GoPro Hero vs the HTC RE
/Last we I wrote about the new GoPros, highlighting the fact that the new entry level GoPro, the Hero, was poised to crush the low level market of action cams. This doesn't mean that other companies are going to give up or should give up. We mentioned this on the last podcast and now HTC has officially launched a device that looks like a small version of the military flashlight or a periscope or a weird tube of lipstick. 
There are just two buttons on the device: A shutter button on the outside, which you press once to take a picture and long-press for a couple seconds to take video, and a slow-motion capture toggle that you have to hold down to activate before starting the video. This sounds similar to GoPros new quick start method where you hold the power down for a few seconds and immediately start filming. The RE is smarter (supposedly) and has ditched the power button and will sense when it is needed aka you lift it out of the bag.Selling for $200 the RE offers 16MP f/2.8 lens with 146° view. Spec wise it certainly seems better than the $130 GoPro Hero and it offers Bluetooth Connectivity and the ability to live stream via the app. The table below gives you a few more specs and the side by side vs the new GoPro Hero which sells for $130. Specs aside I am continually impressed with the quality out of the GoPros and the footage I have seen so far out of the RE is decent but noticeably less than what you would get from the Hero. The Hero offers a huge ecosystem of accessories and mounts. The HTC RE will have a few mounts - see below and has a standard tripod socket in the bottom as well as a micro USB charging port. Water proof for 30 minutes, a rubberized stopper, sold separately brings the waterproof-ness up to level with the GoPro.
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|---|---|---|---|
| GoPro Hero | HTC RE | Polaroid Cube | |
| Resolutions | 1080p at 30fps or 720p at 60fps | 1080p at 30fps or 720p at 120fps | 1080p 30fps or 720p 30fps |
| MP | 5MP and 5fps burst | 16MP | 6MP |
| Connectivity | No Connectivity | Bluetooth Connectivity | No Connectivity |
| Headline Feature | Waterproof to 141' Compatible with all GoPro accessories | time-lapse(customizable from the app), 8GB Micro SD installed (128GB max), speaker. | Tiny cube with a magnet mount built into the bottom |
| Price | $499 | $200 | Now $349- going out of stock |
| BUY | B&H photo video | Amazon | HTC RE Site | Amazon |
Recommended GoPro Accessories - Watch my video on the best bag for your GoPro stuff
