GoPro HD Hero 960 Camera Review
 
 

If you’re looking for a rugged little digital camera to mount on your helmet, or a waterproof HD camera to take along paddling or hiking, you’ll have a hard time finding a better model than the GoPro HD Hero 960 helmet camera.

I got one of these little critters on my birthday last year, and I’ve been amazed at how well the GoPro Hero 960 performs in even the harshest of conditions. Just like they used to say in the old Timex commercials - this camera has taken a licking more than once, and it just keeps on clicking!
 

  What It Is

The GoPro HD Hero 960 digital camera is a high definition video camera that can shoot up to 9 hours of video with a 32GB SD card, at up to 60 frames per second. It can also shoot still images with its 5 megapixel sensor and a razor sharp glass lens. It shoots in 960 HD resolution, not 1080 like it’s more expensive cousin, but frankly I couldn’t tell the difference even when viewing on my 1080 widescreen Sony.

The camera is typically helmet-mounted, either looking back into your face, or looking forward in “POV” mode. You may have seen the TV commercial with the hang glider pilot staring into the camera as the Earth falls away beneath him. Personally I’m not into heights, but I’ve taken some amazing videos from my kayak while playboating and river running in the Colorado and Wyoming Rockies.

I mentioned earlier that this camera is rugged, and it’s also waterproof up to 180 feet thanks to a near-indestructible polycarbonate housing that’s built to take a beating. A lot of cameras claim to be waterproof (until you actually take them into the water) but the GoPro HD Hero 960 really is.

The camera is powered by a rechargeable, removable 1100mAh lithium ion batter that will run the Hero 960 for over 2 and � hours on a single charge. So if you’re using a large SD card that holds 3 hours of video or more, you’ll definitely want to bring along an extra battery. You can also charge the battery in about an hour with an optional car charger.

The GoPro HD Hero 960 camera has a variety of mounts to choose from, depending on your sport and how you intend to use the camera. Whether you’re a kayaker, biker, hang glider, or just about any other adventure sport, you can easily mount the 960 to your helmet via the included mounts, or strap it to your head with the adjustable, one-size-fits-all head strap.

 

  

 

Why You Need One

Outdoor sports are great, and can be the thrill of a lifetime, but at the end of the day all you have are the memories (and a coating of grime to wash off in the shower.) What makes a sports camera so great is that you can bring back the video too, and re-live those memories over and over again.

Someday you’ll have to hang up your helmet and retire to less challenging pastimes, and that’s when you’ll really appreciate all those videos you have stored away on your hard drive. Then you can show the grandkids just how crazy you were in your youth, and they’ll actually believe you!

About the only nitpicks I have with the 960 are the fact that there’s no LCD screen to preview your videos (the 1080 models don’t either, but they have an optional screen you can plug in). And the manual that came with the camera was a little short on details, and I had to go online to learn how to use some of the Hero’s more advanced functions.

  Product Details

 

• HD Hero 960 captures professional quality 960p and 720p HD video at 30 frames per sec.; switch to the WVGA 848x480 resolution to capture video at 60 frames per sec.
   
• Records professional-grade sound without the wind or break up that can otherwise spoil a great video
   
• 5-megapixel sensor and quality glass lens offer sharp images and smooth, clear video; capture photos of yourself in action with the "photo every 2 seconds" time-lapse mode
   
• Other photo modes include single shot, triple shot, and self timer
  Shoot up to 9 hrs. of HD video on a 32GB SD card (not included)
  Removable, rechargeable 1100mAh lithium ion battery lasts over 2.5 hrs. on a single charge
   
• Sturdy, polycarbonate waterproof housing protects camera to 180 ft. deep
   
• Comes with lithium ion battery, head strap, helmet strap, 2 adhesive mounts component video (HDTV) cable and component video + audio out cable
   
• Compatible with Windows ME/2000/XP/Vista or Mac OS 9.1/10.2 and later; no driver required
  
   

 

   The Best Place To Buy One

The GoPro HD Hero 960 video camera is available in most of the major outdoor recreation stores, but REI is currently having a sale on this this camera for $149 which is the lowest price I've seen for the 960, and considerably less that what I paid for mine. Also, if you have an REI retail store in your area, you can pick up the camera at the store and you won't have to pay the shipping charges, which can save another $15-20 or more.

 

 

 

 

       

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