Apparently as a followup to my well-timed and very handy video I put out this week (check it), my favorite camera manufacturer today announced the launch of a new app. It’s getting really slick my friendz. While you could control the Hero3 cameras with earlier version of the app (view – start -stop – etc) the newest version of the app allows you the same ability to control the camera, but you can now remotely view the images and videos on the camera and–here’s the kicker — edit + share them from the app for iphone, android, and windows phones.
From today’s TechCrunch article: “The app is simple enough. It connects to GoPro cams through a WiFi signal, giving owners a large set of available tools. The cameras can be viewed and controlled from a smartphone or tablet, for one –this includes adjusting the dozens of available settings on each little guy. Owners can also view, manage and download content from the camera to their phone. From there, it can be shared like any other media. Upload the action to Geocities or FriendFeed like you would any other picture.”
This update illustrates why I opened this post with “my favorite camera manufacturer”. It’s not because they are overwhelmingly the best. Sure I love them. Not sure I could make my living with just a GoPro, but truth be told it’s really what they stand for and where they’re going that make me love them the most. Like I told the New York Times a while back — it’s 5 years past due when Nikon and Canon should have had this sort of reliable technology built in small packages to allow creative photographers to shoot, edit, and share their work in new and novel ways.
Dear Canon and Nikon,
I know I’ve been telling you this stuff for 5+ years. I’m sure other pros and consultants and bean-counters have too. So why is this so hard?
ASIDE: given that you are reading this post, you’ll probably want to know how I pack my GoPro’s to travel everywhere I go. Here’s a quick post and a short vid.
AND here’s their cutsy little promo vid illustrating the emotional bits…
This is excellent news… can’t wait to see it in action. A few thoughts… a) I agree 100% that Canon and Nikon are behind on this and I look forward to them catching up. As someone who has three GoPros (an original Hero, A Hero 2 and now the black edition Hero 3) I have long been a fan of them and use them often. b) I do agree with the complaint above that the delay on the Hero3 viewing through at least the old app is a pain and as I have been using it with a Phantom Quadcopter… the delay causes problems for sure. c) My other biggest problem lately is needing to power my GoPro for long time-lapses but as far as I have found, there are no solutions (other than drilling or doing it myself) to weather/waterproof the camera while charging. I had to do a long concert time-lapse with my GoPro in a home made protection during a monsoon… luckily it seemed to have come out ok, but hated worrying about it in the rain. Do you know any solutions or is there something they offer that I have missed?
Anybody got a coupon code? 🙂
This is regret but the app runs on a few seconds delay which can defeat the purpose in many ways.
Great* My auto correct hates me.
Plus, on the Android platiform, the app won’t let you see a live preview once you hit record, so its only good for framing the initial shot. What works better is the LCD back pack – then you have a delay-free preview of what the camera sees.
@ gene. yeah – but remember that the ol LCD back draws some serious battery juice so don’t get too hooked on it
yeah – certainly not instantaneous. my guess is that this improves quickly over time and depends a bit on your network strength
I have 2 Canon 6d’s and we have alot of this functionality already with the wifi and smart phone app combine. its essential now for getting shots and vids out on location for social medai.
it’s nice to see this popping up, but let’s face it. meaningful change only really is evident with the legacy manufacturers when this sort of stuff becomes a default feature set, right?
Change is hard and scary for some Chase 🙂
Awesome update for sure