Maker of Polaroid Cube Sues GoPro over HERO4 Session

The GoPro Hero4 Session looks like the Polaroid Cube. It’s hard to deny otherwise. In the world of action cameras, these two cameras look like twins separated at birth where one was raised by a fun-loving family that toured in a VW Microbus and the other sent away to a prep school where athletics and fraternal orders were stressed.

The maker of the Polaroid Cube clearly feels something similar as C&A Marketing filed a lawsuit against GoPro for illegally copying the design of the Cube. The Cube was originally released in 2014. C&A Marketing obtained the patent in May 2015, two months before the release of the GoPro Hero4 Session.

GoPro was issued several European Union patents for the Session and an US Patent for the Session’s case in March. It says that it applied for another U.S. patent for the Session last year.

Clones are something that GoPro itself has contended with for years. Amazon and ebay are filled with cameras that look very similar to GoPro cameras including the Hero4 Session. Other major

GoPro 4 Session Full Review & Price Drop!

While the GoPro 4 Session is both the newest and the smallest GoPro camera ever, it's not necessarily right for everyone. However, Amazon has made it a little easier to decide whether or not you want to get it by dropping the price down on their site to undercut what GoPro is selling it for. Currently it is available for just $324 but that could change at a moment's notice so don't delay. If you are having trouble deciding if the Session is right for you, check out my video below on exactly that.

I really have liked the GoPro Session so far. If you already have a regular GoPro or two like me, then the Session is the perfect addition. It's great for on body mounting, discrete timelapses, or just throwing into your bag and carrying around for vlogging/travel videography. I have only had to replace the built in lens once so far but that was because I crashed my mountain bike while wearing the Session on my chest (I also had to get 18 stitches in my leg).

3D Robotics SOLO Drone Review Plus Sample Video Footage and Pictures

My experience this far with the SOLO drone by 3DR has been one of highs and lows. Luckily none of the lows have included flyaways or crashes, but unfortunately the highs were dampened by poor GPS connections, a delayed gimbal delivery date, and shorter than promised radio range in all but the perfect environment. Leaving the delayed gimbal aside (I'll take it as a sign that I need to work on my patience), there are still the two main issues which I and many others have experienced when flying the Solo.

A shot of a drive-in theater taken with the Solo.

The first is that almost every time I go to fly my Solo it has trouble connecting to the satellites to get a GPS lock. Sometimes this means that I just have to wait 5-10 minutes (the Phantom 3 will GPS lock in less than a minute even in urban environments) but other times I have had to skip flying altogether out of fear of flying without a return to home point created and set. For a drone which 3DR

GoPro HERO 5 Launch Date To Be Pushed Back As The Company Promises 'Unprecedented Upgrades'

GoPro Hero 5 was set to be launched on October 5, but the American tech company specializing on camcorder and videography equipment decided to push it back to next year in order to allow for unprecedented upgrades to the device, reports Venture Capital Post.

Apparently, GoPro wants to live up to the hype that the Hero 5 has established since late last year. The company wants the device to become the most powerful videography equipment in the world upon its roll out by next year.

While others may think of it as a lofty ambition, it is actually a major goal for GoPro because the company is optimistic that it can meet consumer expectations given its credentials with the launch of the groundbreaking GoPro Hero camcorders in the past couple of years.

GoPro is also determined to come up with a new video camera that will surpass the features and specifications of its current model, the GoPro Hero 4, according to Realty Today.

Business decision

The delay in the release of the device may also be a business decision on the manufacturer’s part since releasing the GoPro Hero 5 barely a year after the GoPro Hero 4 made it to the market will really put the clamps on its predecessor considering the initial reports that the latter device would come out with practically the same price as the older gadget.

That would sure to draw buyers away from the old and into the new, which would not make any business sense at all for GoPro.

GoPro HERO4 v2.00.00 Software Update Release

GoPro just released the mid-year software update for their HERO4 cameras. It's basically a free upgrade to a better camera for those who already own HERO4 Black or Silver, so I can see no reason not to upgrade your camera ASAP. One of the coolest things about the GoPro updates is that they can be downloaded and installed all using the GoPro Smartphone app and a WiFi connection. For those who are a little trepidatious about the whole process, I filmed myself updating both my HERO4 Black and Silver (using an Android & an iOS smartphone) to help you make it through alright. It really is a pretty simple and straightforward process, but it never hurts to know exactly what's ahead.

From GoPro:

Latest release:

HERO4 Black v02.00.00 | February 4, 2015

HERO4 Silver v02.00.00 | February 4, 2015

NEW FEATURES

• 
  Time Lapse Video
• 
  720p240 + 2.7K60 Video
• 
  Auto Image Rotation
• 
  Add HiLight Tags During Playback
• 
  30/6 Burst Photo

HERO4 Black update v02.00.00

New Modes + Features

• Adds Time Lapse Video mode
• Adds 720p240 video mode (Narrow FOV only)
• Adds 2.7K60 video mode
• Adds Auto Image Rotation
• Adds 30 photos/6 seconds Burst rate

Performance Improvements

• Changes Protune default video ISO to 1600

Usability Improvements

• Adds Reset option for camera Wi-Fi settings
• Displays Night Lapse shutter time on the camera status screen

LCD Touch BacPac Improvements

• Delivers the ability to add HiLight Tags during playback
• Adds new gesture to display the last photo or video captured
• Automatically locks the display after the camera goes to sleep

General Improvements + Bug Fixes

• Night Lapse stability improvements

HERO4 Silver update v02.00.00

New Features

• Adds Time Lapse Video mode
• Adds Auto Image Rotation
• Adds 30 photos/6 seconds Burst rate

Performance Improvements

• Changes Protune default video ISO to 1600

Usability Improvements

• Delivers the ability to add HiLight Tags during playback
• Adds new gesture to display the last photo or video captured
• Automatically locks the display after the camera goes to sleep
• Adds Reset option for camera Wi-Fi settings
• Displays Night Lapse shutter time on the camera status screen

General Improvements + Bug Fixes

• Night Lapse stability improvements

GoPro 3+ 720p/120fps VS. GoPro 4 1080p/120fps: GoPro Slow Motion Comparison

Checkout the two videos below to see if you can see any difference in quality between the GoPro HERO 3+ and the GoPro HERO 4. While they are not the same video (and were actually filmed almost a year apart), they are very similar. I filmed them both at the same indoor track and field complex and both were set to the highest resolution that they could be at while still recording at 120 frames per second. Both GoPros were also set to Protune mode.

It's to say for sure which one produces better video quality, but after watching both of the videos, my initial reaction was that the GoPro 3+ was a little clearer. This would make sense because many people have been complaining about fuzziness when recording in 1080p at 120fps on the GoPro 4. Let me know what you think in the comments below or on my Facebook and Twitter.

GoPro 4 Black Edition Firmware Update Coming Soon?

The GoPro 4 Black Edition is about to get even more awesome. GoPro announced back at CES 2015 that they would be releasing a firmware update for their top-of-the-line action camera sometime either in February or March of this year much like they updated the GoPro 3+ Black Edition's firmware last year at around the same time. Well now since it is officially February, you can start expecting that update to roll out any day. With that said, let's take a look at the expected features:

720p at 240fps Super Slow Motion

One of the coolest things GoPro introduced with the GoPro 4 was the ability to record 1080p Full HD at 120fps. However, many people were also disappointed because while they increased the max frame rate available at 1080p from 60fps to 120fps, the max frames per second possible for 720p HD remained fixed at 120fps.

A recent video I made using the GoPro 4 Black Edition in 1080p at 120fps.

Timelapse Video Mode

The second big feature that this update will be adding is in-camera timelapse. Yes, the GoPro has always been able to record very high quality timelapses, but up until now this has always required assembling the image sequence on a computer using software like GoPro Studio or Photoshop. While I might not see myself always using this new feature (mainly because it doesn't save the original image sequence files), I can definitely see this coming in handy when I want to upload a timelapse directly from my phone or I want to save space on my memory card. This feature will be coming to the Hero4 Black and Silver editions.

Just a few examples of the insane quality timelapses you can take with the Gopro 4.

2.7k Video at 60fps

Situated nicely between 1080p and 4K, 2.7k is almost my 'go-to' resolution because it offers the best of both worlds. Recording at 2.7k gives you the ability to crop and/or use stabilization software in post production while also allowing you to record at a frame rate higher than 30fps so that you can slow the video down by 50% and still have it look good. With this update, you will be able to slow it down by 40%, not a large increase, but still a noticeable difference (and double the frame rate available in 4K).

Other Miscellaneous Improvements

Auto Rotate. Did you know that the GoPro HERO4 Black and Silver had an accelerometer inside? Now you can finally put them to use. Just like your smartphone, the GoPro will be able to sense which way is up and rotate any picture or video you take accordingly. Say goodbye to flipping upside down video in post or quickly scrambling to find the setting to switch the GoPro's orientation.

30/6 Burst Photo Mode. It captures a burst of 30 photos spread out over six seconds. This will increase the max burst time duration from 3 to 6 seconds while keeping the number of photos taken the same. I imagine this will be most helpful for taking selfies with extension poles or 'selfie sticks' as they have quickly become called.

Add Highlight Tags in Playback. Highlight tags might be a cool feature, but it's annoying to always be having to tap the side of your camera while you're trying to concentrate on filming. This will allow GoPro HERO4 Silver users (and those Black edition users who also have the LCD Touch BacPac) to focus on what you're doing and tag things later as you're flipping through the day's highlights.

Now all that comes is the wait. I'll try to keep you informed if I hear anything else and will be sure to let you know as soon as the update is release. Like the previous couple of updates, you can update your GoPro by connecting it to your smartphone via WiFi and opening the GoPro app or by doing it the old fashioned way and plugging it into your Windows or Mac PC.

GoPro HERO 4 Silver International Giveaway! Enter To Win!

It's been over a week since I launched my GoPro 4 Silver giveaway. I have been amazed by all of the nice comments and also almost overwhelmed by the number of people who would really be able to do some cool things with the camera if they won. If you have yet to enter, make sure to do so by checking out the video below.

GoPro HERO4 Silver Edition Unboxing

In case you missed it, check out my unboxing of the GoPro HERO4 Silver.

GoPro HERO4 Black Edition Unboxing, First Impressions, and Sample Videos and Photos

I have been enjoying using the new GoPro HERO 4 Black a lot recently (especially the 120fps/1080p and the new Night Photography mode) and hope to continue to put up videos which show both its abilities as well as its limits. If you missed the unboxing I put up of it, here it is:

Though I haven't had the time to do a full review of it (hey I'm a college kid, athlete, musician, and YouTuber, something's gotta give eventually), I have had the time to test out some of its abilities, namely the 4k video and the aforementioned 120fps/1080p.

Low light video may not be too improved for the new HERO4, but due to the addition of the Night Photography Mode, GoPro's can finally have a use after the sun goes down. And man can they produce some awesome (relatively noise free) images! While I haven't had a chance to really test out the NightLapse mode, I have been thinking of as many cool night picture opportunities as I can, ranging from lightning to long-exposure driving shots. Here a couple of sample images below.

So that's it for now. Remember to subscribe to my YouTube channel to stay up to date with my latest video releases as well as following me on my various social media (where you can usually see photos like these right after I take them). Feel free to ask me any questions you have regarding the GoPro 4 Black, GoPros in general, or really anything else. Also, I do have a giveaway coming up (but I'm still trying to decide what to giveaway), so if you know what you want I would appreciate the input.

GoPro Introduces HERO4: The Most Powerful GoPro Lineup, Ever

SAN MATEO, CALIF. (September 29, 2014) – GoPro, Inc. (NASDAQ:GPRO), enabler of some of today's most immersive and engaging content, today unveiled HERO4, the highest performance line of capture devices the company has ever made.  HERO4 is available in two editions, HERO4 Black at MSRP $499 and HERO4 Silver at MSRP $399.  GoPro’s Emmy® Award-winning imaging technology combines with enhanced ease-of-use and powerful new features such as 4K30, 2.7K50 and 1080p120 video capture (Black) and built-in touch display convenience (Silver), to make it easier than ever for consumers to self capture and share stunning, professional quality content of their favorite experiences.

HERO4 Black delivers 2x the performance of its best-selling predecessor and now captures cinema-quality 4K video at 30 frames per second (fps), 2.7K video at 50fps and 1080p video at a blistering 120fps, virtually eliminating rolling shutter in most scenarios while allowing for time-bending slow motion effects. HERO4 Black also features an entirely redesigned audio system that captures high fidelity sound with 2x the dynamic range of previous models. Additional enhancements include improved image quality, low light performance, highlight moment tagging and an improved user interface that allows for easier discoverability and access to key features and controls. The HERO4 Black is simply the highest performance GoPro yet.

HERO4 Silver delivers the same professional image quality as HERO4 Black less some of the higher performance video capture modes including 4K30, 2.7K50 and 1080p120. HERO4 Silver includes a brilliant built-in touch display for those who value convenience and ease-of-use over the no-holds-barred performance of the HERO4 Black.

The new HERO4 line will be available October 5 on GoPro.com and at select retailers worldwide.

“For the past twelve years, our passion has been to make it easy for people to self-capture jaw dropping, professional quality footage of themselves engaged in their favorite activities,” said GoPro Founder and CEO, Nicholas Woodman.  “That passion led us to embark on our most ambitious design and engineering effort ever, and the result is nothing short of the ultimate GoPro—the HERO4 Black.  We can’t wait to see what the world captures with it.”

HERO4 Black – 2x the performance, yet again.

The flagship HERO4 Black builds upon GoPro’s Emmy® Award-winning technology to deliver the next level of GoPro image quality, versatility and performance:

•        Incredible ultra high definition 4K video at 30fps allows for life-like video capture as well the ability to extract 8.3 megapixel video stills to use as photos
•        Faster* high resolution frame rates of 2.7K at 50fps and 1080p at 120fps
•        12MP magazine cover-quality photos at burst speeds of 30 photos per second
•        Updated user-interface with improved discoverability and access to key camera controls
•        50% faster Wi-Fi* combined with Bluetooth® delivers enhanced GoPro App performance and improved power management
•        MSRP $499
•        For more information visit the HERO4 Black product page

New GoPro HERO 4 Leaks Confirmed, Plus New Entry Level GoPro?

Well, it's that time of year again. Almost a year after the industry shaping action camera maker updated the GoPro with the release of the GoPro HERO 3+ it looks like they will soon be announcing the 4th version of their ever so popular action cam. Though this hasn't been confirmed by GoPro yet, photoblog PetaPixel is claiming that all of the information and specs "...should be 100% accurate, as [they] were given access to product photos and full spec sheets." Reportedly there will be three new cameras released, two of them being the GoPro HERO 4 (in Black and Silver editions) and the other being a brand new entry level camera simply called the HERO. They say to expect GoPro to make the announcement official on October 8, 2014.

The Next In A Long Line Of Heroes

The GoPro 4 Black Edition is said to double the performance of the previous model, and GoPro might not just be speaking figuratively! The GoPro 4 Black Edtion will reportedly double the max frame rates across all of the main resolutions. If you're doing the math in your head, yes this means we will finally have usable 4k (30fps as opposed to 15) and also the ability to record full 1080p HD at 120fps. Unfortunately, 720p will not see an increase to 240fps, but that is not a big deal considering very few people record at anything other than full HD or above nowadays. Here's the full leaked resolution sheet for the Black and Silver Editions.

For still images, the GoPro 4 won't improve on the 3+'s specs so expect to be able to capture 12 megapixel photos at 30 frames per second.

The GoPro 4 Black Edition will also double the dynamic audio range of the previous GoPro, so expect better sound as well as better video.

Both the GoPro 4 Black and Silver Editions will reportedly feature a brand new built-in touch display on the back, making it easier for users to frame shots and adjust settings. This will mark the first time that GoPro has included a display on it's cameras and is possibly a move to try to appeal to a broader audience since many people's main complaint about the previous GoPro models was their lack of a display. Taking advantage of the display, GoPro is said to also be increasing the amount of manual control the user can have over photo and video settings like ISO limit, exposure, color, and more.

Returning and new features which will be shared by the two editions include built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, exposure settings for nighttime shooting, a “HiLight Tag” feature for marking key moments in footage, a QuikCapture feature for powering up and recording with one button press, and auto low light features.

Thankfully the new GoPro 4's will be backwards compatible with all GoPro mounts and accessories.

Unfortunately, PetaPixel didn't get any pricing information out from their source, but financial website Benzinga says that the camera (GoPro 4 Black Edition) will carry a retail price of $499.95.  I would expect the new Silver Edition to be at least $100 below whatever they are planning on selling the Black Edition for so expect the Silver to retail for somewhere between $300-$400.

A New HERO Is Born

With the expected increase in cost of the GoPro 4 cameras (and the lack of a new White Edition), it almost comes as no surprise that GoPro will also be unveiling a cheaper entry level version dubbed simply the HERO. 

While the GoPro 4's will be sporting a new touch display, 4k recording, Wifi, Bluetooth, and many other features which set them ahead of their competitors (and also warrant their reportedly high price point), the HERO will be a low-end camera that doesn't offer any of those features.

Instead, it offers high-quality 1080p30 and 720p60 video capture, a Burst Photo feature which snaps 5 megapixel still frames at a rate of 5 shots per second, and a 0.5 second Time Lapse feature. Some new features such as QuikCapture will carryover from the GoPro 4, allowing you to power on the camera and begin recording with a single press of a button.

The HERO, like other GoPro cameras, will come in a rugged housing which is waterproof down to 131' (40m). However, this housing is integrated with the camera and cannot be removed, meaning the camera isn't compatible with certain accessories (e.g. The Frame and the LCD Touch BacPac).

Other features include a built-in microphone, microSD card support of up to 32GB, a 2.5-hour battery, and a 3.9oz body.

The NEW GoPro League Of HEROES

Even with the introduction of these three new cameras, GoPro will reportedly still be keeping a few of the old editions around to fill in some of the middle price brackets. The only current version which will be left in the past will be the 3+ Black Edition. Both the GoPro 3 White Edition and the 3+ Silver Edition will continue to be offered. One possible reason for this would be that GoPro could offer the cameras with this very simple pricing:
GoPro HERO - $99
GoPro HERO 3 White Edition - $199
GoPro HERO 3+ Silver Edition - $299
GoPro HERO 4 Silver Edition - $399
GoPro HERO 4 Black Edition - $499

What are your thoughts on the new GoPro cameras? Which one will you get? Leave your questions or comments down below and follow me on Facebook or Twitter to stay up-to-date on the latest news.