Go Pro Hero 3 Black, worth the price or a better alternative?

[RabbieBurns]

Not sure if this is entirely the correct place to post this, but Im looking at investing in one of these new, small, compact and durable cameras.

 

I like the look of the Go Pro Hero 3 Black edition, HERO3 Black Edition | Wi-Fi enabled | Most Advanced HD GoPro Ever which would be good for snowboarding, scuba diving and skydiving.

 

But before I go pay $399+ for one of these, is there an alternative which is just as good, or better?

[plexer]

Get the surf edition for a 60m water resistant housing as well.

 

Ben

[RabbieBurns]

yeah looks like although even the standard one says its waterproof it has a * next to it, and then the Surf one has a ** next to where it says its waterproof

 

cant find what those * and ** mean

Edited August 4, 2013 by RabbieBurns

[RabbieBurns]

Just bought one. I hate that I'm so impulsive haha

[Arthur]

can't find what those * and ** mean

The difference between the HERO3: Black Edition and the HERO3: Black Edition - Surf is that the latter comes with the surfboard mount. The curved & flat adhesive mounts that are supplied with the standard Black Edition aren't included either.

 

If you are not surfing, then the surf edition is completely pointless. Both are waterproof to 60 metres with the waterproof backdoor.

 

http://i.imgur.com/trLPuOq.png

 

Btw, don't forget to install the latest firmware when you get it.

Edited August 4, 2013 by Arthur

[adamf]

If you are diving with it, get yourself one of these Backscatter Flip3 Underwater Color Correction Filter for GoPro Hero3 Housing to attach to the front.

[RabbieBurns]

wow the colour difference is great, Ill def add that to the accessories to buy. Im gonna get the wrist mount for skydiving, what would be the best one for underwater / snowboarding?

 

I bought the surf edition anyway, at least I can attach it to my board and film me falling over.

[plexer]

Is the housing lens glass or plastic?

 

Ben

[plexer]

A head mount would be good for scuba they do a helmet mount which could be used for snowboarding or even cave diving if that's your bag

 

Ben

[adamf]

Any sort of head/helmet mount will be no good for scuba, I've tried it! You'll find the bubbles from the reg get in the way and ruin the footage, plus you'll have much more control over what you're shooting if you hold it

 

I now use a Go Pole when diving (Grenade Grip - GoPro® Hand Grip by GoPole)

 

I would imagine for snowboarding, the head/helmet mount is a better option

[plexer]

It wouldn't if you were diving a rebreather but otherwise yes good point.

 

Ben

[FragglePete]

I've brought one recently for use on my quadcopter (damn you @JAB1a !!! ) - I am completely blown away by the quality of it; I've got the Hero3 Black. Remote is handy, but I'm really impressed by the GoPro App which enables you to preview and control all functions on a mobile device.

 

My only issue now is that my home computer is not man enough to deal with the 60fps video it can produce so having to stick to 30fps but still really impressed with it.

 

The following (

) is pure video from the GoPro directly uploaded to YouTube, no editing involved.

 

Pete

[RabbieBurns]

I guess Im gonna need to teach myself Adobe Premier to make some nice video edits as well.

[dhicks]

But before I go pay $399+ for one of these, is there an alternative which is just as good, or better?

 

Argos have a Vivitar GoPro-like camera for £99 - a quick Google for reviews gets the usual variable results, but the general consensus seems to be that it's not bad for the price.

[JAB1a]

I recommend the GoPro Hero 3 Black Edition, its an amazing bit of kit and has had a recent update which make the android app excellent to use.

 

The ** on the different backs are something to do with wind speeds etc, if under 100mph wind then use the skeleton back and visa versa over 100mph winds I think.

 

The quality of the raw video is amazing and I have not even tried ProTune yet (I don't want to get into the hassel of post colour correction).

 

This camera gives me the confidence that it will capture what ever I put it though....including high speed crashes and over 24hrs in an underwater adventure

@FragglePete you were already on the edge I am sure, I just gave you a little push I hope you are having fun. Keep up the progress vids

[RabbieBurns]

It arrived this morning but I didnt get a chance to play with it at work and then i forgot to bring it home with me, so will need to wait till tomorrow to have a play.

[JAB1a]

It arrived this morning but I didnt get a chance to play with it at work and then i forgot to bring it home with me, so will need to wait till tomorrow to have a play.

 

Great news you got it, shame its still at work. I am sure it says on the instructions but make sure you update the firmware as soon as you turn it on...its a bit flaky if you don't and freezes etc.

[si289]

Definitely well worth it!

 

Took it snorkelling in Egypt with a float like http://bit.ly/16xNSKa. Wrapped round my wrist, came out very well. Have yet had chance to upload to YouTube yet though. Need to edit the footage together, but my computer can't really handle the 1080p 60fps footage.

 

This is some unedited footage I took when going gokarting:

1080p 60fps - standard helmet mount.

Kevs's 33rd Birthday - Run 1 - YouTube

 

Si

[RabbieBurns]

If you are diving with it, get yourself one of these Backscatter Flip3 Underwater Color Correction Filter for GoPro Hero3 Housing to attach to the front.

 

Just ordered one of these. What is their deliver ETA like ?

[RabbieBurns]

Took it for a couple of dives this weekend, heres a sample:

 

 

The filter hasnt arrived yet but hopefully it will for next weekend.

 

I shot it in 24fps 1080p. Would it be better to shoot it in 60fps?

[adamf]

Very cool... Looks fine at 24fps, the filter will improve the colour. How was it mounted?

[RabbieBurns]

I just screwed in the small mount that came with it and held that.

 

Ive ordered a proper hand held mount from the local dive shop, one that also holds a torch as well.

[RabbieBurns]

Alas, the Flip3 didnt arrive in time for the weekends dive with sharks and stuff.

 

But it was still awesome, and I made myself a mount that worked pretty well:

 

[adamf]

Nice... What make are the tray, arms and torch?

[RabbieBurns]

Not too sure about the arm and tray but its just a cheap Tusa torch. Beam is only 42 degrees so when going through tunnels and stuff the camera only really caputres a spotlight.

Cant afford one of the expensive proper torches just yet.