DJI already makes the Pocket 2, which we rate as one of the best vlogging cameras, but one of its weaknesses has always been its fragility that means it can't be classed as an action cam. If the patents are fully realized, it'd put GoPro on another collision course with DJI in 2022. But there are also distinct differences, with GoPro this time seemingly content to make a drone camera (rather than a drone itself) and a handheld grip that has mechanical stabilization that could combine nicely with its electronic HyperSmooth tech. In some ways, the concept is a reprise of its earlier GoPro Karma drone and GoPro Karma Grip, which ultimately didn't fare very well. But the level of detail in these documents, and the degree to which they chime with GoPro's comments last month about adding two more "distinct camera products" to its lineup "at the end of 2022", suggest there's certainly a good chance that we'll see it make something on these lines. Patents can never be taken as a concrete sign of what a company is working on, as many never see the light of day. GoPro has previously made the GoPro Karma grip (above), which is no longer available. The patents include descriptions of a motion-tracking module and the use of electronic stabilization to further correct rotations of the camera sensor, which could all add up to an incredibly smooth filming experience – if the patents are indeed a sign of what's to come from the action cam giant. One other advantage GoPro could bring to the vlogging party is the combination of this mechanical image stabilization with its already excellent electronic stabilization. GoPro says this setup, which would give it the appearance of a two-axis gimbal, "may provide advantages" over rivals that have "all of their gimbals exposed". But the patents suggest GoPro's device would be a bit tougher than the DJI Pocket 2, with the gimbal sitting flush with the grip or even hiding its roll motor inside the accessory, giving it a "low profile and protecting the gimbal to reduce risk of damage". The main issue with gimbals is that they're usually fragile, which wouldn't really fit GoPro's rugged style. Apparently, disconnecting the camera module from this grip "may only take a few seconds for a user to complete". The description adds that you could also enter "selfie-mode or "HiLight Tag" by voice command and/or input received via the touch interface of the display". The patents are ambiguous about whether or not this grip's display will be a touchscreen, but say that it might be possible to use it to change the gimbal angle. (Image credit: US Patent and Trademark Office)
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |