GoPro HERO3
The GoPro HERO3 is the latest edition in the GoPro range — GoPro have established themselves as the video camera for adventurers. Recently GoPro partnered with Red Bull for Felix Baumgartner's jump from the edge of the atmosphere, so GoPros are truly used by the best!
The Wi-Fi enabled HERO3: Black Edition is the most advanced GoPro, ever. When you compare it to other models it's not just a slight upgrade in specs but a whole leap forward. The HERO3 is 30% smaller, 25% lighter and 2x more powerful than previous models. As shown by Felix Baumgartner's jump, they are wearable and gear mountable (often seen mounted to a helmet when cycling or kayaking), waterproof to 197' (60m), capable of capturing ultra-wide 1440p 48fps, 1080p 60fps and 720p 120fps video and 12MP photos at a rate of 30 photos per second.
Key Features
- Wearable, mountable design
- Immersive, wide angle capture of your favourite activities
- Professional quality HD video and 12MP photos
- Built-in Wi-Fi enables remote control via the included Wi-Fi Remote, or live video preview and remote control on smartphones and tablets running the free GoPro app
- Rugged housing is waterproof to 197'/60m and captures sharp images above and below water
- Compatible with all GoPro mounts for attaching to gear, body, helmets, vehicles and more
- Compatible with LCD Touch BacPac and second generation Battery BacPac, and backwards compatible with older generation BacPacs
- New advanced camera settings: looping video, continuous photo, manual white balance control, Protune mode, and the ability to shoot photos while recording video
- Professional 4K Cinema 15fps / 2.7K Cinema 30fps / 1440p 48fps / 1080p 60fps / 960p 100fps / 720p 120fps video capture, plus 12MP photo capture with a 30fps burst
GoPro HERO3 editions: Black, Silver and White
The HERO3 launched in October 2012 in three editions, which is why searches for "GoPro 3", "GoPro HERO 3" and "Go Pro HERO3" can mean quite different cameras:
- HERO3 Black Edition — the top model covered above: 4K at 15fps, 2.7K at 30fps, 1080p at 60fps and 12MP stills, with the Wi-Fi Remote in the box.
- HERO3 Silver Edition — the middle option: 1080p at 60fps and 11MP stills, with built-in Wi-Fi but no remote included.
- HERO3 White Edition — the entry model: 1080p at 30fps and 5MP stills, with built-in Wi-Fi.
All three share the same smaller body and waterproof housing. GoPro replaced the range with the HERO3+ a year later, with a slimmer housing and improved battery life.
Is a GoPro HERO3 still worth buying?
A secondhand HERO3 is a cheap way into action video, but it is now well over a decade old: current GoPro apps no longer fully support it, batteries will have aged, and it has no image stabilisation. For hiking, cycling or kayaking footage today, a current GoPro with built-in stabilisation gives far smoother results. If you do buy a HERO3, check the edition printed on the front, and budget for spare batteries.
What's in the box?
- HERO3: Black Edition Camera
- 197'/60m Waterproof Housing
- Wi-Fi Remote + Key Ring
- Remote Charging Cable
- Rechargeable Li-ion Battery
- QR Buckle, J-Hook Buckle and 3-Way Pivot
- 1 Curved Adhesive Mount and 1 Flat Adhesive Mount
- Assorted Mounts and Hardware
- USB Charging Cable