Action camera stalwart GoPro has announced a new generation of its Hero video recorders, with three new models catering for amateur and professional videographers. The new Hero 3 action cameras are 30 per cent smaller and 25 per cent lighter than their GoPro HD Hero 2 ancestor.
The GoPro Hero 3 Black Edition is the top model, shooting video in a variety of formats and resolutions. It’s distinct from the other models offered in that it can shoot 4K resolution video at 15 frames per second, 1440p video at 48fps, 1080p video at 60 fps, and 720p video at 120fps — twice the performance of the lesser Silver and White Editions and of most other action cameras on the market.
The GoPro Hero 3 Black Edition also shoots 12-megapixel still images, and can take a burst of 30 frames in a single second. It comes with a Wi-Fi-connected remote control which shows recording data, and is compatible with a GoPro app for smartphones which allows wireless connection and control. It’s available for pre-order now on GoPro.com for US$399.99.
Stepping down slightly in the model line-up is the GoPro Hero 3 Silver Edition, cutting out the bundled Wi-Fi remote control, app compatibility, and using a different sensor offering 11-megapixel stills with a 10fps burst, 1080p video at 30fps, 960p at 48fps, and 720p at 60fps. The Hero 3 Silver Edition will be $299.99 when it goes on sale.
The base model in GoPro’s action camera refresh is the $199.99 White Edition. In the same body as the Silver Edition, it drops down to more consumer-level video and photo recording modes — 5-megapixel stills at a 3fps burst, 1080p 30fps video, 960p also at 30fps, and 720p at 60fps.
A series of accessories are going on sale with the Hero 3, including rear LCD screen and battery ‘BacPacs’, various mounting systems and video output cables.
