San Mateo, CA—GoPro, Inc., announced that high demand for its new flagship camera, the Hero9 Black, vaulted the number of paid GoPro subscribers past the 500,000 milestone.
“Thanks to a stellar global launch of the Hero9 Black, our paid GoPro subscriber count is ahead of where we expected to be at this time; it bodes well for us to exceed our previously stated target of 600,000 to 700,000 paid subscribers by year-end,” said Nicholas Woodman, GoPro’s founder and CEO.
GoPro Subscribers Bundle
Furthermore, the vast majority of consumers purchasing the Hero9 Black through the company’s website are purchasing the camera bundled with an annual GoPro subscription. The subscription includes unlimited cloud storage of a user’s GoPro footage; a livestreaming service; no-questions-asked damaged camera replacement; as well as savings on cameras and GoPro accessories. The eligible accessories include the company’s new line of travel and active-lifestyle bags, clothing as well as lighting products.
In addition, the company shared that high demand for the Hero9 Black and the associated GoPro subscription drove 230% growth in GoPro.com sales over the comparable two-week post-launch period in 2019.
“GoPro.com saw substantial year-over-year sales growth during the post-launch period across all regions, globally,” said Woodman. “Demand for the Hero9 Black and the GoPro subscription at GoPro.com are accelerating our shift to a more direct-to-consumer business.”
The GoPro subscription costs $49.99 annually or $4.99 a month. In addition, GoPro users can purchase it in a bundle with the new Hero9 Black action camera for $349.98 exclusively at GoPro.com.
GoPro Hero9 Black
The Hero9 Black uses a new sensor that delivers 5K video and 20MP photos; next-generation HyperSmooth 3.0 video stabilization with in-camera horizon leveling; a new front-facing display; a larger rear display; as well as 30% more battery life.
Waterproof to 33 feet, the action cam debuted with the new Max Lens Mod accessory. The accessory brings Max HyperSmooth video stabilization and Max SuperView ultrawide-angle photo and video to the Hero9 Black.
The action camera’s new sensor enables 5K 30p, 4K 60p, 2.7K 120p, 1440 120p and 1080 240p video recording. In addition, it captures 20MP still photos and RAW files. What’s more, its new 1.4-inch front color display offers live preview and status modes. It’s also complemented by a larger 2.27-inch rear touch display with touch zoom capability.
With 30% more battery life than the Hero8 Black, the new iteration also offers improved cold weather performance. Key features include HyperSmooth 3.0 with in-camera horizon leveling; TimeWarp 3.0 with Real Speed and Half Speed; 1080p livestreaming; and a 1080p webcam mode. In addition, its power tools include HindSight, LiveBurst, Scheduled Capture and Duration Capture. SuperPhoto + HDR Night lapse video is also possible.
Other features include digital lenses; voice control with 14 commands in 11 languages and six accents; three microphones with advanced wind-noise reduction; and stereo + RAW audio as well as a larger speaker for improved audio playback.
