GADGET GIZMO SPECIAL ...The 4k Video Pro

The 4k Video Pro

GoPro Hero 6 Black
PRICE: ₹45,000
SPECIFICATIONS
Rugged and waterproof action camera (up to 10m/33feet), 2-inch colour touchscreen LCD, 12MP stills, up to 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels) video recording @ 60fps, 1080p slow motion video @240fps, Bluetooth, WiFi, GPS, fixed focus wide angle lens, custom GP1 chip, HDR, wind noise reduction, HDMI out

The Hero 6 Black looks very similar to the Hero 5 — it even has the waterproof design. But there are upgrades: the new GP1 processor (enables 4k video @60fps, 1080p @ 240fps), better electronic image stabilization (the EIS also works in 4k now, as opposed to 1080p on the Hero 5), better low light performance, faster 5Ghz WiFi transfers, a more efficient H.265 codec (smaller file sizes) and a brighter, more responsive screen.

The company claims an overall doubling of performance, thanks to their custom design chip. It’s still unbelievably tiny, light and compatible with most existing mounts/accessories. In particular, we quite like the rubberized, anti-slip finish. You can control it via the GoPro app and use the QuikStories app to auto-edit clips based on information from the camera’s sensors. It has built in waterproofing (can be submerged up to 33 feet) though deep divers will need to get the dive housing.

It has voice control, so you can start/stop recording or capture photos without fumbling with buttons or pulling out your phone. Three microphones placed around the device record good quality audio.

Some features available include GPS, 12MP still photos, burst photo, time-lapse, video recording in 720p, 1080p, 1440p, 2.7k and 4K resolutions. It can go up to 4K @ 60 fps and super slow motion 1080p video @240fps. The EIS can work in 4k resolution but only up to 30fps. The EIS sacrifices 5% of field of view on all four sides in return of smoother video. The video quality is the best we’ve seen yet from an action camera. Battery life is the weak point.

The camera was supplied to us with the Karma Grip, a 3-axis motorized stabilizer designed specifically for the GoPro Hero 5/6. While the Karma Grip has not been officially launched in India yet, it is available to buy locally for ₹25-₹30k. Karma Grip comes with a built-in rechargeable battery, camera controls and a camera harness that securely holds the camera. Since it only works with the GoPro Hero 5 or 6, there is no balancing or adjustment needed — just place the GoPro in the harness and power it on. The built-in sensors and three motors smoothen out any shakes effectively. If you’re looking for the best action camera that (a lot of) money can buy, look no further.

Hitesh.Bhagat@timesgroup.com

ET8JAN18