First Look: GoPro HD Hero 3 - Half the Size, More Than Twice the Power
It's a great time to be in the market for a new camera. First Contour drops the ROAM2, then GoPro unveils an all-new HD Hero 3 lineup.
From what we can tell, the top of the line HD Hero 3 camera is leaps and bounds better than the HD Hero 2. All three new models are about half the size of the previous version, include an improved housing, and the specs are well... very impressive.
Model by model, this is how the specifications break down:
GoPro HD Hero 3 White Edition
The White Edition looks to be an upgraded HD Hero 1 Camera that includes WiFi, a new flat underwater dive lens and the new, thinner profile. Available 10/21/12.
- $199 MSRP
- Up to 1080p/30fps, 960p/30fps, 720p/60fps
- Up to 5MP photos
- Up to 3 shots per second in photo burst mode
- WiFi built in
- Improved Housing (Locking Latch / Dive Lens)
GoPro HD Hero 3 Silver Edition
The Silver Edition is basically an updated HD Hero 2 camera with WiFi built in, the thinner size and and improved housing. Available 10/21/12.
- $299 MSRP
- Up to 1080p/30fps, 960p/48fps, 720p/60fps
- Up to 11MP photos
- Up to 10 shots per second in photo burst mode
- WiFi built in
- Protune and White Balance
- Improved Housing (Locking Latch / Dive Lens)
GoPro HD Hero 3 Black Edition
This is where things get really interesting. The Black Edition uses brand new technology and boasts some incredible settings, including 60 frames per second at 1080p and 120fps at 720p. Available mid to late November.
- $399 MSRP
- Up to 4K/15fps, 2.7K/30fps, 1440p/48fps, 1080p/60fps, 960p/100fps, 720p/120fps
- Up to 12MP photos
- New photo burst modes with up to 30 shots per second
- WiFi built in
- Remote Control Included ($79.95 otherwise)
- Protune, White Balance, Continuous Photo, and Picture in Video capabilities
- Improved Housing (Locking Latch / Dive Lens)
While most of your current GoPro accessories will still work with the new cams, note that the cameras now use Micro SD cards due to size restrictions.
Watching the promo video, below, we've got to admit that the footage from this thing looks good. Really good.
You can order a new HD Hero3 model at GoPro.com
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johndoePro
12/21/2012 11:52 AM
You have to see this video shot from an Aerial GoPro Rig - I wouldn't try this with my GoPro camera though!!!
https://dslrpros.com/Products/tabid/94/ProductID/68/language/en-US/Default.aspx
Pierre Devereux
10/29/2012 2:14 AM
so..... Are there any improvements on the "fisheye" and "jello" distortions inherent in the Gopro2? The clip looks absolutely brilliant, but no mention is made of how vigorously it was edited to get it that way.
A.D.
10/17/2012 12:33 PM
Here is a link the same clip with much better quality. This clip has average bitrage over 10mbps.
GoPro HERO3 uncompressed footage
mp
10/17/2012 10:28 AM
Not to be a jerk, but 30% smaller is definitely not half the size.
meneone
10/17/2012 6:58 AM
Didn't see this at Interbike and specifically asked GoPro what's upcoming with no mention of this. I miss something or has this just been announced? In any case, it's amazing.
bturman
10/17/2012 12:20 PM
Yes, it's a fresh announcement.
meneone
10/17/2012 12:24 PM
that explains why the rep i was talking to was so coy when I asked him what's new and what's coming out and he said "Nothing."
iceman2058
10/17/2012 3:48 AM
The footage looks amazing.
tomgrundy
10/17/2012 1:47 AM
No mention of Battery life? Such a powerful camera with such a tiny battery.
bturman
10/17/2012 12:20 PM
We'll have to wait for performance tests to be released. There's no mention of it that we could find.
iceman2058
10/16/2012 10:01 PM
120fps @720 oh yes. Every single web edit will now feature tons of super smooth super slomo. Wait, I said that like it's a GOOD thing???
Actually you can into the 120fps@720 game for less with the Sony Action Cam. That one doesn't have a remote included though (but Sony SteadyShot tech which works really well).
Good times indeed.
Trebelhornc
10/16/2012 9:10 PM
Oh my god................To spend the $400..........Or to put a down payment on a car................GoPro.
ryan_daugherty
10/16/2012 9:10 PM
Hoooooooly crap.
GnarHuck
10/16/2012 8:39 PM
Holy. 4k? Engage beast mode
LKFILMS
10/17/2012 1:50 AM
4k at 15 frames a second. So if you like the look of old time movies it'll be great.
Apart from that non selling point they've knocked it out of the park
GnarHuck
10/17/2012 6:28 AM
Cinema will use it. You can really tell that they are answering the professional worlds demand so they can put gopro footage next to redcam footage.
LKFILMS
10/17/2012 7:24 AM
What?
They may use it as a throw away timelapse camera. Other wise 15 fps is not much use to anyone.
Plus there's plenty of other cameras out there than red. And many that do a better job.
I hate how red has become a buzz word in the bike community just coz the Parkins and clay porter bought some.
LKFILMS
10/17/2012 7:37 AM
And just as I'm getting busy slagging off the red my phone lights up and I'm offered a job shooting red in Germany. Ha......
kaibrabo
10/16/2012 8:26 PM
just talking about how i needed to get one!
Scott_Townes
10/16/2012 6:22 PM
oh lawwwd