HALF MOON BAY, Calif., April 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- GoPro, the world's leading activity camera company, today announced the availability of the much anticipated 3D HERO® System, a waterproof 3D expansion kit for GoPro's best selling 1080p HD HERO camera. The 3D HERO System is available immediately at GoPro.com and is shipping to GoPro retailers worldwide with an MSRP of $99.99.

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The 3D HERO System has an industry-first modular design that enables consumers to combine two 1080p HD HERO cameras to form a single 1080p 3D camera, the world's smallest and least expensive one at that. Waterproof to 180 feet, the 3D HERO System can be worn on the body, mounted on gear and vehicles, and used as a handheld camera.  A dual-camera, polycarbonate, waterproof housing holds the two cameras together and a synchronization cable plugs into the back of each camera, enabling them to function as a single camera. A single shutter button controls both cameras.

"The 3D HERO System is exciting for a lot of reasons, one of them being that it's not just a 3D camera. It's really several cameras in one, depending on how the consumer wants to use it," says Nicholas Woodman, GoPro's founder and CEO. "That you can take two GoPro cameras that you would normally use independently and combined them to form a new type of camera, a 3D camera...that's extremely cool. GoPro is excited to be the first company to build a camera this versatile."

"In addition to being a top selling consumer camera, the HD HERO camera is used by more professional production crews in the broadcast and film industry than any other camera in its class," adds Woodman. "We expect the 3D HERO System to further establish the HD HERO as one of the most versatile cameras in the world."

The 3D HERO System housing is only 5 inches (130mm) in length and 2.5 inches high (62mm) and is compatible with existing GoPro mounting accessories.

The 3D HERO System includes:

• 3D HERO Waterproof Housing
• 3D HERO Synchronization Cable
• Skeleton Door (allows for optimal sound capture in dry environments)
• 3 Pairs of 3D Anaglyph (Red/Blue) Glasses
• Helmet Front Mount
• 2 Flat and 2 Curved Adhesive Mounts
• Free Download: GoPro CineForm Studio 3D editing software

GoPro's 1080p HD HERO cameras are not included with the 3D HERO System and are sold separately, starting at $259.99 per camera.

GoPro CineForm Studio™: 3D Content Creation Made Easy

Included as a free software download from gopro.com, GoPro's CineForm Studio software makes it easy to create, watch and share your 3D photos and videos. Mac and PC compatible, CineForm Studio combines the 2D photos and videos captured with the 3D HERO System and converts them into 3D H.264 files that you can watch on your computer, online at YouTube, and on your 2D or 3D television at home.  

Announced on March 30, GoPro acquired CineForm, a leading video compression software company famous in the film and broadcast industry for their high quality compression and editing applications. GoPro's CineForm Studio software is a direct extension of CineForm's award winning professional applications and puts the power of Hollywood-caliber 2D and 3D editing in the hands of consumers.

Professional Options for Professional Content Creators:  GoPro CineForm Codec

GoPro's professional customers will appreciate that in addition to being able to export YouTube friendly H.264 video files, CineForm Studio can also export video files using the GoPro CineForm codec. The GoPro CineForm codec is a professional quality video codec that allows for lossless 2D and 3D video editing in a variety of leading editing programs such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Apple Final Cut Pro, Avid Media Composer, and Sony Vegas, as well as Apple iMovie and Windows Movie Maker. Used by Hollywood pros to create films such as Oscar winner Slumdog Millionaire, the GoPro CineForm codec is included as a part of the free CineForm Studio download from gopro.com.

GoPro 3D Center: The How, What, and Rad of 3D Content Creation

To help consumers understand how much fun it is to capture and create 3D content, GoPro has developed an online information resource – GoPro 3D Center.  This online resource features written and video tutorials about 3D in general, how to capture incredible content with the 3D HERO System as well as how to view your 3D content on your laptop, online at YouTube, and on 2D or 3D TVs. Complete product specifications, instructions and system requirements can also be found in the GoPro 3D Center at http://www.gopro.com/3d-overview

"The 3D HERO System democratizes professional quality 3D content capture, making it affordable and easy for anyone to create engaging 3D movies.  We're excited to watch our customers GoPro in 3D and we believe the 3D HERO System will help spur the proliferation of 3D content, helping the 3D movement as a whole," concluded Woodman.

About GoPro

Based in Half Moon Bay, California, GoPro is the world's leading activity image capture company. GoPro's HD HERO line of wearable and gear mountable cameras and accessories are sold in over 60 countries, and in the USA at specialty sports retailers including Sports Authority, Sport Chalet, Cycle Gear, Best Buy, and online at gopro.com.

Be a HERO.... GoPro.

GOPRO®, HERO®, 3D HERO®, CineForm Studio™ & BacPac™ are trademarks or registered trademarks of Woodman Labs, Inc. in the United States and other countries.  All other company, product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their rightful owners.

SOURCE GoPro