GoPro has announced a refresh to its Hero 3 camera with the Hero 3+.
It is a mild upgrade to the Hero 3; however, the updates address some of the key criticisms of the Hero 3. The Hero 3+ features 30% more battery life thanks to a 1180mAh battery (up from a 1050 mAh battery in the Hero 3). Additionally, the Hero 3+ gets a sharper f/2.8 lens, 4x faster built-in WiFi.
GoPro Hero 3 compared to Hero 3+
GoPro claims a 20% reduction in size and weight; however, that comes in the size of the mount rather than the camera itself. The Hero 3+ looks almost identical to the Hero 3 as far as the camera is concerned.
New features inside the Hero 3+ includes new SuperView and Auto Low Light modes, as well as improved audio quality. SuperView uses more of the camera’s sensor and then conforms the image to 16:9 format. This allows for even wider angle capture. Auto Low Light mode adjusts frame rates base on lighting conditions in order to better capture video in low light.
GoPro Hero 3+ Black Edition Key Features
- Supports 4K, 2.7K, 1440p & 1080p Video
- Capture up to 12MP Photos at 30 fps
- Ultra Wide Angle Glass Lens
- Camera Housing Waterproof to 131′
- Built-In Wi-Fi & GoPro App Compatible
- Wi-Fi Remote & Basic Mounts Included
- Wi-Fi Remote Has 600′ Transmission Range
- Auto Low Light & SuperView Video Modes
- HERO3+ Is 20% Smaller Than HERO3
- Battery Lasts 30% Longer Than HERO3
The Hero 3+ is available in Black or Silver editions at $399 and $299, respectively. While the Hero 3+ Silver edition does not get the new SuperView and Auto Low Light features, it does get a bump in frame rates – allowing for 1080/60p and 720/120p capture.
