GoPro Announces Fusion, A Spherical 5.2K Camera

GoPro announced its own 360-degree camera, the Fusion, which will allow users to capture virtual reality video, non-VR videos and photos. The action camera-maker also launched a pilot program for professionals to try out the upcoming device.

The GoPro Fusion is able to capture videos of up to 5.2K resolution at 30 frames per second, slightly higher than the 4K capabilities of the Samsung Gear 360 and Nikon’s KeyMission 360, the Verge reported.

Unfortunately, the camera-maker didn’t share any other information on the device’s hardware specs. What the company did share was that the GoPro Fusion comes with a feature called OverCapture.

“Well, thanks to Fusion, our users will be able to record their moments in all directions and then go back and choose the composition they want,” GoPro senior product manager of spherical solutions Jess Foley said of OverCapture. “You have the flexibility in post-production to pick and share all sides of your story in conventional HD.”

In simpler terms, users will be able to pull nonspherical, full HD photos or videos from captured 5.2K spherical videos on the Fusion camera during post-production. This will seem very helpful for users who might want to record some stunts by themselves, and they won’t have to worry about being perfectly in-frame all the time. All of GoPro’s recent mounts and accessories also will be compatible with the Fusion.

“Fusion is just that, the ability to capture every angle simultaneously … as though you had six GoPro cameras fused into one,” GoPro founder and CEO Nicholas Woodman said. “Whether filming for VR or traditional fixed-perspective content, Fusion represents the state-of-the-art in versatile spherical capture.”

With the announcement of the Fusion camera, GoPro is also launching a pilot program. Professional content creators can apply to participate in the program by simply going to the GoPro Fusion webpage.

If selected, users will be able to try out the Fusion starting this summer and start creating spherical video content for GoPro. The camera-maker said it will be working closely with pilot partners, including brands and agencies, to refine the upcoming device before its commercial release.

GoPro is planning a limited commercial release for the Fusion camera “by the end of 2017.” Pricing and other information, like its specs, will be given out at launch.