GoPro recently debuted the “next generation” of awesomeness and it doesn’t look like it was shot on an action camera.
GoPro has shared a new teaser on social media showing off what it calls footage captured on the “next-generation GoPro,” but the clips don’t look like what you’d expect from a traditional action camera.
The short montage features a series of striking shots, including close-ups of flames, highly detailed shots of foliage, a crisp view of the moon and extreme close-ups of the human eye.
Throughout the scene, the caption reads: “Filmed on a next-generation GoPro.”
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GoPro cameras have long been defined by their ultra-wide field of view, deep focus and versatility.
That’s what makes them great for capturing fast action, but it also means they rarely produce the kind of depth of field seen in this teaser.
The latest GoPro Hero 13 Black features a large lens attachment, but I can say with confidence that the quality of the best photos are nowhere near those shown in the social media post.
A few shots in the clip show background blurring, accurate subject separation and a level of detail that would normally require a very large sensor or dedicated optics.
Low-light scenes, especially fire and moon shots, also appear cleaner and more controlled than what we’ve historically seen from GoPro’s existing lineup.
The images suggest that this wasn’t shot with a regular action camera, or at least not one that behaves like any GoPro we’ve used before.
GoPro has already commented on the change
GoPro has been laying the groundwork for a comprehensive imaging strategy over the past year, particularly with the introduction of the next-generation GP3 processor.
The company says the new chip will power a wide range of devices other than action cameras, including more advanced photography products aimed at creators.
(Photo credit: GoPro)
Improvements bundled into the GP3 include better low-light performance, improved image processing and AI-assisted scene management, all areas where GoPro has lagged behind larger camera systems.
More importantly, GoPro also referred to plans to move to higher levels, including ultra-premium compact cameras designed for cinematic use cases.
A new category for GoPro?
GoPro has been busy building an empire out of action cameras, a space increasingly filled by new brands and giants like DJI and Insta360.
And even though the company has burned itself out with projects like the Karma Drone, the new approach resonates more with brands and is based on what GoPro is best known for: amazing camera performance and reliable hardware.
The teaser video closely matches the brand’s ambitions, changing the tone for a new type of GoPro device.
(Photo credit: GoPro)
Instead of competing with the best action cameras, the company is likely to position itself around creator-focused tools like handheld gimbal cameras or compact cinema rigs.
There is also the possibility that GoPro is simply showing off what next-generation processing can achieve in all future products.
At the moment, GoPro has not confirmed what hardware the video was shot on or when these next-generation products will arrive.
But based on what we’ve seen and what the company has said, it looks like GoPro may be preparing to expand beyond its camera roots.
