GoPro 3 gaining more momentum

Swag • 222 days ago

GoPro has dominated the personal HD camera market for action sports in the last 3 years or so and is only gaining more momentum with version 3 of this uber popular little box of fun.

We’ve seen some other HD POV (which is an acronym for Point Of View which is really relevant to the many places people are attaching these cameras to give an inside-out experience of the action) brands in South Africa too. Go Bandit was here for a few months, but proved a dud. Recently Ion Air Pro entered the mix, but does not get anywhere close to the popularity of the GoPro explosion.

We’ll keep an eye on the Ion Air Pro, but not right now, as it’s all about the thinner and, once more improved, GoPro 3 and everyone wants the Black edition.

The main difference is clearly the size, reports The Rater. GoPro has been drinking light beers and cutting down on carbs. The results would impress even the Jozi Sandton set, doing all they can to fit into that divine bikini for summer at Clifton doll, as GoPro 3 halves it’s size. The orig box was a little bulky I suppose, now the skinnier version can become even more versatile in it’s application in the wildest places.

Inside the box, the opposite has happened. The size has got a whole lot bigger. Stills capabilities have bounced up to 12MP with an option of a burst up to 30 images per second; but video is where it has really been given a boost, including 60 frames per second at 1080p and 120fps at 720p. You can also pull stills from the video you have shot with a range of 24 to 60 images per second, depending on what resolution stills you want and what video format you shot in.

One of the drawbacks in the past, and something that is tricky when dealing with these stealthy little cameras, is seeing what you are shooting.

Using the GoPro can be hit and miss when you can’t see what you have in the frame.

Originally they came out with a screen that could be purchased separately and hooked onto the back of the box. A much better option though, is presented with the wifi capabilities built in to all three options (the 3 has options of white, silver and black) of the GoPro 3.

With wifi, you can now see what is happening in real time on your phone or another screen that is connected wirelessly. Live streaming is not what they are promoting here, but rather being able to see what you are shooting. And of course wifi also means you can use a remote too, which makes a huge difference.

Here’s some rad footage of the new 3 which shows off what you can do – remember all GoPro’s come standard with a waterproof casing.

Of course there are a ton of options to add on to your camera depending on how and what you want to shoot. They are quite sneaky like that. Pay for the camera, and then keep paying for the super cool accessories – very Apple’esque really.

Each of the three editions basically take over from the existing GoPro options and this is how they break down:

GoPro HD Hero 3 White Edition

The White Edition = upgraded HD Hero 1 Camera, but includes WiFi, the new flat underwater dive lens and the skinny profile.

R3000
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 = updated HD Hero 2, includes WiFi built in, and has a skinnier housing.

R4000 which is just R300 more than the existing GoPro HD 2
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

The Black Edition uses brand new technology which introduces some incredible settings, including 60 frames per second at 1080p and 120fps at 720p. Only available Jan 2013