GoPro HERO

VIDEO. The GoPro HERO takes only fair video, lower quality than many high-definition models. Pictures were sharp though not as much as the better models, which means you can see much but not all details and subtle patterns in the image. In low-light situations, the video was only fair: fairly dim, soft and grainy. It captures full HD video at 1920x1080.

AUDIO. It captures fair audio in mono, better than most.

PHOTO QUALITY. In Photo mode it captures 5 megapixel stills with good quality.

LENS. The lens has a fixed focal length; it has no zoom capability.

IMAGE STABILIZER. This model lacks image stabilizer, so your images may look shaky.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS. It survived our repeated-drop test. Our waterproof test shows that this model can survive underwater to a depth of about 100 feet, the limit of our test. However, the manufacturer claims the model can be submerged to a depth of 133 feet when used with its special enclosure. This model is smaller and much lighter than the average action camcorder.

The GoPro HERO is a 2.1-megapixel camcorder with no optical zoom. It lacks an LCD. The camcorder has a maximum aperture of f/2.8.

The GoPro HERO stores video and photos on MicroSD and MicroSDHC memory cards and has no internal storage. It captures full HD video as H.264 files at a resolution of 1920x1080 at 30p frames per second and 5-megapixel resolution stills as JPG files.

The GoPro HERO measures 2.7 inches wide by 2.8 inches high by 1.6 inches in length, and weighs 0.2 pounds. With its included enclosure it measures 2.7 inches wide by 2.8 inches high by 1.6 inches in length, and weighs 0.2 pounds.