New GoPro HERO3 Camera

Haven't seen any talk around the forums leading up to this (though I haven't been what you call "active" lately). At midnight Pacific Time, GoPro launched a new line of cameras--the HERO3, available in 3 flavors. I have to say, the specs are pretty impressive. Just figured I'd share this, and I'm curious what others think about it.

Linked is their page with specs for the White ($199), Silver ($299), and Black ($399) editions of the HERO3.
HERO3 Model Comparison Page

$400 definitely not cheap, but the Black version touts some tantalizing features, including: 1080p @60 fps, video resolutions of 2.7k and 4k at lower framerates, 12MP photos in 30 fps burst, and included wi-fi remote.

The other 2 scaled back versions also have wi-fi built in and are compatible with the remote (purchased separately) and a remote app. The video and still resolutions and speeds are not as stellar, but still nothing to scoff. All 3 editions are phisically the same--30% smaller, 25% lighter than the original HD Hero (which I have).

I'm not trying to sell the things, I swear. I just think the GoPro folks have outdone themselves this time. Right now, I am exercising a good deal of restraint by not pre-ordering, but I'm not sure if that will last.

I leave you with this:

I have the 2 and am looking at the wifi backpac. The money spent on the camera and the bacpac will def. be more than what the 3 cost. Not a bad deal at 400.

When is the smart phone app supposed to launch? The site just says fall 2012.

I don't know, bweston. I haven't been keeping up with the wi-fi app release, as I don't have a smartphone. It's been out for the iPhone, but not sure when it will be available on Android. Should be soon.

Now I have to get rid of my Hero1 and Hero2.  Ugh!  

I guess buying the black edition hero3 is the only real upgrade since the white/silver edition is extremely similar to the hero2 (except the weight and size).


But still..I want it! Time to sell my Hero2!

I've only had my Hero2 since June...and of course now they launch this.

I was looking at the wi-fi backpack last night...may just grab it for now and let the 2 keep me going for awhile.

I'm more interested in the Sony Action Cam. It shoots very smoothly because of the image stabilisation, pretty good optics, and a physical profile that I'd much prefer over my GoPro Hero.

And I'm pretty sure the Hero 3 with 4K capability is intended for professional use.

Yeah, I will just wait on the 3. I'm going to scoop the bac pac for my 2 and rock it for another year. Maybe wait until the 4 comes out.

Originally posted by Lux I'm more interested in the Sony Action Cam. It shoots very smoothly because of the image stabilisation, pretty good optics, and a physical profile that I'd much prefer over my GoPro Hero. And I'm pretty sure the Hero 3 with 4K capability is intended for professional use.

4k is only at 12fps thou sadly. Still awesome to have such a feature at a decently low price. Wouldn't suit fast action sports at all, maybe for slow things like dives and just scenery? 

http://slickdeals.net/f/5351668-New-GoPro-HD-Hero3-Black-Edition-32-GB-MicroSD-Card-359-99-Free-Shipping-Pre-order


WHAT!! hero3 with coupon code discount!

Originally posted by mluu003 http://slickdeals.net/f/5351668-New-GoPro-HD-Hero3-Black-Edition-32-GB-MicroSD-Card-359-99-Free-Shipping-Pre-order WHAT!! hero3 with coupon code discount!

Originally posted by Angry Midget Yo Originally posted by mluu003 http://slickdeals.net/f/5351668-New-GoPro-HD-Hero3-Black-Edition-32-GB-MicroSD-Card-359-99-Free-Shipping-Pre-order WHAT!! hero3 with coupon code discount! Coupon code don't work anymore.

It doesnt? I skimmed through the comments on the slickdeals page and I didn't see any issues. oh well sorry guys.

Yeah I saw the video somewhere else and it looks pretty nice...but honestly, I have a GoPro Hero and it works great....I feel like that quality of camera isn't really necessary unless you're making professional videos.

For small edits of the weekend I just think it's a bit over powered. Still a cool product though!

Originally posted by Duneluder Yeah I saw the video somewhere else and it looks pretty nice...but honestly, I have a GoPro Hero and it works great....I feel like that quality of camera isn't really necessary unless you're making professional videos. For small edits of the weekend I just think it's a bit over powered. Still a cool product though!

New toy!?! Ugh, that video did it for me.

Yeah i dont see how 12fps will be any good unless sped up. Isn't the standard frame rate 30?

here some explanation about the camera:

I hate the fact that they changed the SD card to microSD. Ugh I dont want to buy a new microSD!

Originally posted by thisisjoebro ^ yess 2x better lowlight performance! Still dont know if my lcd bacback will work on it. My guess is not.

Originally posted by tortoisegts That's nice. I'm guessing (hoping) that you can put an older generation BacPac door on the new HERO3 housing to make it fit right, but I can't say for sure.

I have the Hero HD and the 3 seriously has me considering adding to my collection. Thought about selling it to help fund for the new purchase but have been meaning to have multiple perspectives for the same runs. But yeah, $400 is pretty crazy... but that's still better than spending double that for a HD vid DSLR. What intrigues me the post is the 120fps at 720p! Awesome slowmo! But yeah, the switch from SD to microsd is annoying.

Still no luck for me with the daily giveaway.

I saw that (orig post) video about a week ago... SO EPIC!

 Yep,  they have the Hero 2 marked down to $199 at best buy now. 

I bet there are so many people that bought the 2 just before the 3 came out and are really regretting it.

Originally posted by panther Originally posted by Lux I'm more interested in the Sony Action Cam. It shoots very smoothly because of the image stabilisation, pretty good optics, and a physical profile that I'd much prefer over my GoPro Hero. And I'm pretty sure the Hero 3 with 4K capability is intended for professional use. EXACTLY.  i watched a few videos on youtube the other day comparing the hero2 and sony cam, on the same pole mount, and with the image stabilization activated on the sony, it was so much smoother and better quality video than the hero.  the color rendition is a little too much sometimes, but the quality is amazing.  cheaper too.  i'm really tempted by the sony

It all depends on what your preference is. The image stabilization of the Sony is nice and easy, and it would be great if you don't plan on editing or processing the video at all. On the other hand, you can use the higher resolution of the GoPro along with software that allows image stabilization for the same effect. I'm not sure of the difference in quality between the two. Also, using the IS feature of the Sony may decrease battery life, so that's something to look into.

Originally posted by shing02 Originally posted by steezemisterr I bet there are so many people that bought the 2 just before the 3 came out and are really regretting it. this is why it pays to stalk companies/gadget blogs for rumors and new developments :3

Or you could just always buy the clearance model, save money, and just be a little behind current tech.