All kinds of camcorders are rapidly gaining popularity today, having a rugged housing that allows them to be used in extreme conditions while traveling. They are also called action cameras. Although a large number of brands have already appeared at the moment, GoPro can rightfully be considered a pioneer. The company does not stand still, constantly pleasing its fans with updated versions of original gadgets. Sometimes new features appear in them that have never been implemented before. The GoPro Hero LCD is such a camera, the reviews of which we will analyze at the end of the article and based on them we will conclude how successful this model has become. Now, let's take a look at its characteristics and see what the manufacturer promises for the end user.
Camera Short Description
This model is positioned by the manufacturer as one of the budget options, equipped with its own highlight. This is true, because compared to other cameras of this brand, it is relatively inexpensive. At the same time, it cannot be called low-functional - on the contrary, a new element has appeared in it, designed to facilitate the management of settings, namely a full-color touch screen, the presence of which even the name itself says - GoPro Hero LCD camera. Reviews will show how much customers liked it and whether it is needed at all in new models.
It provides the user with all the branded features of the series, such as shooting high-quality video with a high frame rate, as well as photographing with the maximum resolution in the time-lapse mode. As some reviewers note, this camera is a great choice for a beginner who wants to record the brightest moments of his life.
Factory Package Content
The delivery set is quite rich and fully satisfies all requests related to work in extreme conditions. The only thing lacking in it is a monopod, with which it would be more convenient to fix the GoPro Hero LCD CHDHB 101 camera, reviews of which will be analyzed at the end of the article, in the hand, if it is not on any mount, since it is on it protrusions are not provided for a comfortable grip, and she herself does not lie very well in her hands and can simply fall out.
The camera itself is delivered in a fixed box, which is designed to protect it from external dangers, such as sand or water. Her battery is also built-in, so changing it during the video shooting process will not work. In view of this, you should always charge the camera fully if you plan to shoot for a long time.
The back covers come in two types - one with holes, and the other with the ability to control settings through the sensor. Each of them is used in certain situations listed in the instructions, which you will also find in the box. There are also two adhesive platforms - curved and flat. They are designed to fix the camera on a variety of devices and surfaces. For example, using such a platform, you can mount an action camera on the wing of a car to take pictures from an unusual angle, for which the GoPro Hero LCD camcorder is basically intended. Reviews show that such prudence on the part of the manufacturer was not superfluous.
Another method of fixation is a set of quick-detachable mounts that can be used in almost any situation. In view of this, during operation, the question should not arise at all how to fix the camera on one or another surface. The manufacturer took care of all this in advance, which is a definite plus.
The last items in the box are a proprietary micro-USB cable and a warranty card. Using this cable, you can move videos without removing the memory card from the gadget each time, and also charge the built-in battery. There is no charging unit in the kit, but almost any device with a USB connector that has a 5 volt output is suitable for its role.
The main distinguishing feature
Before the release of this model, many faced a rather serious problem. It was impossible to assess the quality of the recorded video, or to precisely adjust the camera lens, due to the lack of a large display. Some even wrote to the manufacturer complaints about this topic, and they did not go unnoticed. And, as you can see, the new model received a long-awaited display, and even with support for touch control, which could not but have a positive effect on the popularity of GoPro Hero LCD. Reviews are full of information about exactly how users use the screen and which particular moments were simplified thanks to it. This greatly facilitated the setup of the camera before recording, and allowed to bring the filmed material to a new level of quality.
The display size is 1.8 inches. This may seem a little, but the camera itself is not much more. Therefore, increasing the diagonal of the touch screen would lead to a decrease in compactness, which would obviously have a bad effect on the possibilities of using the camera. In addition, the controls with which you want to operate using the touch screen are quite large, so the small diagonal does not cause discomfort when using the gadget.
The display allows you to not only configure the camera before shooting, but also to view already captured material, editing or deleting unnecessary photos and video files. Thus, you can directly free up space on the memory card during outdoor activities. And this may just be necessary, because the videos are quite “heavy”, and even a large card can be scored in just one hour of shooting.
Video Quality
This parameter is the key in the matter of choice, and its importance is important, as evidenced by its inclusion in each GoPro Hero LCD review. Reviews show that the maximum mode is more than enough for each novice "operator". There are several modes for the user. To list them all makes no sense. However, it is worth noting that at FullHD resolution (1920x1080 pixels), the camera is capable of recording at 60 frames per second, which is an excellent indicator by modern standards. However, fans of ultra-high resolution 4K will be disappointed, because FullHD mode is the maximum possible in this model. However, even it is quite enough to shoot clear, sharp videos.
The same frame rate is possible when recording video in HD mode, that is, with a resolution of 1280x720 pixels. This mode may come in handy if you plan to shoot a rather long video sequence, since it uses more space on the memory card more economically.
Create photos
In addition to shooting video, you can capture particularly outstanding moments with the help of photographs. Their maximum resolution is 8 megapixels, which is equal to the limit indicator of the camera matrix itself. The speed of creating photos reaches 5 frames per second, while the focus is almost instant. If you wish, you can use the time-lapse mode specially designed and implemented for certain situations.
However, one should not forget that this camera is not intended for photographing, so the results may be slightly worse than with professional SLRs. If your goal is to fix the brightest moments of life, then the quality will be quite satisfactory for you. As they say about the GoPro Hero LCD reviews, the photos are bright and colorful in good light, but at dusk we should expect a little noise and quality deterioration.
Protection against external influences
The manufacturer made sure that the GoPro Hero LCD video camera-action, reviews of which are mostly positive, remains operational in extreme situations. Therefore, it is delivered in a fixed box designed to protect internal elements from shock or moisture and sand. However, do not forget that it also has its own margin of safety, as well as a rather high price, so do not overestimate its capabilities.
The developer guarantees the complete waterproofness of the protective box during short dives to a depth of 40 meters. This will allow not only to take picturesque moments on the surface, but also during diving lessons, subject to the availability of good lighting equipment. Still, first and foremost, the GoPro Hero LCD is an action camera. Reviews say she feels best in good, bright light.
Ease of controls
As mentioned above, most of the settings are done using the touch screen with a menu that is understandable to a simple user. The sensor, as they say about the GoPro Hero LCD, the reviews of the owners are quite responsive and accurate, despite the small size. So, in a similar way, the quality of the recorded video, the frame rate and other parameters are set. However, there are times when there is simply no way to waste time on such moments, because you need to shoot right now, or the opportunity will be missed.
For this, the manufacturer provides one large button that works anyway, even if the camera is turned off. Once you press it, and after initialization, which takes less than 1 second, recording will immediately begin. This is convenient if you do not shoot everything in a row, but make selective recordings, because with such a speed of reaction you probably will not miss some significant situation during a walk or other type of rest.
Wireless features
The manufacturer has not deprived its new model of modern interfaces for transmitting data using a radio signal. So, on board there are Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules that allow you to upload video without the help of a cable and additional gadgets directly to known hosting sites.
Bluetooth may come in handy for remote camera control. So, with its help, you can connect a remote control key fob, which will allow you to control basic functions at a distance. This can be especially useful if you use several cameras to record an experiment, and there is a need to turn them on sequentially before starting. Using a wireless remote control, this can be done without leaving the danger zone, if any.
Built-in editing tools
The presence of the display made it possible to edit already captured materials without resorting to a personal computer, laptop or tablet. Now you can make changes directly through the camera interface. The possibilities are limited, but still the basic functions are present. One of the main ones is trimming videos, since it allows you to immediately remove fragments that do not carry a semantic load, and thus free up space on the memory card.
You can edit photos in the same way. The crop option is available, which can be used to trim excess fragments and people or objects accidentally falling into the frame. Thus, the GoPro Hero LCD action video camera, reviews of which we will now consider to help determine our choice, becomes an independent device for the entire duration of an active vacation.
Positive user reviews about the camera
Many people who have been using the gadget for some time have noted that it is perfect for beginners, as it has both undeniable pluses and unpleasant minuses. Consistently considering both the positive and negative sides of the camera, we can conclude whether it is worth buying for a gift or for personal use. When users write reviews about the GoPro Hero LCD, the advantages are as follows:
- Good security. The camera is really resistant to damage, and can withstand prolonged exposure to water at a decent depth.
- Compactness. The camera fits easily in the hand and even with a full set does not take up much space in the travel bag, so taking it with you does not present difficulties or problems.
- Good optics and matrix. The manufacturer clearly did not try to save on the quality of the resulting video, so even in adverse conditions for shooting it turns out to record videos that are quite acceptable in quality.
- Possibility of quick cold start. A large number of videos posted on popular video hosting sites turned out to be shot due to the high initialization speed of the equipment. As reviews regarding the GoPro Hero LCD show, this model allows you to start shooting almost instantly, even if the camera was completely turned off.
- Additional modes. Features such as “time lapse” and video recording with a high frame rate allow you to capture simple life situations from a new angle, which gives them special charm and artificial beauty.
- The presence of a display with touch control. The display has become one of the main features of this lineup, as it has opened new horizons. Now it is possible to adjust the picture before shooting, or to make editing right on the spot, as well as delete files that are no longer needed or do not carry a semantic load and value.
Quite an impressive list of positive aspects, having read which you can already think about acquiring a camera. However, it has a certain number of minuses, some of which may turn out to be critical and force one to opt for another model.
Negative parties based on reviews
When reading and analyzing reviews regarding the GoPro Hero LCD, the most common flaws are the following:
- The sound quality is poor. Immediately, you should expect that the sound accompanying the video will be muffled, since the camera is in a protective case. In view of this, in finished clips, the best solution would be to replace the original sound track with an alternative one, for example, with music.
- Low battery capacity. Its volume is only 1160 mAh, which was not enough for many users. And this problem would not be so critical if it were removable. But the battery in this model is built-in, therefore, in case of its discharge, you will have to interrupt and put the camera on charge, which takes time. For those who plan to shoot for a long time, this can be a serious problem and the GoPro Hero LCD camcorder will definitely not suit them. Reviews show that from one full charge it can work from 4 hours, depending on the selected mode and conditions.
- The destruction of plastic over time. Some users complain that boxing loses its strength over time. This does not affect its protective properties, but at first the clips can loosen and then break off altogether.
These are the main disadvantages; for the most part, users do not encounter other manifestations of not the best sides of the camera. Therefore, if they are not critical for you, you can safely buy the GoPro Hero LCD, reviews of which speak in its favor, as it has been tested by time and has proved to be a reliable device that can save the brightest moments of your travels.