GoPro's mount-anywhere camera line has been
making extreme sports enthusiasts surprised for years. The original HD Hero
first provided the capability to shoot and record wide-angle HD video in 2009,
and those capabilities improved with a higher-resolution sensor, faster burst
mode and a wider field of view in the Hero2. Now, GoPro has released Hero3,
which packs greater performance (4K video!) in a cube that's almost 1 centimeter
thinner than its predecessors.
What kind of powerful imaging device did
the company researchers cram in that tiny package? How do professionals film
videos from the new GoPro? To find out, we took a Hero3 up in a airplane, stuck
it to the roof of a car and recorded a jump out of a hot air balloon (of course
from the safety of the basket). Let’s join us to carry out the results and find
out how we filmed with the Hero3.
GoPro's
mount-anywhere camera line has been making extreme sports enthusiasts surprised
for years.
Hardware
We receive a Black Edition Hero3 (black
version) for this review, which is GoPro's top ranking camera packing an f/2.8
wide-angle lens in front of a 12MP sensor and built-in Wi-Fi. The combine of
that lens and sensor lets you shoot 4K video at 12 fps, 2.7K at 30 fps, 1440p
at 48 fps, 1080p at 60 fps, 960p at 100 fps, 720p at 120 fps and WVGA
resolution at 240 fps. Therefore, no matter how you like to shoot your video through
super high resolution or super slow footage - the Hero3 Black Edition can give
you.
GoPro hasn't changed its camera’s look much
since the introduction of the original HD Hero. Previous Heroes are silver
boxes with stubby fisheye lenses jutting out beside a 2-centimeter monochrome
LCD display on the front. Hero3 has the size of 58x40x21mm (2.28x1.57x0.82
inches), while the Hero2 size is 60x42x30mm (2.36x1.65x1.18 inches). Aside from
being thinner than its predecessors, Hero3 no longer has the all-silver finish.
Instead, it's covered in smooth black plastic on the back and a rough version
on 2 sides. Not only does this make the camera easier to hold, but it also
provides a nice contrast - not to mention, it's a finish more suited for chaotic
and strong lifestyle, of which most Hero3's will lead to.
GoPro
hasn't changed its camera’s look much since the introduction of the original HD
Hero.
Besides, the power / mode switch on the
front and record button on top have increased almost twice the size of these
buttons found on old GoPros, an encouraging change, especially for those with “chubby”
fingers. 2 LED indicators - one red to act as a power / shooting indicator and
one blue to tell you that the Wi-Fi is on and Hero3 brand take up the rest of
the space on the camera's front. Smaller secondary LEDs holding concurrently a
role as power / record and Wi-Fi indicators are on the top, bottom and back, so
you can keep track of the camera's acts from any viewing angle.
Located on the right side are micro-HDMI
and mini-USB ports along with a microSD slot. On the left side are a small Wi-Fi
key, a microphone-hole and 3 pinholes that serve as an outlet for audio alerts.
The beeps emitting from there tell you when Hero3 is open and inform you when
you've started devouring space on your memory card with photos or video
recordings. There's also a depression to latch an external battery or LCD
touchscreen BacPac.
The rear is where you'll find the battery port,
which if you manage to pry it open with your fingernails or a business card, a
1.050mAh rechargeable cell will be revealed. Next to the port is the company's
proprietary 30-pin Hero port for connecting the camera to the aforementioned
BacPacs.
In general, Hero3's build quality is
exemplary. All of its components are well-installed, with no ugly seams or shortcomings.
Moreover, the Wi-Fi, power and record buttons all have a nice, deep move and fit
with a satisfying snick. Such stable construction burst with a sense of
confidence that it can take the abuse it'll definitely receive when in the field.
Our only complaints with the design are the size of the Wi-Fi key (clumsy or gloved
users may find it difficult to press) and the lack of some sort of bolt or
spring to help open the battery door. The last issue is particularly worth
worrying because the camera's poor battery life had us change batteries during
lengthy shoots, a shortcoming would be discussed in more detail below.
Accessories
All Hero3 also come with GoPro's
respectable waterproof cover. It's like the old model, except for the fact that
the lens window is flat and square (to reduce image distortion) instead of
domed and round one, while the latch that keeps it closed is a dual-hinge
swivel design that's more secure than the prior model. Naturally, the case is
also thinner to adjust to the slim actual state of the Hero3, although it has
the same interchangeable rear-shield design as its predecessors. Swapping rear
shield isn't too difficult once you get used to it, but the amount of torque
needed to pry them open can somewhat cause confusion - it's foreseeable that
one could snap off a plastic mounting clip in that process.
GoPro
Hero3 Black Edition’s accessories
2 adhesive pads, mixed mounting hardware
and a three-way pivot arm - all of which can be compatible with old GoPro hardware
are included with the Black Edition, as well as a Wi-Fi remote capable of
controlling 50 GoPros concurrently. GoPro says the remote works 600 feet away
in "optimal conditions" but in non-optimal areas, range is limited to
about 120 feet. If the 400-USD price of the premier Hero3 model seems too much,
silver (300 USD) and white (200 USD) versions are also available. These
low-priced models don't come with the Wi-Fi remote, which costs 80 USD, and
also have downgraded lenses and sensors. Both record 1080p videos at 30fps,
with lesser frame rate at lower resolutions than the Black. Images are also
limited to a maximum of 11 megapixels in Silver Edition and 5 megapixels in
White Edition.
Beside the standard Black Edition kit, we
also use GoPro's 40-USD wall charger, 40-USD Frame mount and 80-USD LCD
touchscreen BacPac. While the 5V Wall Charger is something luxurious for
international tourists with the selection of international plug and 2 USB
outputs, it's not necessary regarding the majority of us have already owned 1
or 2 USD charger. The Frame mount is also unnecessary, as it makes the Hero3
vulnerable to the destructive powers of the great outdoors activities in
exchange for a thinner and lighter actuality than the bombproof case the camera
has. The LCD BacPac is quite the useful accessory, as it lets you change camera
settings more easily than using the camera's buttons. Besides, it allows users
to immediately review images, video and even audio by using its tiny built-in
speaker or 3.5mm headphone jack.
