The GoPro Hero2 is an update to the original Hero that I got at the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show. I absolutely love the Hero and didn’t think it could get any better. However, once I saw a head to head comparison of the Hero against the new Hero2, I knew that I had to get the newest GoPro.
Looks wise, the Hero2 is identical to the Hero (which is still available). The changes are all on the inside. The greatest difference between the Hero2 and Hero is the lens. The Hero2 lens is twice as sharp with much better low light performance. Videos are captured at 170 degree field of view at up to 1080P resolution. The Hero can only do 127 degree FOV at 1080P. You have to lower the resolution to 960P to get 170 degree FOV.
Still images are also improved with the Hero2. The camera can shoot ten photos per second instead of three per second like the old GoPro. Resolution has increased from 5MP to 11MP and the time-lapse range now goes from 0.5 second to 60 seconds.
Because the Hero2 and Hero housing is identical, all the mounting hardware that GoPro made will work on both cameras. I received the Hero2 Outdoor Edition, which included the following:
- 1 11MP HD HERO2 Camera
- 1 Waterproof Housing (197′ / 60m)
- 1 HD Skeleton Backdoor
- 1 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery
- 1 USB Cable
- 1 Vented Helmet Strap
- 1 Head Strap
- 2 Curved Surface Adhesive Mounts
- 2 Flat Surface Adhesive Mounts
- 1 Three-Way Pivot Arm
- Assorted Mounting Hardware
The Hero2 is an extremely small and versatile camera. It’s also super rugged and can handle any abuse you throw at it. Seeing how GoPro cams are used in many extreme sporting events, I doubt I will ever be able to break it.
What truly stands out between the Hero2 and Hero is the video quality. It’s like going from a normal display to a retina display. I thought videos on the GoPro Hero was great before I tried the Hero2. Now, I can’t imagine going back to the Hero. The Hero2 may cost $100 more than the Hero, but it’s worth it for the increase video quality alone.
Right now, Amazon has the GoPro Hero2 on sale at 15% saving with free shipping. That brings the price gap between Hero and Hero2 down to $55, making the buying decision a no brainer. I will still use my iPhone 4S with iPro Lens kit for most of my videos. However, for those times when I need higher quality and a wider field of view (or I’m going to BASE jump off a building), I’ll bring out the GoPro Hero2.
Below is a Hero2 video I made with Sally Chow at the Orange County Great Park. Below that is Hero2 sample from GoPro.com. Below that is a side by side comparison of the Hero2 to the Hero by RustysClips. Make sure you watch them in HD!
Head To Head Comparison: GoPro Hero2 Vs. GoPro Hero