GoPro announces its first VR-filming camera

The power of filming virtual reality is being put in the hands of the people. Merging its action cams with VR capabilities, GoPro has launched its first consumer product with the ability to record VR content. Unveiling the GoPro Fusion, the camera will allow users to capture ‘fully immersive virtual reality content’, record non-VR video and even snap the good old-fashion photograph.

Announced by Jess Foley, GoPro’s senior product manager of spherical solutions, on the company’s blog, a Fusion pilot programme has also been launched to give budding content creators the chance to be among the first people in the world to use the new VR-enabled camera.

“I am so proud to introduce Fusion, the new GoPro that packs a huge punch,” she said. “Fusion is the ultimate capture device for fully immersive virtual reality content, non-VR video, and even photos. It captures stunning 5.2K30 video and breath-taking photos in full spherical—but that’s not all. 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. 

She added: “As the Senior Product Manager for Fusion, I have been looking forward to this day for some time. We have a pilot program starting soon, and I cannot wait to see how innovative content creators will use Fusion to help them tell their stories. The goal of Fusion is to distill the best of GoPro—quality, mountability and durability—into a pocketable product that will wow our professional customers.” 

The Fusion will be compatible with all existing GoPro mounts, as well as a number of handheld accessories. Expected to be launched before the end of 2017, pricing is yet to be revealed.

Last week, Facebook revealed its new system which allows users to walk around VR settings.