Weekend Reading List (05.03.2014): Passing Lane, Feature Friendly, Sit Back

Passing Lane

Running

From Runner’s World: When Passing Another Runner in a Race, Should You Offer Encouragement?
They might appreciate it. But, then again, they might not. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (05.03.2014): Passing Lane, Feature Friendly, Sit Back

GoPro Goes Double

GoProGoPro has doubled down so to speak with the introduction of the new GoPro Dual HERO system, which can capture synchronized footage that can be converted to 3D. This set up will also allow users to capture simultaneous photo and video footage. It is compatible with two HERO3+ cameras (sold separately) and the system will retail for $199.

Continue reading GoPro Goes Double

GoPro Mounts Up Again

GoProGoPro has introduced a number of new mounts for its rugged action cameras that offer users even more flexibility in capturing the magic of that special moment. The new stealth Blackout Housing($49.99) promises to delivers the ultimate in low profile shooting. It features a non-reflective black matte finish and LCD concealment stickers to ensure low visibility and eliminate light reflections. The new housing is perfect for the sportsman, tactical, professional or any user who wants a covert look for their HERO3+ or HERO3.

Two additional accessories, Gooseneck and The Frame, are also designed for maximum ease of use and greater versatility in shooting. The Gooseneck ($19.99) offers a seven-link flex neck along with a quick-release base plate for capturing hard to reach shots around corners or underneath objects; while the reengineered Frame ($39.99) promises to be the smallest, lightest way to mount the HERO3+ and HERO3 camera. The Frame features full-time access to all camera ports for convenient data offload, live-feed video and charging, an integrated latch to make securing and removing the camera quicker and easier, and a compact mounting design that allows for optimal audio recording. Video after the jump

Paul Mounts Up

PaulPaul Components has introduced a new bicycle Camera Mount that is designed to securely attach a GoPro camera to the top of a threadless stem. This mount is compatible with all HERO3, HERO2, and HD HERO Original GoPro cameras.

It is designed to replace the top cap of a 1 1/8-inch threadless stem and provides a way for the camera to view across the top of the handlebars and down the trail. The Paul Components’ Camera Mount can be attached directly to the camera’s case for a solid connection, or it can also be fitted with an articulated GoPro Pivot Arm for added adjustability.

Paul Component Official Website

GoPro to GoPublic

GoProRugged go-anywhere camera maker GoPro is known going places – and now it is going public. The company announced an initial public offering for Friday. GoPro had filed its IPO confidentially so that it means its financials are still secret, but this could be big for the company.

It shot to fame in recent years thanks to its Hero line of rugged cameras and this IPO could indeed make it a hero for investors.

GoPro Official Website
[Via Fortune: GoPro plans IPO]

CES: Clip it On

BracketronBracketon has introduced its new GoPro-friendly camera mounts at this week’s International CES in Las Vegas. These include the Vented Helmet Strap, which can attach to almost every helmet on the market. The strap’s ball joints allows for a complete 360-degree rotation, so riders can capture the experience from any direction.

For those who take adventure in their hearts, the Xventure Chest Harness secures a GoPro camera safely to the torso to capture any excursions. This system features two durable side clips on either side for easy mounting and removal, along with an adjustable shoulder and side strap, making this harness a one-size-fits-most accessory.

The new Xventure Xlip Mount is also compatible with any GoPro camera and it allows any action camera to be clipped on, while the 360-degree rotation and adjustable neck allows users to take photos from almost any degree. The smooth, rubberized clamp makes it easy to attach to almost any stable surface.

Bracketron Official Website

Third Time Hero

Hero3GoPro has announced the release of the Hero3+ line of action cameras; and these have slimmed down while including a whole lot more. These new models are up to 20 percent smaller and lighter but offer a 30 percent improvement in battery life. The new Black edition can capture video at 4K resolution while the Silver model can do Full HD 1080p video.

If you are betting on Black, expect recording of 15 fps in 4K (3,840×2,160), or at 1080p in 24,30, 48 and 60 fps. At 720p you can even get up to 120 fps. There is also a wide-angle mode called SuperView that will include more of the surroundings in the frame. This model can also snap 12megapixel still images with bursts of up to 30 images per second. The Black edition features improved low-light performance and can go deep – as in it is waterproof to 131 feet (40 meters), when the included housing is used. It offers built-in WiFi along with a micro-HDMI port. It is available now for $399.99.

The Silver edition also shines, and for $299.99 it offers Full HD 1080p resolution video at 24, 30, 50 or 60 fps. It includes the same wide-angle lens and can capture 10megapixel stills at bursts of 10 images per second.

GoPro Official Website

GoPro Goes With Added App Functionality

GoPro-AppGoPro has introduced a new revised app that will boost the functionality of its Hero2 and Hero3 action cameras. These new tweaks will enable users to take full remote control of a camera’s functionality, and make it easier to take stills or start recording. The apps further allow the transfer of content wirelessly from a mobile handset or tablet and even share with social media. the new app is available for Android and iOS.

With this new app there is no reason to miss on the action. Video after the jump

Stem Ware

Stem-MountPaul Component Engineering is offering an alternative way to mount a GoPro on a bike. Not on the helmet or the handlebars but on the stem. This can allow the bars to be in the shot and thus get a sense of being in the action while watching the video. The Camera Mount also allows for the camera to be more centered in the action. It is compatible with all HERO3, HERO2, and HD HERO Original GoPro cameras.

So regardless of why, it now can be done and done right. Video after the jump

GoPro Goes to the Mountain Games

GoPro has announced that it has become a title sponsor for the Vail Valley Foundation’s extremely popular Mountain Games, a celebration of mountain sport, lifestyle and music. The GoPro Mountain Games will be held June 6-9, and will see athletes from around the world compete in nine sports and 25 disciplines including running, cycling, climbing, rafting and slacklining. We’re sure this year will see GoPro provide even more ways for athletes to share the experience with the world.

GoPro Mountain Games Officials Website

Add Aerial Shots to GoPro

What has been missing from most action camera videos are those great aerial shots – the kind we see in pro bicycle races and other sporting events. Of course most people don’t have a helicopter at their disposal but what about a UAV – because they’re not just for shooting at the bad guys anymore.

The Lehmann LA100 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle works with the GoPro Hero 2 and 3 cameras and can fly to heights up to 300 feet for five minutes – which could be enough to time to get some aerial “b-roll” for your next daring video. Video after the jump

Get in the Picture

Why aren’t YOU in the picture? Most action cameras provide a “first-person view” as in the camera sees more or less what you see. What is missing is… YOU. But now Dutch film producer Thijs Vrij has created an action camera mount for GoPro and other cameras called the 3rd Person View.

This device essentially consists of three parts, which includes a waterproof adjustable waistband with a carbon fiber backplate, an alloy adjustable camera pole and a locking/release mechanism to mount the camera. As with other camera extenders it puts you into the action but this one is a wear and forget, and allows you to be in the action. Vrij is currently looking to raise funds via a Kickstarter project. Continue reading Get in the Picture

Apple Hardware Maker Buys Stake in GoPro

The company that makes a number of products for other companies bought a stake in rugged camera maker GoPro. Foxconn is widely known for making Apple’s iPhone and iPad but also makes the Sony PlayStation 3 and Microsoft’s Xbox 360.

This week GoPro announced that Foxconn purchased 8.88 % of the company for $200 million, which puts GoPro’s value at $2.25 billion. Not a bad deal for GoPro. And probably not a bad move either. GoPro reportedly couldn’t meet demand for the holidays, and Foxconn certainly knows how to deliver. While Foxconn came under scrutiny after a wave of employee suicide attempts the contract manufacturer has reportedly increased pay and improved worker conditions.

Still, let’s just hope GoPro cameras aren’t used to show any Foxconn employee suicides.