More GoPro Filmmaking July 07 2015, 0 Comments

Two newsworthy announcements coming from GoPro recently...

First, the new GoPro 4 Session. Info below from B&H:

Approximately the size and weight of an ice cube (although that’s about where the similarities end), the HERO4 Session is remarkably tiny, yet still able to provide high-quality video up to 1440p resolution at 30 fps (4:3) and 1080p at 60 fps (16:9). To downsize the camera, integrated external controls have been simplified to include only a record Start/Stop button. Other in-depth controls for exposure and access to other modes like Protune, time-lapse, burst-photo, and loop-video have been relegated to the free GoPro App for smart devices or the separately available Smart Remote. What the smaller size brings, with its simplicity, is increased durability. Even without a waterproof housing, the body is submersible to 33' underwater, so it can survive in most water-sport situations right out of the box.

Read the full description here.

We personally like the high resolution and high quality 4K of the GoPro Hero 4 Black cameras, but this looks to be an interesting entry into the sports/action camera market. Even though the GoPros have traditionally been small, this is really small and could definitely come in handy.

The second bit of GoPro news is that they are apparently getting into the film content business, too.

Variety reports: 

GoPro is getting ready to step up its content game: Charlotte Koh, who used to lead Hulu’s original content initiatives, has joined GoPro in a newly created position as head of features and series.
Koh is tasked with striking partnerships with Hollywood creatives as well as studios and networks to develop and co-produce new content with the help of GoPro’s signature small cameras. “It’s really about creating a GoPro content banner on top of the technology,” she told Variety in her first interview since joining the company last month.

Read the full story here.


This is a trend today with companies producing "branded content" on YouTube and elsewhere, and if it's done right, it can work. If it's done wrong, it feels like an infomercial. Our feeling is GoPro is smart (and obviously already a filmmaking tech company) and they have a built-in advantage of already being a filmmaking tech company, so they'll likely do well. We look forward to seeing if they do documentary or narrative with their new content push.

We of course use GoPro Hero cameras in a variety of our footage collections, such as our 2nd Unit™ INDIE PLATES - affordable and versatile driving plates ideal for indie and/or lower budget productions.

What do you think about the new GoPro Session camera? Do we need it?  Or what about GoPro getting into the film content business?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.