FAQs: HD HERO Cameras


  1. What kind of batteries does the camera use?
  2. How long will the batteries last?
  3. Does the camera have built-in memory?
  4. What size and type of memory card does the camera take?
  5. How much recording time do you get?
  6. What is the picture resolution?
  7. What is the video resolution?
  8. What is the video format?
  9. Is there zoom?
  10. What is the maximum water depth to which you can take the cameras?
  11. Is the camera compatible with Windows? Or Mac?
  12. Are the cameras all the same for each kit?
  13. How can I purchase the USB wall or car charge adapter?
  14. Can I get a live video output from the camera?
  15. Can I record in the standard PAL 25/50 fps rates?
  16. Can I power the HD HERO camera through an external power source?
  17. What is the rubber plug included in the small bag of accessories for?
  18. Can the camera be used for diving?
  19. What are the minimum system requirements to be able to handle full 1080p or 720 60fps video files?
  20. I use a PC, what programs can be used to view and edit the videos?


  1. What type of batteries does the camera use?

    • The HD HERO kits include a rechargeable lithium ion battery pack. The battery is charged directly through the USB cable when connected from the camera to a computer or USB wall/car power adapter. The battery pack is designed specifically for use in the HD HERO camera and the rigorous activities that it is put through.

  2. How long will the batteries last?

    • With a single battery, you will get approximately 2.5 hours of continuous video recording time in mild and warmer temperatures. Cold temps will reduce run times somewhat, however the HD HERO camera helps to minimize this by transferring the normal heat generated during operation towards the battery.

      If you use our Battery BacPac, you can use two batteries at the same time to effectively double recording times.

  3. Does the camera have built-in memory?

    • No, the HD HERO camera does not have any built in memory. You will need to use an optional memory card with your GoPro camera for recording.

  4. What size and type of memory card does the camera take?

    • The HD HERO camera supports SD/SDHC cards up to 32GB (any SD card over 2GB is considered a SDHC card). We recommend name brand SDHC cards with a class 4 rating or higher. The two cards that we mostly use in house, which work well are the Kingston and Patriot brand class 4 cards. We mostly use the 16GB class 4 card, as it gives you the most ‘bang for your buck’.

  5. How much recording time do you get?

    • Recording time will vary according to the resolution setting used and the card capacity. Here are the average recording storage times for a 32GB SD card: 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

  6. What is the picture resolution?

    • The camera captures 5 megapixel digital images.

  7. What is the video resolution?

    • You have five different video resolution options: 1080p = 1920×1080 pixels (16:9) 960p = 1280×960 pixels (4:3) 720p = 1280×720 pixels (16:9) 720p = 1280×720 pixels (16:9) WVGA = 848×480 pixels (16:9).

  8. What is the video format?

    • The camera records in MPEG4 (.mp4) files using h.264 compression.

  9. Is there zoom?

    • The GoPro cameras do not have zoom, however you can vary the field of view by changing the resolution settings. At 1080p you will have a 127 degree field of view, while at the other settings you will have a 170 degree field of view.

  10. What is the maximum water depth to which you can take the cameras?

    • You can take the HD HERO cameras in the waterproof housing to 180 feet (60 meters)

  11. Is the camera compatible with Windows and Mac?

    • Either. The camera is compatible with both Windows AND the Mac OS. You can use them with Windows XP (service pack 2 or later) or Vista, and Mac OS X 10.4.11 or later.

  12. Are the digital cameras all the same for each kit?

    • Yes, all HD HERO kits include the same exact camera and housing, but are packaged with different mounting accessories.

  13. How can I purchase the USB wall or car charge adapter?

    • We don’t yet stock these items, however the USB wall and car charge adapters are standard items that can be purchased at most electronics stores. You may even already have one for your cell phone or mp3 music player, that will be compatible with the HD HERO camera.

  14. Can I get a live video output from the camera?

  15. Can I record in the standard PAL 25/50 fps rates?

    • Yes, provided that your HD HERO camera is loaded with the latest firmware update. This functionality makes it easier to edit the HD HERO videos together with any other videos recorded at PAL 25/50 rates.

  16. Can I power the HD HERO camera through an external power source?

    • Yes, when you have the HD HERO camera connected via the USB cable to a USB power adapter (not the computer), you will be able to simultaneously record video or pictures and charge the battery. We will also be releasing a skeleton housing for the HD HERO camera to allow access to the camera’s USB and AV ports while mounted.

  17. What is the rubber plug included in the small bag of accessories for?

    • The orange or white rubber part is a locking plug that can be inserted in between the arm ends of the quick release buckle. Having the rubber plug inserted prevents any accidental release of the quick release buckle, and also tightens up the fit. The looped end of the plug can be attached to the thumbscrew to keep it secure when not locked into place.

  18. Can the camera be used for diving?

    • Yes, the camera housing is rated waterproof down to 180 ft (60m), and our head strap mount is a great way to wear the camera on your forehead just above the diving mask. Please note that due to the curved lens of the waterproof housing for the HD HERO camera and standard def Wide HERO cameras, you will notice a slight loss of sharpness with underwater images. We are developing a flat glass adapter / housing specifically for underwater use, thus allowing for the same image sharpness that you enjoy with your GoPro camera above water. Please sign up for our newsletter to receive an update for new product releases. Here is a sample videos to better illustrate the video quality underwater: HD HERO underwater: http://vimeo.com/7743268

  19. What are the minimum system requirements to be able to handle full 1080p or 720 60fps video files?

    • For Windows-based computers, we require:
      • Windows Vista or later
      • 3.2 GHz Pentium 4 or faster
      • Direct X 9.0c or Later
      • At least 2 GB of system RAM
      • Video card with at least 256MB of RAM

    • For Mac OS-based computers, we require:
      • Mac OS X v10.4.11 or later
      • 2.0 GHz Intel Core Duo or faster
      • At least 2 GB of system RAM
      • Video card with at least 256MB of RAM

  20. I use a PC, what programs can be used to view and edit the videos?

    • Windows Media Player or Movie Maker (download the latest HD-capable version and also download a H.264 decoder to update media or movie maker). CoreCodec CoreAVC is one company that offers a codec pack for h.264. VLC media player. Download this free video media player that supports .mp4 h.264 files: http://www.videolan.org/vlc/ For other PC based editing programs, we have had several customers give good reviews of the Pinnacle Studio HD editing software which is compatible with the MP4 files. Adobe Premier Elements PC based program that is compatible with MP4 files. If you have an existing program that does not support MP4 files, you also have the option of using a file conversion software such as Squared5 or VLC Media Player to convert your files into a format compatible with your particular editing program.