August 18, 2014 at 13:13GoPro Hero 3+ Black Edition - a view of a tourist and a cyclist
Hello dear friends!
I want to talk about the action camera GoPro HERO 3+ Black Edition. This is GoPro's most advanced product to date. Compared to previous versions of GoPro cameras, it received a number of improvements: a new reduced waterproof box, a reduced minimum focusing distance, increased battery life, increased sharpness (improved optics) and a 4-fold increase in the speed of the built-in Wi-Fi module ... I chose this name for review, because most of the videos were shot from a bicycle (my friend and I rode). Walking and underwater shooting brother made during his tourist trip.
GoPro Hero 3+ comes on the market in several versions, between which there are significant structural differences. Also, cameras of various modifications are equipped with various stock accessories (remote control, mounts, etc.). First you need to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of each delivery option. This can be done, for example, on the website of the largest official GoPro dealer in Russia or on the official website of GoPro.
CMOS matrix , 1 / 2.3``, 12MP;
Lens Wide-angle (170 degrees), f / 2.8, fixed focal length (0.6 m - infinity); glass lens with 6 aspherical elements;
Video Resolution : 4096 x 2160 (12 frames / s), 2704 x 1524 (25 frames / s), 2704 x 1440 (24 frames / s), 1920 x 1440 (up to 48 frames / s), 1920 x 1080 (up to 60 frames / s), 1280 x 960 (up to 100 frames / s), 1280 x 720 (up to 120 frames / s), 848 x 480 (up to 240 frames / s)
Recording format MPEG4, H.264
Sound Built-in microphone and connectivity external microphone
Photo format: JPG, 12 MP, 7 MP, 5 MP;
Memory: MicroSD card up to 64 GB;
Interfaces:HERO, Micro-HDMI, Mini-USB 2.0, microSD card slot;
Network: Wi-Fi 802.11 b / g / n;
Battery capacity: 1180 mAh (4.37Wh) (Li-ion), 2 hours of continuous shooting with a resolution of 1080p / 24fps;
Dimensions: 59 × 41 × 29 mm;
Weight: 75g;
Additional options: SuperView mode (for an extra wide viewing angle), Protune mode with an extended dynamic range, Auto Low Light mode (improved shooting in low light conditions), photos during video recording, white balance adjustment, wireless camera control using the remote control or mobile devices, start of video recording when the camera is turned on, charging from USB, serial and time-lapse photography, cyclic video recording;
Classic GoPro box made of plastic and cardboard. The camera itself is hidden behind a transparent cover, and a remote control was modestly attached next to it.
The camera is equipped with the necessary set of basic accessories.
In addition to the standard delivery kit, the dealer adds: a universal chest mount, a carrying bag, a car charger, a key for clips and a tissue for optics:
Two different USB cables of good quality and comfortable length are included in the kit. One cable is needed to connect to a PC and charge the camera’s battery (the indicator on the front panel lights up in red, it goes out after a full charge):
Another cable is needed to charge the battery of the remote control. The charging process and information about the end are displayed on the LCD screen of the remote control: The
protective sealed fiberglass box is equipped with a latch on the top panel and large duplicate buttons that are convenient to press blindly. Boxing withstands heavy shocks and dives up to 40 meters. In addition to boxing, there is a cover with slots, which is designed for shooting, where special requirements are placed on the soundtrack: The
camera can be mounted on one of two mounts, also in the kit - a swivel joint and two landing sites of various shapes (flat and curved) with Velcro 3M for mounting on different types of surfaces:
A special detachable lock allows you to fix the remote control as a keychain:
A complete set of instructions and warranty cards of all stripes, including a user manual in Russian:
The camera comes in a classic silver-black color. The case itself is made of shockproof plastic with a soft-touch coating that prevents the camera from slipping out of hands. The dimensions of the device are 59 × 41 × 29 mm with a weight of 75 grams.
On the front panel there is a large fisheye lens, a small monochrome display, a power button \ menu navigation and camera operation indicators (WiFi - blue, above, charge \ shooting - red, below).
On the top of the camera are the shutter button \ menu item selection, shooting indicator (red) and a slot for the microphone:
On the right side there are Micro-HDMI, Mini-USB 2.0 connectors covered with a rubber cover, and a microSD card slot for up to 64 GB. Mini-USB port is combined with audio input for an external microphone and analog video output (tulip). To use these additional features, you need to purchase a combo cable or microphone cable (3.5mm).
On the left side you can see the Wi-Fi activation button and a sound alarm speaker:
On the rear panel there is a battery cover, a HERO interface connector (for an external display, etc.) and a status indicator (red):
Having removed the back cover, we remove the battery, battery weight 26 gram, capacity 1180 mAh:
Camera weight with battery 75 grams:
The remote control has a status indicator and a small monochrome display that copies the status of the main screen of the camera. The remote control is lightweight and the controls are no different from the camera itself. It allows you to fully control the shooting at a distance of 200 m.
The proprietary camera processor easily processes video with a resolution of 4096 × 2160 (4K) without failures and overheating, in this recording mode the case does not overheat above 45 °. GoPro Hero 3+ Black Edition has a 1 / 2.3 '' matrix with a resolution of 12 megapixels and a lens with a glass lens (6 aspherical segments, the minimum aperture is f / 2.8, the minimum focus distance is 0.18 m). If in brief, GoPro Hero 3+ can: shoot video, photos, a series of photos (30 frames per second), work in time-lapse mode.
The camera interface is simplified to minimalism by pressing only two buttons (switch - on button; select - record button), you can change the current operating modes: video shooting, photo, burst photo, time-lapse, settings. Navigating through the menu occurs only in one direction and information on the settings in the current mode is displayed on the screen.
The camera does not have a built-in viewfinder, this problem is fixed by an external touch LCDfrom commercially available accessories. Also, a smartphone or tablet running iOS or Android can act as a viewfinder. To use this function, you need to activate the Wi-Fi module built into the camera. To connect a mobile device and GoPro, you must select the appropriate mode on the camera. To work with the remote control, you need to select the desired item in the camera menu. Simultaneous operation with a smartphone and remote control is not possible. After pressing the button on the left side of the camera, a local wireless network with built-in security system is activated (the name of the access point and password can be changed). To fully use the viewfinder, manage the settings of the camera and access point, you must install the GoPro App for iOS or Android .
The camera uses a new Wi-Fi chip. The delay time when viewing in the application for mobile devices is 1 second. Video on your phone or tablet is displayed in almost real time.
The fisheye lens with a fixed focal length has a viewing angle of 170 degrees. The camera software allows you to use several modes at the viewing angles: Wide, Medium, Narrow. The new Super Wide mode gives you extra spatial distortion when shooting.
A wide range of resolutions is available for shooting, up to 4K, but in my subjective opinion, the “1080 Super View” (1920 x 1080 at 48/50 frames per second) can be considered the most optimal and universal mode.
There are no interlaced modes in the camera, i.e. There is no interlacing when viewing. In general, the colors are very bright, the picture is characterized by sharpness and saturation.
Using this camera, you can shoot slow-motion video in modes: 1280 x 960 with a frequency of up to 100 frames per second, 1280 x 720 with a frequency of up to 120 frames per second and 848 x 480 - up to 240 frames per second.
I would like to separately note the Protune mode, this mode does not particularly load the built-in processor, but it allows you to adjust the white balance and improve the picture quality.
GoPro Hero 3+ Black Edition can take photos with a resolution of 12 megapixels. Pictures are taken with some spatial distortion and reduced sharpness at the edges. I would especially like to note the photo-shooting mode called “time-lapse”, in it you can set the interval between frames (from 0.5 seconds to one minute) and manually control the number of frames in the interval.
As promised at the very beginning of the review, I divided all the videos and photos directly shot on this camera into two parts. The first part is tourist, recreational, swimming, the second part is more rigid, extreme, cycling.
Photos:
Original 12MP photos.
Video:
The main mode for shooting recreational and underwater videos was set to “1080 Super View” - 1920 x 1080 at 48 frames per second (PAL). Protune and Auto Low Light modes have also been activated.
Source video
Source video
Source video
Source video
Source video
Source video
Source video
Source video
Photos from the saddle
Original photos with a resolution of 12 megapixels.
To test the capabilities of the camera, my friend and I recorded low-extreme videos with different resolutions and frame rates. Rollers divided into 3 parts: day, evening, night.
1. Daytime shootings (just me):
Source video
Original video
2. Evening shooting (me and a friend):
Source video
Source video
Source video
3. Night shoots (only me):
Source video
Source video
Source video
Hero 3+ Black Edition made a positive impression on me, it meets all the requirements for modern portable action cameras. It should be noted a number of factors that allow GoPro cameras to be popular and in demand: reliable assembly and extreme compactness; a large number of recording formats; wide-angle optics giving excellent sharpness and excellent resolution of the matrix. The camera is also popular due to the large number of various mounts. They make it possible to mount the camera anywhere, which allows you to get unusual shots from various angles. This is especially true for outdoor activities and extreme sports, when shooting with a regular camera is simply not possible.
Pros:
1. FullHD video shooting with a high frame rate (50-60fps)
2. High-speed Wi-Fi with a minimum time delay for broadcasting a video stream (1s)
3. Micro-HDMI interface for outputting a video stream without delays
4. Serious autonomy reserve, 1180 mAh battery (2 hours of continuous shooting)
5. Compact size and light weight (75 g)
6. Waterproof protective box and other accessories included
7. Good software optimization for mobile devices (GoPro App)
8. No interlacing shooting modes (no interlacing) sweep when viewing)
9. LED indicator for charging, shooting mode and Wi-Fi operation
Cons:
1. Mechanical buttons (the only possible option for normal camera control with gloves on)
2. Archaic monochrome LCD display left by the manufacturer due to the compact size of the case. If desired, you can connect a full color touch screen from the available accessories.
The Hero 3+ Black Edition camera can be purchased from the largest official dealer in Russia, Action5.ru store . Buying in this store provides several advantages:
1. Free air delivery by courier
2. As a gift, additional camera accessories, the list of which is constantly updated.
3. Free test drive (you can return the camera within 20 days after purchase)
4. Lifetime discount on accessories when buying a camera in the action5.ru online store
5. The largest selection of mounts and accessories in Russia.
6. Extended warranty.
Do not forget to follow us on Vkontakte , Twitter and Google+ ! And of course, subscribe to our blog on Habré in your profile .
I want to talk about the action camera GoPro HERO 3+ Black Edition. This is GoPro's most advanced product to date. Compared to previous versions of GoPro cameras, it received a number of improvements: a new reduced waterproof box, a reduced minimum focusing distance, increased battery life, increased sharpness (improved optics) and a 4-fold increase in the speed of the built-in Wi-Fi module ... I chose this name for review, because most of the videos were shot from a bicycle (my friend and I rode). Walking and underwater shooting brother made during his tourist trip.
> Introduction
GoPro Hero 3+ comes on the market in several versions, between which there are significant structural differences. Also, cameras of various modifications are equipped with various stock accessories (remote control, mounts, etc.). First you need to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of each delivery option. This can be done, for example, on the website of the largest official GoPro dealer in Russia or on the official website of GoPro.
> Specifications
CMOS matrix , 1 / 2.3``, 12MP;
Lens Wide-angle (170 degrees), f / 2.8, fixed focal length (0.6 m - infinity); glass lens with 6 aspherical elements;
Video Resolution : 4096 x 2160 (12 frames / s), 2704 x 1524 (25 frames / s), 2704 x 1440 (24 frames / s), 1920 x 1440 (up to 48 frames / s), 1920 x 1080 (up to 60 frames / s), 1280 x 960 (up to 100 frames / s), 1280 x 720 (up to 120 frames / s), 848 x 480 (up to 240 frames / s)
Recording format MPEG4, H.264
Sound Built-in microphone and connectivity external microphone
Photo format: JPG, 12 MP, 7 MP, 5 MP;
Memory: MicroSD card up to 64 GB;
Interfaces:HERO, Micro-HDMI, Mini-USB 2.0, microSD card slot;
Network: Wi-Fi 802.11 b / g / n;
Battery capacity: 1180 mAh (4.37Wh) (Li-ion), 2 hours of continuous shooting with a resolution of 1080p / 24fps;
Dimensions: 59 × 41 × 29 mm;
Weight: 75g;
Additional options: SuperView mode (for an extra wide viewing angle), Protune mode with an extended dynamic range, Auto Low Light mode (improved shooting in low light conditions), photos during video recording, white balance adjustment, wireless camera control using the remote control or mobile devices, start of video recording when the camera is turned on, charging from USB, serial and time-lapse photography, cyclic video recording;
> Options
Classic GoPro box made of plastic and cardboard. The camera itself is hidden behind a transparent cover, and a remote control was modestly attached next to it.
The camera is equipped with the necessary set of basic accessories.
In addition to the standard delivery kit, the dealer adds: a universal chest mount, a carrying bag, a car charger, a key for clips and a tissue for optics:
Two different USB cables of good quality and comfortable length are included in the kit. One cable is needed to connect to a PC and charge the camera’s battery (the indicator on the front panel lights up in red, it goes out after a full charge):
Another cable is needed to charge the battery of the remote control. The charging process and information about the end are displayed on the LCD screen of the remote control: The
protective sealed fiberglass box is equipped with a latch on the top panel and large duplicate buttons that are convenient to press blindly. Boxing withstands heavy shocks and dives up to 40 meters. In addition to boxing, there is a cover with slots, which is designed for shooting, where special requirements are placed on the soundtrack: The
camera can be mounted on one of two mounts, also in the kit - a swivel joint and two landing sites of various shapes (flat and curved) with Velcro 3M for mounting on different types of surfaces:
A special detachable lock allows you to fix the remote control as a keychain:
A complete set of instructions and warranty cards of all stripes, including a user manual in Russian:
> Design and ergonomics
The camera comes in a classic silver-black color. The case itself is made of shockproof plastic with a soft-touch coating that prevents the camera from slipping out of hands. The dimensions of the device are 59 × 41 × 29 mm with a weight of 75 grams.
On the front panel there is a large fisheye lens, a small monochrome display, a power button \ menu navigation and camera operation indicators (WiFi - blue, above, charge \ shooting - red, below).
On the top of the camera are the shutter button \ menu item selection, shooting indicator (red) and a slot for the microphone:
On the right side there are Micro-HDMI, Mini-USB 2.0 connectors covered with a rubber cover, and a microSD card slot for up to 64 GB. Mini-USB port is combined with audio input for an external microphone and analog video output (tulip). To use these additional features, you need to purchase a combo cable or microphone cable (3.5mm).
On the left side you can see the Wi-Fi activation button and a sound alarm speaker:
On the rear panel there is a battery cover, a HERO interface connector (for an external display, etc.) and a status indicator (red):
Having removed the back cover, we remove the battery, battery weight 26 gram, capacity 1180 mAh:
Camera weight with battery 75 grams:
The remote control has a status indicator and a small monochrome display that copies the status of the main screen of the camera. The remote control is lightweight and the controls are no different from the camera itself. It allows you to fully control the shooting at a distance of 200 m.
> Iron
The proprietary camera processor easily processes video with a resolution of 4096 × 2160 (4K) without failures and overheating, in this recording mode the case does not overheat above 45 °. GoPro Hero 3+ Black Edition has a 1 / 2.3 '' matrix with a resolution of 12 megapixels and a lens with a glass lens (6 aspherical segments, the minimum aperture is f / 2.8, the minimum focus distance is 0.18 m). If in brief, GoPro Hero 3+ can: shoot video, photos, a series of photos (30 frames per second), work in time-lapse mode.
> Interface and software
The camera interface is simplified to minimalism by pressing only two buttons (switch - on button; select - record button), you can change the current operating modes: video shooting, photo, burst photo, time-lapse, settings. Navigating through the menu occurs only in one direction and information on the settings in the current mode is displayed on the screen.
The camera does not have a built-in viewfinder, this problem is fixed by an external touch LCDfrom commercially available accessories. Also, a smartphone or tablet running iOS or Android can act as a viewfinder. To use this function, you need to activate the Wi-Fi module built into the camera. To connect a mobile device and GoPro, you must select the appropriate mode on the camera. To work with the remote control, you need to select the desired item in the camera menu. Simultaneous operation with a smartphone and remote control is not possible. After pressing the button on the left side of the camera, a local wireless network with built-in security system is activated (the name of the access point and password can be changed). To fully use the viewfinder, manage the settings of the camera and access point, you must install the GoPro App for iOS or Android .
The camera uses a new Wi-Fi chip. The delay time when viewing in the application for mobile devices is 1 second. Video on your phone or tablet is displayed in almost real time.
> Shooting in various modes
The fisheye lens with a fixed focal length has a viewing angle of 170 degrees. The camera software allows you to use several modes at the viewing angles: Wide, Medium, Narrow. The new Super Wide mode gives you extra spatial distortion when shooting.
A wide range of resolutions is available for shooting, up to 4K, but in my subjective opinion, the “1080 Super View” (1920 x 1080 at 48/50 frames per second) can be considered the most optimal and universal mode.
There are no interlaced modes in the camera, i.e. There is no interlacing when viewing. In general, the colors are very bright, the picture is characterized by sharpness and saturation.
Using this camera, you can shoot slow-motion video in modes: 1280 x 960 with a frequency of up to 100 frames per second, 1280 x 720 with a frequency of up to 120 frames per second and 848 x 480 - up to 240 frames per second.
I would like to separately note the Protune mode, this mode does not particularly load the built-in processor, but it allows you to adjust the white balance and improve the picture quality.
GoPro Hero 3+ Black Edition can take photos with a resolution of 12 megapixels. Pictures are taken with some spatial distortion and reduced sharpness at the edges. I would especially like to note the photo-shooting mode called “time-lapse”, in it you can set the interval between frames (from 0.5 seconds to one minute) and manually control the number of frames in the interval.
As promised at the very beginning of the review, I divided all the videos and photos directly shot on this camera into two parts. The first part is tourist, recreational, swimming, the second part is more rigid, extreme, cycling.
> 1. Tourist look
Photos:
Original 12MP photos.
Video:
The main mode for shooting recreational and underwater videos was set to “1080 Super View” - 1920 x 1080 at 48 frames per second (PAL). Protune and Auto Low Light modes have also been activated.
Source video
Source video
Source video
Source video
Source video
Source video
Source video
Source video
> 2. Cyclist look
Photos from the saddle
Original photos with a resolution of 12 megapixels.
> Extreme video
To test the capabilities of the camera, my friend and I recorded low-extreme videos with different resolutions and frame rates. Rollers divided into 3 parts: day, evening, night.
1. Daytime shootings (just me):
Source video
Original video
2. Evening shooting (me and a friend):
Source video
Source video
Source video
3. Night shoots (only me):
Source video
Source video
Source video
> Conclusion:
Hero 3+ Black Edition made a positive impression on me, it meets all the requirements for modern portable action cameras. It should be noted a number of factors that allow GoPro cameras to be popular and in demand: reliable assembly and extreme compactness; a large number of recording formats; wide-angle optics giving excellent sharpness and excellent resolution of the matrix. The camera is also popular due to the large number of various mounts. They make it possible to mount the camera anywhere, which allows you to get unusual shots from various angles. This is especially true for outdoor activities and extreme sports, when shooting with a regular camera is simply not possible.
Pros:
1. FullHD video shooting with a high frame rate (50-60fps)
2. High-speed Wi-Fi with a minimum time delay for broadcasting a video stream (1s)
3. Micro-HDMI interface for outputting a video stream without delays
4. Serious autonomy reserve, 1180 mAh battery (2 hours of continuous shooting)
5. Compact size and light weight (75 g)
6. Waterproof protective box and other accessories included
7. Good software optimization for mobile devices (GoPro App)
8. No interlacing shooting modes (no interlacing) sweep when viewing)
9. LED indicator for charging, shooting mode and Wi-Fi operation
Cons:
1. Mechanical buttons (the only possible option for normal camera control with gloves on)
2. Archaic monochrome LCD display left by the manufacturer due to the compact size of the case. If desired, you can connect a full color touch screen from the available accessories.
The Hero 3+ Black Edition camera can be purchased from the largest official dealer in Russia, Action5.ru store . Buying in this store provides several advantages:
1. Free air delivery by courier
2. As a gift, additional camera accessories, the list of which is constantly updated.
3. Free test drive (you can return the camera within 20 days after purchase)
4. Lifetime discount on accessories when buying a camera in the action5.ru online store
5. The largest selection of mounts and accessories in Russia.
6. Extended warranty.
Do not forget to follow us on Vkontakte , Twitter and Google+ ! And of course, subscribe to our blog on Habré in your profile .