GoPro has announced two new action cameras as 2017 draws to a close. There’s the GoPro Fusion, the firm's first venture into 360-degree photography and the GoPro Hero 6 Black, which adds 4K video recording at 60fps. We’re here to talk about the latter.
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Working on the same principles as its predecessor, the GoPro Hero 6 Black is an action camera for the thrill-seekers, adrenaline junkies and, well, dog walkers among us. It’s seen a bit of an upgrade – and a Brexit-induced price hike – but does it bring anything noteworthy to GoPro’s already impressive lineup?
GoPro Hero 6 Black UK release date: When’s it coming out?
The GoPro Hero 6 Black is currently available for preorder in the UK. Following the launch event on 28 September 2017, GoPro flicked the switch on its preorder page, with the first batch expected to ship no earlier than November 2017. There’s no word yet on a specific release date, but this article will be updated as soon as we hear more.
GoPro Hero 6 Black UK price: How much will it cost?
The GoPro Hero 6 Black raises the asking price to £500. That’s a good chunk more than the Hero 5 Black’s £339 launch price. For comparison, the excellent Yi 4K action camera – which also supports 4K recording at 60fps – is just £200.
GoPro Hero 6 Black features: What’s new?
But what’s the difference between the Hero 6 Black and last year’s model? Well, you’re paying for the privilege of silky-smooth 4K recording at 60fps with that extra £160. That’s right: last year’s Hero 5 Black was missing this feature, with Ultra HD resolution footage capped at 30fps.
More importantly, these higher frame rates allow thrill-seekers to record footage in slow motion. 2.7K recording can now be shot at 120fps and Full HD footage is capped at 240fps. This means that footage can be viewed up to ten times slower than your standard speeds.
The Hero 6 Black can also use 5GHz Wi-Fi to transfer your footage over to your smartphone, which the firm says is up to three times faster than last year’s wait times. Improved electronic image stabilisation (EIS) is also on the cards, for even more stable shots.
GoPro Hero 6 Black design: What does it look like?
Last year’s Hero 5 Black was a radical departure from the GoPro’s of old when it came to design. It was slightly less box-like thanks to its curved edges and semi-rubberised body and was a little easier to hold, especially with gloves on. The Hero 6 Black is much the same.
In fact, there’s little difference at all. The Hero 6 still has a 2in LCD touchscreen on the back, is waterproof up to 33 feet (196 feet if you use a waterproof case) and it has voice controls for hands-free shooting. Given it’s the same size as last year’s, the Hero 6 fits all Hero 5 mounts, cases and accessories and can be used with the Karma drone.
GoPro Hero 6 Black: Early verdict
GoPro appears to have cooked up an excellent action camera with the GoPro Hero 6 Black. It seeks to improve on the criticisms of the former, with 60fps recording at 4K, improved image stabilisation and faster footage transfers. The only issue is that price hike.
Asking for an extra £160 seems absurd. While we haven’t put the Hero 6 through its paces just yet, I can’t see how GoPro can justify this hefty price jump, especially when the Yi 4K offers much the same for less. I’m ready to be proven wrong, but as it stands there’s little point in upgrading.
