Summary
The GoPro HD HERO Naked is a compact, shock-proof camera that captures videos and photos while you’re in action. It shoots your point of view, hands-free—while you’re surfing, cycling, driving or doing almost any other active adventure. Twistable mounts can also make the camera put the focus on you.
This point-of-view camera can be mounted on a car, bike, surfboard and most other surfaces to capture moments while you’re in action. It will let you shoot 5 megapixel photos in a choice of 2, 5, 10, 30 and 60-second intervals. The GoPro HERO line of cameras can be used in 3 high-definition filming modes to get the right angles for various activities.
The HD HERO Naked fits all other GoPro HERO mounts, allowing you expanded functionality. There are suction cups for dashboards, clamps for bike handlebars and seat posts. The camera is even small enough to mount on your chest and wrist.
Product Snapshot
Amazon Price: $259.00
Amazon Ranking: 
Sample Customer Reviews
Some quotes from 218 reviews of the GoPro HD HERO Naked Camera on Amazon:
“I love my Go Pro. Everyone who is taking away a star or two because the setup is awkward doesn’t get it. This is a specialized piece of equipment. It’s not a camcorder for home movies. But it gets a full 5 stars from me for what it is designed to do.”
“Completed my first test ride with this camera mounted on my motorcycle. Awesome full HD 1080p video. It’s amazing how everything in the shot is in focus, foreground, background, everything, all of the time.”
“I bought this for my husband, who is a videographer, and he has had a blast with it! Filming things under water has been lots of fun. The quality is great!”
Features
- 1080p = 1920×1080 pixels (16:9), 30 fps, 15 Mbit/s data rate
- 960p = 1280×960 pixels (4:3), 30 fps, 12 Mbit/s data rate
- 720p = 1280×720 pixels (16:9), 60 fps, 15 Mbit/s data rate
- 720p = 1280×720 pixels (16:9), 30 fps, 8 Mbit/s data rate
- WVGA = 848×480 pixels (16:9), 60 fps, 8 Mbit/s data rate
Do note that above resolution modes are subject to change, depending on the latest firmware releases.
Waterproof housing made of polycarbonate and stainless steel comes with the camera. Depth rating is up to 180 feet or 60 meters.
Makes use of rechargeable 1100 mAh lithium-ion batteries, with a battery life of about 2.5 hours. The battery can be charged via USB to computer or using an optional power adapter.
Average recording times using a 32GB SD card (sold separately):
- 1080p (30 fps): 4h 21m
- 960p (30 fps): 5h 26m
- 720p (60 fps): 4h 21
- 720p (30 fps): 8h 09m
- WVGA (60 fps): 8h 09m
The camera is compatible with Windows® Vista or Windows® 7; or Mac OS® X 10.4.11 and later.
Size: (H x W x D): 1.6” x 2.4” x 1.2” (42mm x 60mm x 30mm)
Weight: 3.3oz (94g) including battery, 5.9oz (167g) including housing
In summary, the HERO Naked camera comes with:
- 1 Rechargeable 1100 mAh Lithium-Ion Battery
- 1 Waterproof Quick-Release Housing with depth rating of 180 feet or 60 meters
- 1 curved 3M Adhesive Mount
- 1 Quick-Release Buckle
- 1 USB Cable
- 1 Component Video (HDTV) Cable
- 1 Composite Video + Audio Out Cable
Go Pro provides a One Year Warranty.
Tips for Using the GoPro HD HERO Camera
First, you have to know that this camera is not an everyday camcorder. It shoots quality video, but it was made to be a wearable camera for point of view action shots. It’s not your usual handheld, consumer camcorder with zoom features and other bells and whistles.
Now onto some practicalities:
Don’t scrimp on you SDHC card. Get a 32Gb card that is at least Class 4. Video recording requires high memory size and speed transfer rate (determined by Class rating). A high data transfer rate also works best when you’re shooting in speed burst mode.
I had to take the manual along with me for my first few uses as I had found the internal menus to be a bit confusing. I would advice going to YouTube and search some how-to videos before you go out and use the camera. Those definitely helped me hurdle the learning curve.
Some mounts can also take some time figuring out to set up. Again, use your search engine and look for how-to videos. The manual does not give detailed instructions on each and every mount system.
As I have issues with the internal menu, I would also recommend that you get the LCD BacPac for easier control of menu options. This removable LCD screen will also let you preview and playback images and videos while attached to the camera. You would have to shell out an extra $80 though.
Pricing
GoPro HD HERO Naked Camera
Amazon Best: $259.00
GoPro Direct: $259.99
More Editions of the GoPro HD HERO
While this review focuses on the HD HERO Naked Camera, note that it also comes in Helmet, Motorsports and Surf editions. These 3 other versions are basically the same camera, except that they come with different mounting systems specific to certain sports. Here’s a rundown of mounting types that come with each camera and their prices:
1. GoPro HD HERO Helmet Camera
Essentially the same as the Naked, but comes with various mounts that will attach the camera to any type of helmet. Mounting options include: a lace-through, strap mount for helmets with vents; headlamp style head strap, two types curved and two types flat adhesive mounts for sticking to gear.
Amazon Best: $259.99
GoPro Direct: $299.99
2. GoPro HD HERO Motorsports Camera
Essentially the same as the Naked camera, but comes with mounts for two helmets and three vehicles. A suction cup that can be mounted on many other types of surfaces also included for even more functionality.
Amazon Best: $235.81
GoPro Direct: $299.99
3. GoPro HD HERO Surf Camera
Again, essentially the same camera as the Naked, but this one is for surfers. An adhesive base that promises to bond in seconds is included with the camera. GoPro claims in its website that this mount has been tested in heavy surf from Hawaii to Tahiti, Southern Mexico to Northern California.
Amazon Best: $258.49
GoPro Direct: $269.99
Assessment
Pros
Images are bright and clear at 1080p, with hardly any visual noise. I have used earlier versions of the HERO and I’ve tried other types of action cameras—the latest GoPro HERO gives among the highest quality pictures and video. I am very satisfied with my GoPro HERO footage.
Audio quality is pretty good too. So far, among previous incarnations of the HERO and compared to other compact point-of-view cameras, the latest GoPro HERO line has the best audio recording quality as well. Even with strong wind, very little wind noise will muffle your recorded experience.
The camera is small and light, almost flimsy, but the rubber coating and sturdy buttons give it quality. After using it a few times—on the motorbike, snowboard and while hiking and climbing—my HD GoPro has held up to some rough handling. I have not had any problems with my mounts as some others have reported. I guess that would have to depend on each one’s experience. Mounted on the snowboard, my helmets and strapped to my chest the camera has stayed put
Battery power lasts much longer compared to the older GoPro I had. I can film more than an hour of video during the course of a few days without knocking off a bar in the battery indicator.
Cons
Internal menus for changing modes and exposure settings can be confusing. I had to take the manual along with me for the first few uses. Eventually, I got the LCD BacPac for better menu options, but it cost me an extra $80. Oh well.
Shocks can occasionally cause some pixilation. But that’s par for the course when shooting high-action video and I will note that this happens more often with other cameras I’ve tried. I think eventually, technology will catch up and this won’t ever have to happen.
Another thing to keep in mind for future improvements: GoPro needs to design controls that are easier to use with gloves on.
Alternatives
Go Pro has recently released its budget-friendly HERO camera and that’s the GoPro HD HERO 960 which will only cost you $179.00 compared to the $260-range of the Naked, Surf, Helmet and Motorsports versions. If you get this cheaper alternative, resolution is only up to 1280 x 960—lower than the 1080p HD HEROs. The HERO 960 also does not have Hero Bus expansion, so no external displays or batteries.
From another manufacturer, there’s the Contour HD 1080p which takes 5 megapixel images and high definition video like the GoPro HERO Cameras. The Contour HD costs less at $149.00. However, I have seen video from a friend’s Contour and although specs-wise it’s supposed to match the GoPro HERO’s video quality—the GoPro produced better footage. The Contour wasn’t bad, mind you, it’s just that the GoPro video was better. I saw, or rather heard, a big difference in sound quality. In this regard, the GoPro was way ahead of the Contour.
Conclusion
The GoPro HD Hero is a high fidelity point-of-view camera that captures quality action photos, videos and audio. Outdoor sports enthusiasts will have fun with this camera. I have had good experiences with it on my snowboard, motorbike and while climbing. It’s small and compact—as it should be. But don’t let its size and looks make you think this is a flimsy camera. It can withstand a lot of action and can even take bumps and falls. It is kind of pricey and I had to pay extra for getting more mounts and the LCD BacPac, but I’d say it’s well worth my money.