GoPro is getting into 3D with its
1080p HD HERO actioncam range, but it's taking a slightly different approach. Instead of jamming two lenses and two sensors into one unit, the company has opted to build a special casing that joins two of the existing 2D cameras at the hip. The 3D HERO Expansion kit will be compatible with all 1080p HD HERO cameras and is available in stores at a cost of US$100.
The Expansion kit includes a cable which links the two 1080p GoPro HEROs inside the housing to
genlock their signals. The user then downloads free editing software that allows them to merge the footage from both cameras into one 3D image.
Like the standalone cameras, the casing will still be is waterproof and shock-resistant and it will also enable both cameras to be set at different angles to capture individual footage.
The cons: to shoot 3D in this way you obviously need need two cameras (which means spending dollars) and you are doubling the bulk of the unit in a scenarios where size is critical – i.e. strapped to your head.
The pros: if the company made a dedicated 3D camera, it would definitely be more expensive than the regular model (the HD HERO 1080p costs $259, so if you already have one of the cameras, the outlay to go 3D would be US$359).
An extra 2D GoPro unit in the kit is also handy when not shooting in 3D. As well as capturing two separate streams from inside the casing, you can, for example, mount one facing forwards and the other facing backwards.
