Last Updated on January 13, 2019
GoPro follows a two-year release date pattern for their action cameras at least since the release of the Hero3 in 2012. It was followed by Hero4 in 2014 while the Hero5 come out in 2016. However, there were variants released in between like the Hero3+ in 2013 and the Hero4 Session in 2015. This year, GoPro is about to break with tradition to release a major model, the Hero6. But what is known about this future release?
GoPro Hero6 Release Date
GoPro CEO Nick Woodman confirmed that a GoPro Hero action camera will be released this year. That’s right, a new member of the Hero lineup will be introduced this year. The biggest question about the confirmed release date is the actual date.
At the recent Mountain Games in Vail, Colorado, Woodman offered very little information on what the latest GoPro model would offer. He did, however, confirm that “it’ll be bitchin’” and added “You’re all gonna flip. You’re gonna love it.”
An Off Year for a GoPro Hero Release
2017 is quite an off year for a Hero update given the two-year gap between major releases. Plus, the specs of the Hero5 would most likely last until its successor arrives in 2018.
However, those who have paid close attention to any GoPro news recently would notice that despite being the go-to brand in the action camera market, the company suffered through some woes. The Hero5 suffered underwent some production issues while the eagerly anticipated Karma drone had to be recalled (now back in shelves) because of numerous reports of the unit falling out of the sky during flight. It wasn’t surprising then to see the company report disappointing earnings following the setbacks.
GoPro’s 2016 Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results showed a net loss of $116 million in the fourth quarter. As a result, the company had to close offices and shut down their entertainment unit with expectations to bounce back this year.
GoPro Hero Specs
Nothing official has been released but Woodman has dropped a hint during a fireside chat with the press at the recently concluded Mountain Games. He said that consumers can expect the GoPro Hero6 to feature better color. And that’s it. Nothing else was revealed about what the Hero6 may or may not offer.
Many believe that the Hero6 would be a slightly improved Hero5: a unit with better image quality, better low-light performance, and an enhanced optical image stabilization that works in 4K.
Until there is more news about the Hero6, attention can be turned to GoPro’s 360-degree camera called Fusion. It hasn’t been released yet – and it is also scheduled for this year – but the company has released more details about it and others have already tested beta models of the device. The release of Fusion sometime this year can help GoPro lead the pack when it comes to 360-degree video despite being a bit late into the action.
GoPro can also reclaim a disappointing season if nothing goes wrong with the Hero6.
