As I have mentioned quite a few times over the last months, GoPro communications in Australia at least, have been totally non-existent. But more by luck than judgement, today I came across this press release (below) that has been circulating in the US apparently.
You can read it below if you wish, but in summary version, and reading between the lines, it seems to say the following (with my thoughts in italics):
- We banked on the MAX 2 to hold us up as we reckoned it was a sort of Hero 14. Sort of. But that strategy didn’t quite work … (albeit as I understand the DJI Action series cannot be sold in the US at present due to the US Govt ban. But Insta360 models have really given GoPro a huge kick in the nuts of late).
- So, we have rejigged our thinking and designed a new chip to replace the existing GP2. We call it (gasp) the GP3.
- This chip has twice the processing power, and of course, built in AI.
- Hallelujah! We reckon we have finally beaten both the low light AND overheating issues (that our competitors never had).
- The range is going to expand beyond the Hero and MAX series – maybe even into vlogging, compact cinema cameras, mini models and more.
- They have switched their delivery timeline from the standard September each year to sometime in Q2, meaning (usually) April through to June.
It all remains to be seen of course. I am still trying to get more clarification via the Aussie distributor for GoPro, and will keep you updated if and when I can.
These images by the way are reportedly taken from a model with the new processor.
Press Release
Not this year. MAX2 has had the full attention of GoPro this year. Many of us have been wondering what a non-yearly cadence for the HERO flagship camera might look like. This year, we’ll get to see. It is notable, however, that MAX2 represents a lot of the same or similar capabilities as the recent generation HERO Black models now, with greater flexibility and better stabilization. As a more durable and easier to use 360 camera, MAX2 represents a version of Hero “14” that is effectively a recent HERO Black edition camera with a second lens… and all the benefits that come with it. You concede a few edge modes, but gain some incredible 360 capabilities. If you were a HERO13 user waiting for HERO14 but don’t have a 360 camera, MAX2 might be a great addition.”
“GoPro, Inc. today announced the upcoming launch of GP3, its most powerful custom imaging processor to date. Exclusive to GoPro, GP3 is a 5-nanometer System-on-a-Chip (SoC) that delivers more than 2X the pixel processing power and superior AI-driven image quality and low-light performance over its predecessor, GP2. GP3’s power efficiency and thermal performance are expected to significantly outperform the competition, resulting in industry-leading runtimes in the most demanding environmental conditions. These advancements position GP3 to usher in a new era of professional-level image quality, low-light performance, resolution and frame rates for small form-factor camera markets, including action cameras, 360 cameras, vlogging cameras, and ultra-premium, compact cinema-grade cameras.”
“At the heart of GoPro’s innovative GP3 processor is a specialized AI Neural Processor Unit (NPU) that enables next-generation video pixel processing and market-leading low-light image performance. GP3 also features dedicated cores for scene recognition and subject detection, allowing GoPro cameras to understand their environment in real-time and adjust camera settings automatically. And with its 5-nanometer architecture and exceedingly efficient power-profile, GP3 is expected to enable market-leading resolutions and frame rates with runtimes and thermal performance that significantly outperform the competition.”
“We expect our new, exclusive GP3 processor to lead in every performance area—image quality, resolution, frame rates, low-light performance and power and thermal efficiency,” said Pablo Lema, GoPro’s Senior Vice President of Product Management.”
“Launching in our new products in Q2, GP3 provides a scalable, proprietary foundation we can leverage to power GoPro cameras across existing and future product categories. Our markets demand the very best performance, and we believe this sets the stage for GP3 to serve as a growth catalyst for GoPro.”
“GP3’s bleeding-edge, cinema-grade performance will enable GoPro to enter the ultra-premium end of the imaging market this year, serving the needs of a new, higher-end market segment that can grow GoPro’s business and brand,” said Nicholas Woodman, GoPro’s founder and CEO. “We’re excited for GP3 to empower GoPro as both an innovator and disrupter as we look to grow our business through market-leading technology and performance.”