GoPro usually launches a new product in September. However, this time the company is delaying things a bit as the GoPro Hero 8 release date is likely set for October.
Is this the GoPro Hero 8 release date?
A teaser video entitled “GoPro: Beyond Next Level” hinted at the GoPro Hero 8 release date. The company posted the video on its site and its official Twitter and Instagram pages. The teaser video does not reveal anything about the GoPro Hero 8 or any other product. However, speculations are rife about the launch of the Hero 8.
10.01.19 #ThisIsActionhttps://t.co/1aFdFCvijE pic.twitter.com/LO1Uhdj3On
— GoPro (@GoPro) 19 September 2019
The image posted on YouTube in place of the video not say the release date is Oct. 1; rather it serves as a Live Event reminder. According to the video shared on Twitter, users and fans should watch for the event on Oct. 1 at 8 a.m. Central.
The video includes a few adventure sports clips such as surfing, skiing, motocross, paragliding, cycling, mountain climbing and more. The clips appear to be of the next-gen GoPro cameras. If you watch the video, you may notice that it includes images from two different cameras.
In fact, at the beginning of the video, one can see two cameras: one with a traditional black and white front display and a second one with a colored display. They could be the GoPro Hero 8 Black and a 360-degree camera, likely the GoPro Max, which may succeed the two-year-old GoPro Fusion.
You can stream the event live from GoPro’s page. The company has also set up a page where you can set a reminder for the expected release of the two cameras. It must be noted that YouTube will automatically adjust to your local time zone.
What to expect from the Hero 8
GoPro’s teaser video does not reveal anything about what specifications to expect from the new cameras. However, rumors suggest the Hero 8 Black will shoot 4K videos at up to 120 fps and 1080p Full HD video at up to 48 fps. If such specs turn out to be true, then it will churn out amazing slow-motion videos. However, there are also rumors that the Hero 8 Black may shoot 4K at up to 60 fps, while it may shoot 1080p at 240 fps.
This year’s models could feature the same 12-megapixel senor we have seen on the last two models. The batteries are also expected to be unchanged. Thus, the Hero 8 could feature the same 1,220 mAh battery as the Hero 7 Black. The same battery pack does not necessarily mean that the battery life will be the same. It is possible that software tweaks will get some extra minutes.
Leaked images of the camera previously hinted at accessories that could come with the new camera. These accessories will include an external display, LED lights and a microphone. There have also been reports that the Hero 8 Black could feature built-in mounting plates on the underside of its body.
Other rumored specs include a GP2 chip, an improved lens and better image quality overall. In 2017, GoPro introduced the GP1 chip with the Hero 6 Black. The same chip also helped power the Hero 7 Black’s HyperSmooth image stabilization. Thus, it will be interesting to see what new features the GP2 chip will support.
As of now, there is no official information on the pricing front. However, we can expect it to come in a price range of $350 – $399, considering that the Osmo Action can be bought for $300.
The GoPro Max was initially rumored to feature 4K at 120 fps. However, more recent rumors suggest 2.7K at 120 fps, which makes sense. GoPro will want to reserve the best specifications for the Hero 8 Black.
GoPro’s Q2 earning numbers
For the second quarter, GoPro reported lower-than-expected numbers. Both the top line and the bottom line came in below the consensus estimates. The performance in the quarter was primarily driven by the Hero 7 camera, lower operating expenses and inventory management.
On a GAAP basis, the company reported a loss of $11.3 million or 8 cents per share, compared to a loss of $37.3 million or 27 cents per share for the year-ago quarter. However, non-GAAP net income came in at $4.2 million or 3 cents per share, compared to a loss of $20.8 million or 15 cents per share for the year-ago quarter.
Revenue came in at $292.4 million, a jump of 3.4% year over year. Still, it was below the consensus estimate of $301 million. During the quarter, the company shipped 1.1 million camera units, an increase of 1% from the year-ago quarter. The Hero 7 Black camera accounted for over 85% of total camera revenues.
For 2019 and beyond, the company expects to translate this momentum into growth and profitability.
