastside Longboards Edition - YouTube


Those shot with the camera mounted on the rally car can be checked with the following movie.

GoPro HD: Pikes Peak 2011 Monster Tajima's World Record - YouTube


If you have a scene that wants to shoot high resolution movies though it is worried about breakdown with general video cameras and digital cameras when playing sports or riding in a vehicle, please check it.