GoPro Review

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The GoPro Hero3 camera will make you feel like a real pro…

Have you ever wondered what it looks like to surf inside a wave? or to para-ski down a sheer cliff? The GoPro Hero3 will help you find out. I’m not sure if the Pro applies to the photography or to being a professional hero, but this action camera is the first step on finding out.

I suppose more than anything I would describe this as a camcorder – a little camera you can mount on a helmet or chest harness, on a mount designed for any surface like handlebars or car hood or on a tripod or monopod to capture any activity or action from extreme sports to a visit to Disney World. It produce live footage complete with sound that you can replay again and again. The question on this page though, is it worth buying? Read on and let me know what you think…

GoPro Hero3: Black Edition Review

GoPro HERO3: Black Edition

As someone who enjoys capturing her outdoor adventures, I was looking for a small, compact camera that I could carry with me wherever I traveled. The GoPro Hero3: Black Edition has helped me in that respect. The camera is lightweight and attaches easily to my head strap mount. Its compact size also allows me to venture freely without having to be concerned about whether anyone can notice it.

Besides its size, the GoPro Hero3: Black Edition produces high quality photos and videos. I have used it in various settings. Whether it was cloudy, dark, or sunny, I was able to achieve the same high quality results. The photos and videos were clean and professional. However, I noticed a significant change in the quality of my photos and videos after I upgraded my memory card. This allowed me to capture high resolution photos and videos. I have managed to save hundreds of photos and a few videos since my upgrade.

I’d give the battery life an above average rating, since it operates for approximately two hours without WiFi and 90 minutes with WiFi. To address this minor issue, I bought a few extra batteries and a charger. Although the camera’s battery life may not be up to my standards, I would say that its battery life isn’t bad considering the small size of the camera and battery.

Last but not least, I find it very convenient that I can charge my camera on the computer. Once the camera is fully charged, I usually upload my photos and videos to the computer right away. On occasions where I don’t feel like hooking my camera up to the computer, I simply take out my memory card from my camera and insert it directly into the computer.

Overall, I would recommend the GoPro Hero3: Black Edition to adventure seekers who enjoy capturing high quality photos and videos of their expeditions.

Main features of this GoPro Camera

Smaller, lighter and twice as powerful
Built in Wi-Fi
Compatible Wi-Fi Remote
Reduced fogging in the housing
Waterproof to 60m (197′)
Takes photos at a rate of 30 photos per second

Alternative to the black edition – more choices for you…

GoPro HERO3: Silver Edition

GoPro HERO3+: Silver Edition

One major difference I see between the black and silver edition is resolution – the images on the black are much better, sharper and clearer.

For the most part, the silver seemed to be closer to the Hero2 in just about everything although sound, mic and wind noise tests were fairly similar.

GoPro HERO3: White Edition – (197’/ 60m Waterproof Housing)

The white edition is the cheapest of the Hero3 cameras and it shows. It doesn’t have nearly the same impact as the black edition and there seems to be some genuine concerns about its performance. The opinion seems to be that the tech department dropped the ball on this one.

GoPro Reviews – How does the Hero2 compare to the Hero3?

I suppose first of all – the 2 is bigger, it may not seem significantly bigger, but it is when you consider you might be wearing it on your head – the less weight and bulk you have the better.

The Hero2 can record 30 frames per second, half that of the black edition.

Is it too obvious to say the Hero3 Black Edition is about twice the price of the 2? But there is a good reason for that!

The 2 doesn’t have a remote.

The lens on the 2 is round – rather than flat – which is less effective in capturing video under water.
Wind noise is a major distraction to the sound quality of the Hero2 that seems to have been rectified in the Black Edition 3.

On the plus side, the 2 does produce brighter pictures than the 3 but they are not nearly so sharp.
Hero2 has a longer battery life, but I wonder if that can be resolved by the type of battery you can buy – something to investigate.

Where the 3 black is far superior is under water.

Overall the sound has improved considerably with the newer version and the problem with the wind noise seems to have been adequately addressed.

GoPro Hero3 Accessories

GoPro Helmet Front Mount

You’re going to need this if you’re moving fast and need your hands free

GoPro Helmet Front Mount

Don’t you just love this? Imagine speeding along on your mountain bike recording all the action – this is just what you need for hands-free video recording. Share the thrills with your audience or relive them any time you want. You can fully adjust the position of the camera so you get exactly the effect you want.

GoPro Head Strap Mount

GoPro Headstrap Mount + Quick Clip (GoPro Official Mount)

If you want to do any shooting underwater I really recommend this head strap mount. OK it is situated a little higher but essentially it will see what you do in a wide angle. Experiment with it a bit to get used to what it captures and what it doesn’t when you turn your head. Beware of moving your head too quickly, you might get blurry or jerky images.

GoPro Suction Cup Mount

A suction cup which will attach to any flat surface so if you want to use it in a car or boat, even a plane you can do so confidently. They say that it has reduced vibrations at up to 150 miles per hour, but I can’t say I have tested that personally!