Introducing the GoPro Hero 3 Camera

As the saying goes, “three is the magic number”, and where the new range of GoPro action cameras is concerned, this couldn’t be closer to the truth. GoPro has just announced the launch of the GoPro Hero 3, its most powerful camera yet.

The Hero 3 follows in the footsteps of its predecessor – the Hero 2 – in the sense that it comes in three unique flavours, or in this case colours – Black, Silver and White.

So how does the new range of GoPros compare to the last?

White Edition

The GoPro White Edition is the cheapest camera of the three Hero 3 models, rocking a very modest price tag of just £199.99. It’s essentially a direct upgrade of the original GoPro Hero camera, with the same sensor and record quality.

One of the biggest issues with the old GoPro Hero was it’s bulky shape, size and weight, but prospective buyers will be pleased to hear that GoPro has addressed these issues and slimmed the camera down considerably, making it much more helmet-friendly.

The major stand-out feature of all models in the Hero 3 range is the built-in Wi-Fi. While the Hero 2 was Wi-Fi compatible, it required the addition of the Wi-Fi BacPac. Considering the BacPac was an additional £89.99, the White Edition presents exceptional value for money.

If that wasn’t enough the camera comes with a waterproof case with a built-in flat lens, which again would cost an additional £49.99 if purchased separately for the GoPro Hero or Hero 2 camera.

Silver Edition

The Silver Edition sits in the middle of the White and Black in terms of price, weighing in at £279.99. Much like the White Edition is a direct improvement of the GoPro Hero, the Silver Edition is comparable to the Hero 2, only much better.

In terms of key features, the Silver Edition is similar to the White, as it packs Wi-Fi connectivity and a waterproof case with a built-in flat lens as standard. It’s also slimmer, lighter and altogether sleeker than its predecessor.

But what really sets the Silver apart from the White is its 11MP still photo sensor (compared to the White’s 5MP), and GoPro’s Protune technology, which significantly enhances editing at both standard and full HD quality. It also allows you to manually adjust white balance, for full control over video correction in any condition.

Black Edition

If there was ever an action camera to make you quiver with excitement at the sheer prospect of getting your hands on it, then GoPro Hero 3 Black Edition is surely it. The Black Edition, priced at £359.99 is by far the most powerful GoPro camera yet, and boasts enough new features to make the techiest of technophiles go weak at the knees.

To start, the Black Edition allows you to film at 1440p @ 48fps, 1080p @ 60fps and 720p @ 120fps, making it by far the most advanced action camera out there at the moment in terms of record quality. The camera also shoots stills at an improved 12MP, with a photo-burst mode, which can capture up to 30 pictures per second!

There’s also a faster processor, re-designed audio system and sharper image quality due to a newly-designed lens.

Like the White and Silver Editions, it’s also slimmer and lighter than older models and has Wi-Fi as standard, however the Black Edition includes an additional Wi-Fi remote, which the others don’t.

It’s safe to say the GoPro Hero 3 range is the most exciting thing to happen to the action camera world since, well, the launch of the Hero 2. GoPro has produced three truly excellent cameras here, which between them cater for every type of budget and every type of user, from enthusiastic beginners to seasoned pros.

All three Hero 3 models are now available for pre-order in the UK, with actual availability expected across the range before Christmas. For a more concise technical overview of the Hero 3 range, check out the official GoPro 3 comparison chart.

Submitted by Matt Taylor, Marketing Manager at Action Cameras. To find out more about the GoPro Hero 3, visit http://www.actioncameras.co.uk/brands/gopro/hd-cameras.

About Jakk: Jakk Ogden is a professional self-employed blogger and the founder / owner of Technology Blogged. 22, with a love for good writing, you'll find me playing 'Drag Racing' on my HTC One X and rocking a pair of Grado headphones. If you love technology, be sure to subscribe to my feed for unique editorials. Find me on Google+. View author profile.