Uncovering GoPro’s Impact on Videography

by kim Updated: July 11, 2022

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GoPro is a great brand and makes awesome cameras, but they’re not doing well financially. Let’s look at everything that’s going wrong.

The Rise of GoPro

The Founding of GoPro

Nick Woodman had a dream to capture epic action shots, but the gear was too pricey and the amateurs couldn’t get close enough.
So, he decided to start his own company and make his own gear.

He called it GoPro, because he and his surfing buddies all wanted to go pro.
He sold some beaded and shell belts from his VW van to raise initial capital.
He also got some cash from his parents to invest in the business.

The First Camera

In 2004, the company released their first camera system, which used 35 mm film.
They named it the Hero, because they wanted to make the subject look like a hero.
Later, they released digital still and video cameras.

By 2014, they had a fixed-lens HD video camera with a wide 170-degree lens.

Growth and Expansion

In 2014, they appointed former Microsoft executive Tony Bates as president.
In 2016, they partnered with Periscope for live streaming.

In 2016, they laid off 200 employees to reduce costs.
In 2017, they laid off 270 more employees.
In 2018, they laid off 250 additional employees.

In 2020, they laid off over 200 employees due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Acquisitions

In 2011, they acquired CineForm, which included the CineForm 444 video codec.
In 2015, they acquired Kolor, a spherical media and virtual reality startup.

In 2016, they acquired Stupeflix and Vemory for their video editing tools Replay and Splice.
In 2020, they acquired stabilization software company, ReelSteady.

GoPro’s Camera Offerings

The HERO Line

Woodman’s first camera, the GoPro 35mm HERO, was released in 2004 and quickly became a hit with action sports enthusiasts.

In 2006, the Digital HERO was released, allowing users to capture 10-second videos.
In 2014, the HERO3+ was released in a variety of colors and was capable of filming in 16:9 aspect ratio.
The HERO4 was released in 2014 and was the first GoPro to support 4K UHD video.

The HERO6 Black was released in 2017 and boasted improved stabilization and 4K video capture at 60 FPS.
The HERO7 Black was released in 2018 and featured HyperSmooth stabilization and the new TimeWarp video capture.
The HERO8 Black was released in 2019 and featured improved in-camera stabilization with Hypersmooth 2.0.

The HERO9 Black was released in 2020 and featured a user-replaceable lens and a front-facing screen.

GoPro KARMA & GoPro KARMA Grip

GoPro’s consumer drone, the GoPro KARMA, was released in 2016 and featured a removable handheld stabilizer.
After a few customers complained about power failure during operation, GoPro recalled the KARMA and gave customers full refunds.

In 2017, GoPro re-launched the KARMA Drone, but it was discontinued in 2018 due to disappointing sales.

GoPro 360° Cameras

In 2017, GoPro released the Fusion camera, an omnidirectional camera capable of recording 360-degree footage.
In 2019, GoPro updated this line-up with the introduction of the GoPro MAX.

Accessories

GoPro produces a variety of mounting accessories for its cameras, including a 3-way mount, suction cup, chest harness, and more.
The company also developed GoPro Studio, a simple video editing software to edit footage.

GoPro Cameras Through the Ages

Early GoPro HERO Cameras (2005-11)

The OG GoPro HERO was designed for surfers who wanted to capture pro-level camera angles, so it was aptly named the HERO.

It was a 35mm camera that was 2.5 x 3 inches and weighed 0.45 pounds.
It was waterproof up to 15 feet and came with a roll of 24 exposure Kodak 400 film.

Digital (1st Gen)

The first generation of Digital HERO cameras (2006-09) were powered by regular AAA batteries and came with a rugged housing and wrist strap.

Models were distinguished by their still image resolution and shot video in standard definition (480 lines or lower) with a 4:3 aspect ratio.
The original Digital HERO (DH1) had a 640×480 still resolution and 240p video in 10-second clips.
The Digital HERO3 (DH3) had a 3-megapixel stills and 384p video.

The Digital HERO5 (DH5) had the same specs as the DH3 but with 5-megapixel stills.

Wide HERO

The Wide HERO was the first model with a 170° wide-angle lens and was released in 2008 alongside the Digital HERO5.
It had a 5MP sensor, 512×384 video capture, and was rated up to 100 ft/30 meters in depth.

It was marketed with the basic camera and housing alone or bundled with accessories.

HD HERO

The second generation of HERO cameras (2010-11) were branded HD HERO for their upgraded resolution, now offering up to 1080p high-definition video.
With the HD HERO generation, GoPro dropped the optical viewfinder.

The HD HERO was marketed with the basic camera and housing alone or bundled with accessories.

GoPro to Shake Things Up

Workforce Reduction

GoPro’s gonna cut more than 200 full-time positions and close its entertainment division to save some dough.
That’s 15% of its workforce, and it could save ’em more than $100 million a year.

Tony Bates, the President of GoPro, is gonna be leaving the company at the end of the year.

GoPro’s Rise to Fame

GoPro used to be the hottest thing since sliced bread when it came to action cameras.
It was all the rage with extreme sports athletes, and its stock skyrocketed on the Nasdaq.

They thought they could branch out and become more than just a hardware company, but it didn’t quite work out.

The Drone Debacle

GoPro tried to get into the drone game with the Karma, but it didn’t go so well.
They had to recall all the Karmas they sold after some of ’em lost power during operation.

They didn’t mention the drone in their statement, but analysts said it’s gotta be part of their long-term plan.

Differences

Gopro Vs Insta360

Gopro and Insta360 are two of the most popular 360 cameras out there. But which one is better? It really depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re after a rugged, waterproof camera that can take stunning 4K footage, then the Gopro Max is a great choice. On the other hand, if you’re after a more affordable option that still offers great image quality, then the Insta360 X3 is the way to go. Both cameras have their pros and cons, so it’s really up to you to decide which one fits your needs best. Whichever you choose, you can’t go wrong!

Gopro Vs Dji

GoPro and DJI are two of the most popular action camera brands on the market. GoPro’s Hero 10 Black is the latest in their lineup, offering a range of features such as 4K video recording, HyperSmooth stabilization, and a 2-inch touchscreen. DJI’s Action 2 is the newest addition to their range, boasting features like 8x slow motion, HDR video, and a 1.4-inch OLED display. Both cameras offer excellent image quality, but there are some key differences between them.

GoPro’s Hero 10 Black is the more advanced of the two, with its 4K video recording and HyperSmooth stabilization. It also has a larger display and more advanced features, like voice control and live streaming. On the other hand, DJI’s Action 2 is more affordable and has a smaller display, but it still offers excellent image quality and 8x slow motion. It also has HDR video and a range of other features, making it a great choice for those on a budget. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and budget, but both cameras offer great value for money.

Conclusion

GoPro Inc. has revolutionized the way we capture and share our memories. From its inception in 2002, it has grown to become the go-to brand for action cameras, offering a range of products for all levels of videography. Whether you’re a professional or an amateur, GoPro has something for you. So, don’t be afraid to GO PRO and get your hands on one of these amazing cameras! And remember, when it comes to using a GoPro, the only rule is: DON’T DROP IT!

Hi, I'm Kim, a mom and a stop-motion enthusiast with a background in media creation and web development. I've got a huge passion for drawing and animation, and now I'm diving headfirst into the stop-motion world. With my blog, I'm sharing my learnings with you guys.