A new Apple patent for a digital camera system operated caused such distress to current remote camera king of the hill GoPro that the company's shares took quite a hit from the reveal Tuesday.

First reported by Patently Apple, the U.S Patent and Trademark Office granted Apple 34 new patents Tuesday, and among them is one that reveals details for a new camera that functions much like GoPro except better, if the hype is to be believed.

The new patent outlines details for a remote-controlled mobile digital camera that can be attached to things like a helmet, surfboard, and more -- much like GoPro. Only Apple's design has sparked some flares thanks to its improved vibration control, the ability to record audio from the remote (probably an iPhone) and extra caveats like this:

"In some embodiments, the microphone is capable of recording sounds in air and also in an underwater environment when the digital camera is used to record underwater images. In other embodiments, the digital camera includes both a conventional air microphone as well as an underwater microphone (hydrophone) capable of recording underwater sounds."

An underwater-capable GoPro-like camera made by Apple? Sounds tasty doesn't it? In fact, the thought of Apple producing such a camera sent such waves through the industry that GoPro shares fell 12 percent Tuesday, the day the news of the Apple patent broke out.

Still, this does not mean much, given that tech companies like Apple file thousands of patents, many of which are never used or are incorporated into another polished product. It's important to remember that 34 patents were granted to Apple Tuesday, and there's really no telling which one will launch its own line.

"While GoPro's shares have rocketed or plunged violently on the slightest hint of news since its June initial public offering, Tuesday felt different, the first time that investors had serious concerns as to whether GoPro could defend the action camera niche that it created and currently dominates from the world's most powerful technology company," writes Ryan Mac from Forbes, summing up the overhype. "But that begs the question: Did anyone actually read the patent?"

In the end, the news is exciting. There's no doubt that remote-controlled cameras that work well are popular and the more people's lives become integrated with mobile platforms from companies like Apple, the more those companies will do to cater to their audience. Don't hold your breath for an Apple-GoPro camera, although if it does hit the market, you might just want to for those underwater iPhone pics.

For more stories like this, follow us on Twitter!