Autoblog

DIY: Turn your GoPro into a 24-hour dash cam [w/video]

Zach Bowman — Sat, 11 May 2013 09:03:00 EST

If you've noticed a disturbing lack of dash cam in your life, our friends at sister site Translogic have just the thing for you. They've worked up a quick play-by-play for how to turn your GoPro Hero3 into a go-anywhere camera to record everything that goes on in front of your vehicle.

The steps are as simple as drilling small hole in the camera's water proof case to allow access to the USB charging port. From there, you can supply constant power through a 12-volt USB adapter. Mount the camera to your windshield using the suction mount and you're very nearly ready to go.

Next, set up the loop recording feature and you're good to go. The Hero3 can loop record in 5, 20, 60 or 120 minute files wherein it will record to the maximum time before starting a new save file. Once the memory card is full, it will record over the oldest file. It can also loop record in "maximum" mode, where the camera fills the memory card, then starts over again. Check out the video Translogic made below for a look at the finished results.

Continue reading DIY: Turn your GoPro into a 24-hour dash cam [w/video]

DIY: Turn your GoPro into a 24-hour dash cam [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 11 May 2013 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Holiday Giveaway 4/5: Win a GoPro Hero3 Silver Edition!

John Neff — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 12:45:00 EST

Enter SweepstakesOur series of Autoblog Holiday Giveaways continues, and the next prize was suggested by our fans on Facebook. When we asked them what prizes they'd most like us to give away, the new GoPro Hero3 was mentioned more than any other. So we rang up the folks at GoPro, who said they were honored to be asked, and they rushed us out a brand-new Hero3 Silver Edition to give away.

The GoPro Hero3 Silver Edition features 11 megapixels of shooting power and the ability to capture 1080p video at 30 frames per second. It also comes with Wi-Fi built-in, and is compatible with GoPro's Wi-Fi remote and upcoming app. Thirty-percent smaller and 25-percent lighter than the Hero2 it replaces, the Hero3 is definitely the new hotness in action cams. What are you waiting for? You've got until the day after Christmas to enter, so get to it!

Click here to enter and make sure to read the rules below.

The Rules:

Click here to enter. Requires that you Like the Autoblog Facebook page. Additional entries can be earned if your friends use a unique URL given to you to enter.
Sweepstakes is open to residents of the United States (excluding Hawaii and Alaska), the District of Columbia, and Canada (excluding Quebec), 18 or older!
The winner will be chosen randomly. One winner will win a GoPro Hero3 Silver Edition and 16GB Micro SD card valued at $324.98.
If you are chosen, you will be notified by email. Winners must respond within five days of being contacted. If you do not respond within that period, another winner will be chosen.
The full list of rules, in all its legalese glory, can be found here.
Entries can be submitted until Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at 12:00 PM EST.

Autoblog Holiday Giveaway 4/5: Win a GoPro Hero3 Silver Edition! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Dec 2012 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This is how to fix your car's dents with a GoPro

Zach Bowman — Sun, 25 Nov 2012 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Australia

Body shops employ all kinds of sorcery when it comes to correcting crimes against sheetmetal. Their arsenal of tools is wide and varied and almost always includes a massive suction cup or two. You know, just like the powerful GoPro suction mount.

A skilled hand can apply the suction cup, give a swift yank and fix large, unsightly dents as if they were never there. Curious to apply the theory to your own bruised fender? You're in luck. The video below shows a handful of Kiwis getting crafty with a GoPro mount to fix the rear quarter on their Starlet GT.

Don't have a GoPro? Don't sweat it. Depending on the size and location of your ding, you can pull off the same trick with a little water and an old-school toilet plunger. The move has been saving teenagers from parents' wrath for years. Check out the clip below to see just how well the suction-cup bodywork fix turns out.

Continue reading This is how to fix your car's dents with a GoPro

This is how to fix your car's dents with a GoPro originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Nov 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Drift HD Ghost camera ready to bring the fight to GoPro [w/video]

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 19:02:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Technology, Videos

Some of the protagonists placed on the tiny battlefield of action sports cameras are the JVC Adixxion, Sony Action Cam, Ion Air Pro, Contour +2 and GoPro Hero3 HD. The first three are in their infancy, the Contour recently upgraded to next-gen status and the big-daddy Hero3 about to ship as a third generation, specs-busting model.

Also just refreshed is the $400 Drift HD Ghost, bettering the previous version by the addition of a new seven-element lens covered by Gorilla Glass 2 and built-in Wi-Fi that, with a coming DriftMobile app, lets you control the camera with your phone. Its two-way remote - that works from 30 feet away - has an LED that lets you know when the camera is recording, the illumination color-coded to indicate the mode: video, photo, time-lapse or photo burst. There's also a feature called Flashback, which captures footage to memory in five-minute chunks; if you hadn't hit record but want something the camera caught in the last five minutes, you can save the footage. It also has a built-in two-inch LCD screen and is waterproof to nine feet.

The Ghost will do 1080p, 960p, 720p and WVGA, the 1080p frame rates in either 25 or 30 fps, 720p going up to 60 fps. But specs without footage don't mean much, so you'll find some video samples below. Make sure you turn up the quality.

Continue reading Drift HD Ghost camera ready to bring the fight to GoPro [w/video]

Drift HD Ghost camera ready to bring the fight to GoPro [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Nov 2012 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Global RallyCross comes to Vegas with SEMA [UPDATE]

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, SEMA Show, Videos, Racing

Global RallyCross is an interesting motorsport. Beginning in 2010 at the X Games, the series races on short tracks made partly of asphalt and partly of dirt, along with a signature variation called the Joker Lap, in which drivers are required to take an alternate, slightly longer route that generally incorporates a 70-foot gap jump.

The final event for the 2012 season took place just across the street from the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, and those of us covering the event for Autoblog scored a birds-eye view of the track from our hotel rooms. Fortunately for those who weren't able to attend, X Games decided to upload the entire final to YouTube.

For those keeping track, Tanner Foust took the victory, clinching the Global RallyCross Championship for the second year in a row. The race had to be restarted after Ken Block's car started billowing ominous-looking black smoke from underhood.

If you're interested, GoPro stitched together a brief video reel of highlights, along with some skate footage from an empty pool, from driver Bucky Lasek. Both videos are available for your viewing pleasure down below.

UPDATE: We've also added a video from Driving Sports showing RallyCross action in slow motion.

Continue reading Global RallyCross comes to Vegas with SEMA [UPDATE]

Global RallyCross comes to Vegas with SEMA [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Nov 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GoPro unveils Hero3, free app for Apple iPod and iPad [w/video]

Zach Bowman — Sat, 20 Oct 2012 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Videos, Toys/Games

The minds at GoPro have been busy lately. Earlier this month, the company pulled the wraps off its long-awaited app for the iPhone and iPad. When combined with the optional WiFi BacPac for the Hero2, the application can link to multiple cameras to change settings on the fly, as well as preview video and photos without having to remove the camera from its case or mount. Even better, the software is free, though GoPro will ask you to pony up around $60 for the WiFi add on. While the app is only available for Apple devices at the moment, GoPro says an Android version is in the works.

That's exciting and all, but not nearly as much as word that the new Hero3 has officially hit the market. The Hero3 Black Edition is a full 30 percent smaller than its predecessor, which means its also a quarter lighter. Designers made the gadget twice as powerful, though, building in 1440p video at 48 frames per second, 1080p at 60 fps, and 720p at 120 fps. Even more surprising, the camera can click off 12-megapixel photos at a staggering 30 shots per second. WiFi is now built in, and the Black Edition includes the handy WiFi remote. Check out the videos below to see the new gear in action while we update our holiday wish lists.

Continue reading GoPro unveils Hero3, free app for Apple iPod and iPad [w/video]

GoPro unveils Hero3, free app for Apple iPod and iPad [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Oct 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Watch an American Le Mans race from all angles thanks to GoPro

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Racing

There's nothing quite like witnessing an automotive race in person. The sights, sounds, smells - it's a magical experience for anyone with petrol flowing freely through their veins. But it's just not possible to personally attend every race on the planet, and sometimes, television coverage leaves much to be desired.

Enter GoPro, maker of those little clear-plastic-housed cameras you see all over the place. The crew attached its HD Hero2 cams all over a couple of ALMS cars driven by Gunnar Jeannette and Ken Dobson as they battled the field at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

There are helmet-cams, shots up high and down low, from the front and toward the rear, all catching fender-to-fender racing at its finest. There's even some views showing what life is like for a mechanic in the pits. See for yourself in the video after the break. As an added bonus, you can also watch raw footage of each driver's laps in separate videos.

Continue reading Watch an American Le Mans race from all angles thanks to GoPro

Watch an American Le Mans race from all angles thanks to GoPro originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Swann Freestyle HD enters crowded action camera market with unique features

Zach Bowman — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology, Toys/Games

Get ready to add another item to your holiday wish list. Swann has taken a dive into the crowded pool of high-definition action cameras already on sale. While GoPro is arguably the king of high-quality video at the moment, ReplayXD and Contour have also thrown their hats into the ring. We recently played with a Replay XD1080 during this year's Woodward Dream Cruise.

So, what does Swann have to bring to the game? For starters, every model comes standard with a detachable LCD screen, which means your footage will no longer start off with a puzzled face staring into the lens for a second or two. Even better, you'll be able to review your footage without having to lug around a computer.

In addition, the Swann Freestyle HD boasts stereo audio, a 3x zoom and a remote control. Anyone who's spent a track day jumping in and out of a vehicle to make sure their GoPro is running can attest to the value of that last feature. The camera will set you back $279.99. Head over to the Swann site for more information and click past the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Swann Freestyle HD enters crowded action camera market with unique features

Swann Freestyle HD enters crowded action camera market with unique features originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GoPro launches new motorsports HD Hero2 camera, promises wifi BacPac

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology

There's a new way to GoPro and it's called the HD Hero2. It updates the original HD Hero with features like faster image processing, a lens that's "twice as sharp," 11 megapixel photos and better low-light imaging. More importantly, and much more in demand, are a better on-camera user interface and a slate of wifi remote products to be released in the winter, including a wifi BacPac, that will allow you to control the Hero2 with your phone, tablet or computer and instantly stream footage.

You'll find it at GoPro.com and Best Buy for $299.99, and you'll find a press release with all of the new features after the jump. Oh, and for what it's worth, the original GoPro Hero has dropped in price to as low as $199.99 for those looking to save a Benjamin.

Continue reading GoPro launches new motorsports HD Hero2 camera, promises wifi BacPac

GoPro launches new motorsports HD Hero2 camera, promises wifi BacPac originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Oct 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GoPro releases final multi-angle edit of Monster Tajima's record Pikes Peak run

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Suzuki

Nobuhiro Monster Tajima went to the 2011 Pikes Peak hill climb with a singular goal in mind: Run from start to finish in less than ten minutes. GoPro bet heavily on the Monster, and covered his car with a flock of logos and a gaggle of cameras. The GoPro team worked quickly to put together video of the record-breaking run, but we knew they had more up their sleeve. After all, they mounted the compact cameras all over Tajima's Suzuki SX4 Hill Climb Special, so we expected that footage to be put to good use.

Our patience has been rewarded because the edits are done and the video is ready.

GoPro put ten cameras inside the Suzuki. It also stuck cameras at seemingly every turn, inside a helicopter, on the end of the checkered flag and even on the slim end of a celebratory champagne bottle.

Monster Tajima may know how to tackle every angle of Pikes Peak, but it's GoPro that knows how to cover them. C lick past the jump for the video.

Continue reading GoPro releases final multi-angle edit of Monster Tajima's record Pikes Peak run

GoPro releases final multi-angle edit of Monster Tajima's record Pikes Peak run originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Aug 2011 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ride along with Monster Tajima as he rockets up Pikes Peak

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Suzuki

Ride along with Monster as he races up Pikes Peak - Click above to watch video after the jump

Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima's 9:51.278 run up Pikes Peak was simply amazing to watch. We were fortunate enough to see it in person, and we've shown you still photos of the record-breaking event. This was one of those "You had to be there" moments in motorsports. Still, don't fret if you didn't make the trek to the 14,115-foot summit, because GoPro installed enough cameras to capture every angle of Monster's run, and then some.

We spoke with the GoPro team as we rode in the media van down the mountain. They have quite a job of editing ahead of them. Still, they managed to get one video out that requires no mucking about. A camera was mounted on top of Tajima's 2011 Suzuki SX4 Hill Climb Special, and the footage is excellent. On the tarmac sections, the video almost seems sped up, but that's what 910 horses can do.

Want to ride along with Monster from the green to the checkered? Click past the jump to watch a video that will keep you entertained for nearly 10 minutes.

Continue reading Ride along with Monster Tajima as he rockets up Pikes Peak

Ride along with Monster Tajima as he rockets up Pikes Peak originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Jun 2011 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Up close with Monster Tajima's Suzuki SX4 Hill Climb Special

Jeff Glucker — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 11:49:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Suzuki

2011 Monster Sport Suzuki SX4 Hill Climb Special - Click above for high-res image gallery

The man known as Monster Tajima once ran all 12.42 miles of Pikes Peak in 10:01.408. That was 2007. Four years later, Tajima-san is back to make the trip in even less time. Is a sub-ten-minute time in the cards for the 2011 International Pikes Peak Hill Climb? Nobuhiro Tajima and his team think so. They've returned to the mountain with an updated Monster Sport Suzuki SX4 Hill Climb Special, and the 910-horsepower beast is ready run.

We got to spend a few moments with Tajima's updated Suzuki before it hit Tejon Street for Fan Fest. The car is littered with cameras courtesy of sponsor GoPro, but the video equipment isn't part of the go-fast upgrades. Monster Sport came prepared to run on the increased amount of tarmac, which means changes were made to the suspension, spring rates, tires and wheels. Falken custom-built a set of tires that features a tarmac-specific tread pattern and delivers serious grip. They're wrapped around a set of HRE forged monoblock wheels dubbed the P43S Tajima Specials.

Still, the heart of the SX4 sits directly behind Tajima. A 3.1-liter twin-turbocharged V6 pushes the car to speeds well over 100 miles per hour in the blink of an eye. Couple that with the close-ratio transmission, and Monster has a machine built with one goal. Will he accomplish it and become the first man to record a sub-10 minute run? We'll have to wait until tomorrow to find out, but we've spoken to the man and seen his car. Stay tuned. Pikes Peak history could be in the making.

Up close with Monster Tajima's Suzuki SX4 Hill Climb Special originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 25 Jun 2011 11:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GoPro introduces HD line of Hero cameras

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Toys/Games

GoPro Hero Motorsports HD -- Click above for high-res image gallery

GoPro has unveiled its line of HD cameras specially adapted for motorsports, helmets, surfing, and R/C - although a bendy arm and a suction cup mean you could use them to record your performance vacuum cleaning as well, should you wish.

The cameras offer the option of five different shooting modes, from WVGA up to 1080p (1920 x 1080, 16:9), and even at the highest resolution you get more than four hours of footage. The 5 megapixel camera can shoot from intervals of 2 to 25 seconds and get you 2.5 hours of snapshots. It retails for $299, and if you want to see what else it's got, follow the jump for the press release.

Gallery: GoPro HD Hero

[Source: GoPro]

Continue reading GoPro introduces HD line of Hero cameras

GoPro introduces HD line of Hero cameras originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2008: GoPro Hero can make you (look like) one

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Gadgets, SEMA Show, Toys/Games

Click above for a high-res gallery of the GoPro Hero

The GoPro Hero digital videocamera is like creating SpeedTV for the masses... without the non-stop NASCAR coverage. The three-megapixel Hero is the world's smallest on-board camera, and it sticks to anything without fuss. It has 16 MB of internal storage, but you can blow that out to 2 GB, good for about 56 minutes. It's got a self-timer, a USB and RCA cable included, works on PC and Mac, and because of its nifty plastic case, you can use it in the rain. And unlike a SpeedTV production, the Hero will only cost you $180. Can we get an "amen!"? Check out the many faces of the Hero in the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: GoPro Hero Videocamera

SEMA 2008: GoPro Hero can make you (look like) one originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Nov 2008 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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