Go Pro has gone pro. After much anticipation the long awaited firmware upgrade for the GoPro Hero 2 camera arrived today.
There are many improvements added to the firmware upgrade. Maybe the anticipated is the new ProTune mode on the camera which gives users the ability to record at 1080p at 30fps/25fps or even 24fps also 980 at 48fps as well as 720p at a beautiful 60 fps.
The software version of ProTune was enabled several months ago. The advantage with this feature is that it records a flat profile with a variable bit rate. This means that the editor will have an easier time color matching to other pro cameras.
In the first test that I shot it measured a 34.999 bit rate. This is more than double the 15 Mbps bit rate previously on the camera. The increase in resolution is stunning.
This video shows before and after tests done with the old version and the new ProTune mode. What is easily visible is the lack of compression artifacts on the edges of objects. But I’ll let you judge for yourself, but keep in mind that you are watching this over the internet. The real proof is getting the GoPro and seeing it for yourself.
The GoPro app was also released today on iTunes. The WiFi Bac is needed and only for use on single cameras. 3D support is not available as the back port that is used for sync is also where the WiFi Bac attaches. The app allows you to view and record remotely, using your iPhone or iPad. There are rumors that hackers are already finding ways to use it with a wifi enabled laptop or smartphone.
In my opinion, this upgrade makes the GoPro an indispensable tool for any filmmaker, although the Indie Filmmaker will benefit most from having a rugged, affordable action cam and POV cam.
Keep watching, I am now doing a test using the uncompressed HDMI output direct to 2 Atomos Ninja external recorders for stunning ProRes HQ 220Mbps bit rate footage. The video will be online soon.
Below is the information released by GoPro for the software side of this upgrade.
Updates for Studio Free:
UPDATES:
• New Welcome Screen with Import, Edit and Devices quick start buttons
• Enhanced Device Window (for GoPro HERO2, Wi-Fi BacPac™ and Wi-Fi Remote firmware updates)
• Split screen adjustment slider added to Studio Free version (previously only in Premium/Pro)
• Sharpness in Image Controls enhanced to add Blur/Sharpen
• Drag/Reorder of clips in Edit Room bin
• Deflicker option in Advanced Settings
• Threading enhancements for improved UI response
BUG FIXES:
Fixed issue where keyframes cause right eye zoom.
Fixed issue with Horizontal and Vertical 3D correction keyframe swapping.
Fixed issue with CS6 crashes with large MOV files and RAW imports.
Fixed issue with Windows XP 3D JPEG imports not pairing.
Fixed Media Composer Export failures.
Fixed issue for failed imports when no sound card/drive is installed.
Updates for Studio Premium/Professional:
UPDATES:
• New Welcome Screen with Import, Edit and Devices quick start buttons
• Enhanced Device Window (for GoPro HERO2, Wi-Fi BacPac™ and Wi-Fi Remote firmware updates)
• Split screen adjustment slider added to Studio Free version (previously only in Premium/Pro)
• Sharpness in Image Controls enhanced to add Blur/Sharpen
• Drag/Reorder of clips in Edit Room bin
• Deflicker option in Advanced Settings
• Threading enhancements for improved UI response
• Color Matrix added
• Raw still support (DNG for CinemaDNG)
BUG FIXES:
Fixed issue where keyframes cause right eye zoom.
Fixed issue with Horizontal and Vertical 3D correction keyframe swapping.
Fixed issue with CS6 crashes with large MOV files and RAW imports.
Fixed issue with Windows XP 3D JPEG imports not pairing.
Fixed Media Composer Export failures.
Fixed issue for failed imports when no sound card/drive is installed.
Fixed import issue with stills from Canon PS 590.
3D Skew correction is lost when doing any right/left channel corrections.
By:Al Caudullo
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