Hacker News Reader

Comment by freyr | Hacker News Reader

My understanding is that GoPro sells a small, rugged, waterproof digital camera that can easily be mounted on a bike/surfboard/whatever. It built a strong brand due to its first-mover advantage in the action sports community.

But beyond its brand strength, has there been anything preventing the commoditization of the GoPro product?

View on HN

You need a certain amount of scale to stay close to the cutting edge (mobile) of imaging - GoPro uses the Ambarella chipsets and Sony sensors - if you want to talk to them directly (as opposed to 3rd parties), or the sensor manufacturers you need a level of scale/cash/backing. Also - in general its a tough market - if you look at the classic camera market their margins aren't great

Patents, perhaps.

You would think that, but that doesn't appear to be the case. There are a plethora of GoPro clones available now. I count over 50 distinct brands offered via Amazon Prime and hundreds of models filling the spectrum. The "action camera" has indeed been commoditized and GoPro layoffs are not surprising.

My feeling is they need to come up with something radically new to compete now. No idea what it could be. It'll be interesting to see how this market evolves.

They have trouble keeping up with the pace of their current products.

Plus, they aren't really innovators.

Having 3d and 360degree models would be a future possibility - team up with Rift etc.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com