A couple of days ago, GoPro Inc. (GPRO) announced the release of its newest camera the HERO4 Session, which is set to hit the shelves of authorized GoPro retailers and  the stock rooms of GoPro.com on July 12, 2015 for $399.99 MSRP.

The HERO4 Session is described as the “smallest, lightest, most convenient GoPro yet.  50% smaller and 40% lighter than GoPro's best-selling HERO4 Black and Silver cameras.” It’s cube-shaped and measures less than 1.5 inches long on every side.

Figure 1: From GoPro Website

Here are the notable features the camera has:
·         Stunning 1080p60, 720p100, and 1440p30 video
·         Waterproof to 33' (10m), no separate housing required
·         Easy one-button control: short press of shutter powers camera on and begins capturing video, long shutter button press powers camera on and begins capturing time-lapse photos
·         Captures 8MP Single, Burst, and Time Lapse photos
·         Compatible with GoPro mounts and accessories
·         Dual Mic system captures enhanced audio during high wind and water-based activities
·         Built-in WiFi and Bluetooth enable easy connectivity to GoPro App and Smart Remote
·         Auto image rotation corrects image orientation during recording
·         Includes standard and low-profile frame mounts for increased mounting versatility
·         The battery is built directly into the camera and offers up to two hours of recording time on a full charge.

"With HERO4 Session, we challenged ourselves to produce the smallest, lightest, most convenient GoPro possible," said GoPro founder and CEO Nicholas Woodman. "HERO4 Session combines the best of our engineering and user-experience know-how to deliver our most convenient life-capture solution, yet." Woodman adds, "I'm so excited about the launch of HERO4 Session because now I can finally use mine in public!"

The most current reviews from The Verge and CNET.com have been promising. Despite the positive reviews, the one potential drawback for the HERO4 may be the price tag. As the CNET article notes, “Video quality, while very good, isn't as good as GoPro's other $400 camera, the Hero4 Silver.”

GPRO Earnings

GoPro is set to announce their 2015 second quarter earnings report on July 21^st. Revenue, gross margin, and EPS of last quarter were all improved figures from the company’s 2014 first quarter. In the 2015 first quarter, GroPro revenues, gross margin, and EPS were $363.1 million, 45.2%, and $0.24 respectively, while in the 2014 first quarter, the figures were $235.7 million, 41.1%, and $0.10, respectively.

GoPro’s popularity appears to only be increasing. The new smaller and mobile design of the HERO4 Session may be the beginning of future downsizing of these already small cameras without sacrificing much of the video quality. Let’s wait for the results from the third and fourth quarters to determine the success of GroPro’s newest camera.

Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report >>

Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
 
GOPRO INC-A (GPRO): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
 
Zacks Investment Research