First Look: GoPro HD Hero 3 - Half the Size, More Than Twice the Power 20

bturman
10/16/2012 4:39pm

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


20 comments

View replies to: First Look: GoPro HD Hero 3 - Half the Size, More Than Twice the Power

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Pierre Devereux
12 years ago
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.
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mp
12 years ago
Not to be a jerk, but 30% smaller is definitely not half the size.
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SpokeApparel
12 years ago
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.
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SpokeApparel
12 years ago
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."
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tomgrundy
12 years ago
No mention of Battery life? Such a powerful camera with such a tiny battery.
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bturman
12 years ago
We'll have to wait for performance tests to be released. There's no mention of it that we could find.
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iceman2058
12 years ago
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.
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Trebelhornc
12 years ago
Oh my god................To spend the $400..........Or to put a down payment on a car................GoPro.
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LKFILMS
12 years ago
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
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GnarHuck
12 years ago
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.
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LKFILMS
12 years ago
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.
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LKFILMS
12 years ago
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......

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