GoPro Hero 5, GoPro Drone 2016 Release Date: What to Expect, Discounts and Upgrades

Dec 11, 2015 05:40 PM EST

2016 is anticipated to be an exciting year for the GoPro company as it is expected to launch two new breakthrough devices: the GoPro Hero 5 and GoPro Drone called Karma. This is a roundup of some rumors on its specs and features. 

GoPro Hero 5 was initially anticipated to be in stores last October, just in time for the holidays and the shopping madness everyone seems to have on that time of the year. However, it was pushed to 2016 for the company to polish it better and make sure the upcoming outdoor camera would certainly be worth the upgrade from its predecessor, GoPro Hero 4. As the year comes nearly to its end, the buzz about the device is starting to get louder again. Even without a firm date yet, many are already expecting the camera to be out in the first months of 2016. The price cut offered for GoPro 4 lines strengthen these rumors further, Vine Report reports.

Late September, interested action camera buyers were given the sweet news of $100 discount for the GoPro Hero 4 Session. The original $400 camera is now down to $300. According to CNet, the discount means nothing but that the model is not as popular as the Hero 4 Silver, which has more features. However, after a few months, the price was further slashes, and now it stands at $200. Many are starting to believe that there is another reason the device is cheaper, and that is because GoPro Hero 5 is coming in soon. Interested buyers would surely snatch up the opportunity to get the GoPro Hero 4 Session, especially since it is the gifting season. 

The GoPro Hero 5 is expected to have significant upgrades in its features. One rumor is that it would already have to shoot 8k resolution videos, apart from 3D images and motion. Moreover, it is anticipated to be at least 50 percent smaller and 40 percent lighter than the Hero 4. Being smaller and lighter, the device is expected to be more convenient to lug around adventures. It is also anticipated to fit head gears and other pockets in the body more snugly, something adventure camera shooters would sure love. To make it a more worthy upgrade from the Hero 4, the upcoming device is also rumored to have better waterproof feature - up to 60 meters underwater and with a dive housing feature that can keep the camera safe while underwater. 

In another news, Go Pro just released a sneak peak of its first drone. The device is called Karma and is set to launch in 2016. The name was revealed for the first time in Wednesday's teaser video. While the teaser did not disclose the range of features the device would have, it showed some insight on the types of footage that users will be able to shoot with the quadcopter. To make the launching, even more festive and exciting, the company plans to give away 100 units of Karma drones for free on the launch date for those who sign up through its website. 

Go Pro CEO Nick Woodman could not be any prouder of the new device. "It's incredible to see our world from new perspectives," Woodman said in the interview with Re/code. "It's a real 'Oh my god' moment. We did that with our GoPro cameras, and we see a similar opportunity in the quadcopter market. It's something that's in our DNA, and we are excited about it across the company."