Do you still use a GoPro2?
It's time to upgrade.
Or is it?
The "World's Most Versatile Camera" introduced an upgrade last month with the release of the HERO3+, an upgrade to the HERO3 from 2012, which was an upgrade to the HERO2 from 2011, which was an upgrade to the HERO from 2010.
Technology will always be one step ahead of your buying decisions - just ask Apple iPhone owners - but unless you're the type who invests in the latest and greatest, as-soon-as-it-comes-out gadget, you may be reluctant to invest in every single upgrade whether it's a phone, computer or GoPro camera.
GoPro changed the way we view power and action sports forever with their high-definition personal cameras that capture stunning images that previously were either impossible or required expensive professional equipment. The GoPro2's impact to the sports world was unmatched as it provided an easy to use, rugged, and durable camera with 1080p video resolution, an 11 MP image sensor and improved low-light capability with recording speeds up to 120 frames per second.
The HERO3 arrived offering three versions in November 2012 and improved specs like a 12MP sensor capable of capturing 4k digital video at 15 fps and wifi built in, among other features. Last month the HERO3+ Black Edition grabbed headlines with even more improved specs (12 MP at up to 30fps) to the existing multiple video modes of 1440p48, 1080p60, 960p100 and 720p120, increased resolution, increased field of view, dramatically low light performance and a lighter and smaller casing then last year's model.
To put in bluntly, the HERO3+ is in a league of its own and even the company's past products are no match for the latest technology engineered into the HERO3+. The difference two years makes? The HERO2 isn't even available to purchase anymore. Comparing the HERO3+ to the HERO2 is like comparing the iPhone 2 to iPhone 5 - it's that big of a jump.
However, functionally speaking, iPhone 2 still works and offers advanced technology many users are happy with it. Therefore, if you own a HERO2 you may be settled with what it offers and if you are an occasional rider and find entertainment value in setting up your camera to capture moments on the track or trail to share with friends it may not be worth spending the money to upgrade.
Comparing the GoPro HERO3 Black vs. HERO3 Silver vs. HERO2
Check out this video comparing the HERO3 Black, HERO3 Silver and HERO2:
Comparing the GoPro HERO3 to the HERO3+ Black
This video compares the HERO3 to the HERO3+ Black:
In the case of GoPro - smaller is actually better! If your GoPro HERO2 is must-have gear on track day then it is time to upgrade to the HERO3 or HERO3+. Once you experience it's versatility, image sharpness, professional video and photo capability, and should we add, the extra battery life, you'll wonder why you didn't make the switch earlier. Think of it this way - you're replacing a Polaroid with a Canon EOS.
Except - you're getting a GoPro!
The current GoPro offerings include the HERO3 (White edition) and HERO3+ (Black and Silver editions). Compare all their specs below to help you decide on whether to upgrade from a HERO2 and if you decide on an upgrade - which GoPro camera best fits your budget and lifestyle. Then check out our GoPro cameras and accessories.
| MSRP |
HERO3+Black Edition$399.99
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HERO3+Silver Edition$299.99
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HERO3White Edition$199.99
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Image Quality
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Optics + Lens
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Ultra-sharp ƒ/2.8 - 6 element aspherical glass lens, Ultra wide angle with reduced distortion
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Ultra-sharp ƒ/2.8 - 6 element aspherical glass lens, Ultra wide angle with reduced distortion
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Ultra-sharp ƒ/2.8 - 6 element lens, Ultra wide angle with reduced distortion
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Low Light Performance
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Professional Grade
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Prosumer Grade
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Consumer Grade
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Photo Features
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Megapixels
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12MP
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10MP
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5MP
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Modes
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Video Features + FOV
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| 4K (16:9) |
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N/A | N/A |
| 4K (17:9) |
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N/A | N/A |
| 2.7K (16:9) |
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N/A | N/A |
| 2.7K (17:9) |
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N/A | N/A |
| 1440p (4:3) |
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N/A | N/A |
| 1080p (16:9) |
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| 1080p SuperView (16:9) |
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N/A | N/A |
| 960p (4:3) |
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| 720p (16:9) |
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| 720p SuperView (16:9) |
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N/A | N/A |
| WVGA (16:9) |
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Photo Specs
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| Megapixels + FOV | 12MP (Wide), 7MP (Wide + Medium), 5MP (Medium) | 10MP (Wide), 7MP (Wide), 5MP (Medium) | 5MP (Wide) |
| Time Lapse Intervals | 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 30, 60 seconds | 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 30, 60 seconds | 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 30, 60 seconds |
| Burst Photo (Frames/sec) | 30/1, 30/2, 30/3, 10/1, 10/2, 5/1, 3/1 | 3/1, 5/1, 10/1 | 3/1 |
| Continuous Photo (Frames/sec) | 3/1, 5/1, 10/1 | N/A | N/A |
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Advanced Features
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| Wi-Fi Built-in | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| SuperView | Yes | No | No |
| Auto Low Light | Yes | No | No |
| Protune Mode | Yes | No | No |
| Simultaneous Photo + Video | Photo every 5, 10, 30, 60 seconds; Manual | No | No |
| White Balance | Auto, 3000K, 5500K, 6500K Cam Raw (with Protune) | No | No |
| Looping Video | Yes | Yes | Yes |
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High Video Bitrate Capture (H.264)
Mode dependent, highest bitrates supported in Protune |
Up to 45/Mbs | Up to 25/Mbs | Up to 15/Mbs |
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Audio Specs
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| Mono Mic, AAC compression w/ AGC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
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Usability
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| LED Indicators |
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| Inputs | Micro-HDMI port, mini USB, microSD, HERO Port, composite A/V (via adapter, optional accessory), 3.5mm stereo mic (via adapter, optional accessory) | Micro-HDMI port, mini USB, microSD, HERO Port, composite A/V (via adapter, optional accessory), 3.5mm stereo mic (via adapter, optional accessory) | Micro-HDMI port, mini USB, microSD, HERO Port, composite A/V (via adapter, optional accessory), 3.5mm stereo mic (via adapter, optional accessory) |
| Battery | 1180mAH rechargeable lithium-ion | 1180mAH rechargeable lithium-ion | 1050mAh rechargeable lithium-ion |
| Storage (Memory) | microSD Class 10 required; Up to 64GB capacity supported | microSD Class 10 required; Up to 64GB capacity supported | microSD Class 4 or higher recommended; Up to 64GB capacity supported (Class 10 required for Time Lapse photos @ 0.5 sec intervals) |
| Average Record Time | Recording times will very based on resolution and frame rate settings | Recording times will very based on resolution and frame rate settings | Recording times will very based on resolution and frame rate settings |
| Operating System | MacOS®X 10.5 and later, Microsoft Windows® Vista, 7 and later | MacOS®X 10.5 and later, Microsoft Windows® Vista, 7 and later | MacOS®X 10.5 and later, Microsoft Windows® Vista, 7 and later |
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What's Included
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HERO3+ Black Edition/Surf contains 1 Surfboard Mount and Tether, 1 Curved + Flat Adhesive Mount not included
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