Every time that GoPro launches a new generation of cameras, we’re left confronting the age-old adage, how do you improve on perfection? Well, how about reducing housing size and weight by 20%, reducing distortion by 33%, speeding up Wi-Fi, a SuperView mode, and increasing battery life by 25%? We thought that would get your attention.
Every time that GoPro launches a new generation of cameras, we’re left confronting the age-old adage, how do you improve on perfection? Well, how about reducing housing size and weight by 20%, reducing distortion by 33%, speeding up Wi-Fi, a SuperView mode, and increasing battery life by 25%? We thought that would get your attention. For the HERO3+ Black Edition – Adventure, GoPro reduced in size and weight of the camera by 20% in comparison to the old HERO3, and the camera weight was reduced by 25%. In fact, the HERO3+ tips the scales around 2.08 ounces. The camera body has retained the black backing treatment and the progressive user interface at the front. Additionally, the lighter housing boasts an impressive waterproofing, 131ft/40m. As with the HERO3, the HERO3+ continues the use of what GoPro calls a six-element aspherical lens. What does this mean? Simply put, the lens has been designed to operate evenly across more light conditions than ever before. For the camera nerds: it’s an f/2.8-6.0 lens. So, you’ll experience sharper image quality whether it’s blisteringly bright or the sun has nearly disappeared. The lens also allows Ultra-wide, Medium, and Narrow field of view modes, and you can operate the White Balance in either auto or manual modes (3000k, 5500k, 6500k, Cam Raw). Now, you’re able to expect crystal clear resolution from sunrise to sunset. Possibly more important for your mounted shots, the lens has made huge gains in decreasing distortion. In fact, GoPro asserts that the new iteration of the HERO3 improves reduces distortion by 33%. And as an added perk, image sharpness has been enhanced by 33%, as well. And speaking of resolution, the HERO3+ Black Edition boasts ultra-high resolution video modes of 4Kp15, 2.7Kp30, 1440p48, 1080p60, 960p100 and 720p120 fps. Basically, if you love slow-motion shots, the HERO3+ is a godsend. And did we mention that all of these rates can be run from Ultra-Wide mode? Awesome. And new to this model, GoPro has a…
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Lens better up close; blurrier farther away Be aware when purchasing that there are some aspects to the new “improved” lens that may not be for everyone. This week it has been fairly well documented (and confirmed by GoPro) that while the new lens produces much sharper images under 4′, they are blurrier at distances greater than 4′. It does NOT focus at infinity. For reasons not fully explained, they moved the focal point of the lens in close and sacrificed distance clarity.Update at bottom.You will get great shots under 4′ and soft focus beyond that. Depending on what you want it for, this camera may not be for you and the regular H3 might be a better bet. Since this is an effect of the lens it applies to both stills and video. On the other hand, it’s still a decent small action camera, and if you take a lot of video in motion you may not notice this at all. For YouTube uploads and streaming it may not matter, I haven’t tested this myself. If you want better clarity in your images the 3B is a…
GoPro Hero3+ Black vs GoPro Hero3 Black and brief mention of Sony HDR-AS30V UPDATE: 03/26/2014 – GoPro has recently released a firmware update v2.0 for the Hero3+ Black. Quoting the GoPro website:”Camera software update 2.0 has lots in store for your GoPro. HERO3+ Black Edition cameras will get new SuperView(tm) video modes, new Auto Low Light settings, advanced Protune(tm) controls and more. For HERO3+ Silver Edition cameras, update 2.0 increases the field of view on all photo and video modes for even more immersive, wide-angle footage. And with new wireless camera software updates via the GoPro App, updating your GoPro has never been easier.”UPDATE – 12/9/2013 – I’ve just updated my video with additional video samples from the Hero3+ compared to the Hero3. I also stuck in a short video of the Sony HDR-AS30V for additional comparison.—–Just about a year ago I bought the GoPro Hero3 Black. It was frought with issues and I felt it had been rushed out the door without adequate testing…
The best action camera you can get your hands on..*see update* UPDATE 25/12/2013Finally I did a comparison of HERO3+ BE with HERO3 BE and the HERO+ BE lens is out of focus for objects that are far away but crisp for closeups. I use my GoPro cameras to record my motorsport activities so closeup sharpness is more important to me that is why I never noticed the out of focus background scenes. I do not use the GoPro cameras to capture images and instead use a Canon 60D for photography. I have removed one star as my older HERO3 BE was sharp even for distant objects.(End of Update)—————This review is about GoPro HERO3+ Black Edition which I have bought but there are some comments about other editions, casing and microSD card also which you may find useful for a comparison.When GoPro released HERO3, the whole internet was flooded with customers complaining about several issues which GoPro kept fixing with new firmware updates. I owned a HERO3 Black Edition and luckily encountered no issues…