GoPro Hero’s New Light Illuminates Your Adventures
▼ Summary
– GoPro has released the Lit Hero action camera with four built-in LEDs positioned next to the lens for illumination.
– The Lit Hero is available for preorder at $269.99 and is scheduled to begin shipping on October 21st.
– The new camera is slightly heavier than the standard Hero model but offers improved performance, including 4K/60fps video and a longer battery life.
– An included diffuser can be attached to soften the light from the LEDs, which is best suited for illuminating nearby subjects.
– While waterproof, the built-in light has a limited range and is most useful for close-up shots, particularly underwater or for creating a specific aesthetic.
For those who love capturing their outdoor pursuits but find themselves fumbling with separate lighting gear after dark, GoPro’s latest innovation promises to simplify nighttime filming. The newly announced GoPro Lit Hero integrates a set of four powerful LEDs directly beside the camera lens, eliminating the need to carry an extra flashlight or lamp. While the company has not released specific lumen measurements, the illumination provided is significantly more potent than the flash on a typical smartphone.
Available for preorder at $269.99, the Lit Hero is scheduled to begin shipping on October 21st. This positions it at a higher price point than the standard Hero model, which remains priced at $199.99. The new model weighs 93 grams, a slight 7-gram increase over the base version, but that extra weight brings considerable upgrades. Beyond the integrated lighting, the Lit Hero boasts enhanced video performance, jumping from 4K/30fps to 4K/60fps recording. Its battery life is also impressive, capable of supporting up to 100 minutes of full-quality recording when the LEDs are not in use.
A cleverly designed diffuser accessory ships with the camera, which can be easily snapped onto the front to soften the output of the LEDs. This feature is particularly handy for creating a more flattering light on subjects close to the lens. The camera maintains a waterproof rating down to 16 feet, making it a compelling option for underwater adventures where built-in lighting is most beneficial. However, based on sample imagery, the effective range of the lights appears somewhat limited. They excel at brightening nearby objects or people, especially with the diffuser attached to prevent harsh shadows, rather than illuminating vast, dark spaces. When used sparingly or turned off, the camera can produce a distinct aesthetic, with some sample photos reminiscent of shots taken with an instant camera and a strong flash.
The primary application for the Lit Hero’s lighting system seems to be close-range subject illumination. It is ideally suited for vlogging, capturing group shots around a campfire, or adding a touch of light to underwater scenes just in front of the camera. For adventurers seeking an all-in-one solution for dawn-to-dusk content creation, the GoPro Lit Hero presents a streamlined and feature-rich option.
(Source: The Verge)
