This is such a common question, asked by new and prospective GoPro users. It is also quite a valid question, as the GoPro HD HERO2 range consists of three different Editions of the camera, GoPro HD HERO2 Motorsport Edition, GoPro HD HERO2 Outdoor Edition and the GoPro HD HERO2 Surf Edition. Each of these editions is named in such a way, that they could in actual fact be different video cameras offering different levels of functionality.
Well, that just isn’t the case. All three editions are exactly the same camera offering identical video and photo functionality.
- Full HD Video Resolution – 1080p @ 30fps
- HD Video Resolution – 720p @ 60fps
- High Frame Rate Video – WVGA @ 120fps
- Professional 11megapixel image sensor
- Adjustable Field of View from 170° to 90° in 1080p mode
- Photo Burst of up to 10 11MP photos per second
- Time lapse photo mode as frequent as 0.5 seconds per photo
- External microphone input
- HDMI output
- and much more
The difference between the three different HD HERO2 editions is purely the included accessories. As the names suggest, each edition is aimed at a specific sporting interest, be it motorsports, outdoor sports or watersports. Here is a simple breakdown of the different accessory inclusions in each edition.
Common Accessories – Included in all editions
- GoPro HD HERO2 Digital Video Camera
- GoPro Waterproof Housing
- GoPro HD Skeleton Backdoor
- Rechargeable Li-ion Battery
- USB Cable
- Assorted mounting hardware (a small assortment of pivot arms and thumb knobs with nuts and bolts
GoPro HD HERO2 Motorsports Edition
- Suction Cup Mount
- J-Hook Buckle
- 2 x Curved Surface Adhesive Mounts
- 3 x Flat Surface Adhesive Mounts
- Three-Way Pivot Arm
GoPro HD HERO2 Outdoor Edition
- Vented Helmet Strap
- Head Strap
- 2 x Curved Surface Adhesive Mounts
- 2 x Flat Surface Adhesive Mounts
- Three-Way Pivot Arm
GoPro HD HERO2 Surf Edition
- 2 x Adhesive Surfboard Mounts
- FCS Compatible Camera Mount
- Floaty Back Door
So what does all this mean, there are a lot of little accessories that don’t really mean a lot. Well here is the summary.
Motorsport Edition – This is, as it suggests, the perfect camera for motorsports. Well most motorsports anyway. The suction mount is perfect for mounting to non-porous flat surfaces. Ie: glass, fibreglass, car panels etc. The adhesive surface mounts and the J-Buckle are perfect for mounting your GoPro Camera to helmets and other flat surfaces on your car, boat, or motorbike.
Outdoor Edition – This is the most universal edition in the HD HERO2 line up. With an assortment of mounts and accessories this can be used for just about anything. The vented helmet strap is really only useful for mounting to a cycling helmet, yet the headband strap can be used in many outdoor and indoor videoing scenarios. The adhesive surface mounts are quite universal and can be used in similar ways to that of the motorsport edition.
Surf Edition – This edition is ideal for surfing as it suggests, but it could also be very useful in other sports, such as windsurfing and kayaking, just to mention a few. The surfboard mount is a self-adhesive mount with a larger surface area than the flat and curved surface mounts found in the other two editions. The surf mounts could be used for a more permanent fixture in motorsport applications. The floaty back door is quite a handy little accessory if you want to use your GoPro in or around water. Be that the pool, the river, the beach and so on. You do need to keep in mind that the GoPro will sink like a brick without a float. The FCS camera mount is specific for surfboards and I have never seen anyone using this mount in any other situation.
Still confused? I don’t blame you. With most of the components included in each edition being the same, how could there be so much to think about. Before choosing which edition you want to buy, think long and hard about what situation you would like to use your camera in. No doubt you will need to purchase a couple of additional mounts, either genuine or aftermarket.
Here’s an example. You may be involved in racing Jet Skis so you would assume the Motorsport Edition would be best suited to your application. This edition would work well for your application, but the suction mount is probably not the best way of attaching the camera to your ski and you would really like a float. The Surf Edition could be ideal for your use. A surf self-adhesive mount to stick on the fibreglass body of your ski, the floaty backdoor, so if it does come off you don’t have to get the scuba gear out to find it and if you want to mount it to the handlebars of your ski you can then buy the Ride Hero handlebar mount.
Good luck in selecting and purchasing your new GoPro HD HERO2 camera. If you are having trouble making the decision yourself, get in contact with your local authorised GoPro dealer and find out which GoPro HD HERO2 camera will best suit your needs.
