Update 1: You can buy the GoPro HD LCD BacPac on Amazon cheaper than on the official GoPro website. If you add the free shipping which Amazon offers with this item then the discount is quite significant! (Usually, the price on Amazon fluctuates but it's generally smaller)
It's the same product offered by GoPro through Amazon. They offer it at a better price simply because Amazon is a powerful retailer and has the ability to drive more sales, thus they get a better price as a good performing dealer. You also buy your cheap GoPro HD camera on Amazon as well.
Update 2: Here's a clip from EyeOfMine.com which discusses the new features and benefits (and disadvantages) of the new GoPro Display.
- Battery life when shooting with the LCD monitor is about 1 hour and 10 minutes (so this means slightly less than half of the battery life without the display)
- More weight (camera + BacPac) = more stress on the mounts. That's why you shouldn't use the monitor for extreme action shooting; since you don't watch the footage in live mode anyway (when on helmet mount, bike mount or whatever). It makes more sense to have live preview when shooting handheld or on DIY steadicam.
- Less clearance with chest mount. You can fix this using a piece of the pivot mount that comes with the helmet mount.
- Fast forward on video playback and fast scrolling through still pictures.
If you want to see what you're shooting with your GoPro HD camera now you have this option with their new LCD display.
They call it BacPac and it can be fixed in the slot on the back of GoPro HD cameras. You can watch in real time your video shooting but you can also playback your clips right from your storage SD card inside the camera.
This allows you to frame your subject better than before. Also, you'll be able to asses whether you need another take for a particular scene right on the spot. Unlike without the monitor when you had to wait until you got home and downloaded all your action footage on your computer.
You may as well also buy another battery if you buy the GoPro HD display, that's my recommendation at least. There's no info on the website as to how much battery power the monitor will drain but one can guess the battery life won't be the same...
I personally would rather have extra battery life instead of real time preview of videos and pictures. Since the wide angle allows for reasonable framing I can skip the monitor, but that's just me. There may also be the temptation to watch (show to each friend) everything you record, which will deplete the battery even faster. That's why you should carry a second battery.
Here are the technical specifications:
The LCD BacPac is a detachable LCD screen for your 1080p HD HERO camera. As a removable accessory, the LCD BacPac keeps your camera as small and light as possible, yet provides the convenience of an LCD screen when attached.
Fits current HD HERO & HD Wrist housings when used with included LCD backdoors.Enhanced Convenience
Source: GoPro.com
- Framing complex scenes; see what you are shooting
- Playback video and photos directly on your HD HERO camera
LCD BacPac Features
- Use your HD HERO camera as a powerful everyday camera
- Attaches to 1080p HD HERO cameras featuring the rear HERO Port
- Simple one button design allows for easy on/off and playback control
- Normal speed, fast forward, and fast reverse video and photo playback
What’s Included:
- Integrated speaker with volume control
- 1 LCD BacPac screen
- 1 Waterproof LCD backdoor for HD HERO housing
- 1 Waterproof LCD backdoor for HD Wrist housing
- 1 Non-waterproof LCD Skeleton backdoor for HD HERO housing
- 1 Non-waterproof LCD Skeleton backdoor for HD Wrist housing
- 1 Year Warranty
Enjoy your outdoor adventures!
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I have ordered one and this should arrive today or monday (very fast shipment from gopro.com to Belgium, because I ordered it a week ago)
ReplyDeleteCool Herman. Let me know how much will the battery life drop. I'm curious.
ReplyDeleteThanks!