GoPro just revealed its Hero3 Black Edition action cam and really stepped up the game.  The Hero3 is 30% smaller and 25% lighter than the Hero2 and it sports a 2x faster image processor. The Hero3 is the first action cam to shoot 4K video.  Frame rates and resolutions include:

• 4K at 12fps
• 2.7K at 30/25/24fps
• 1440p at 48/30/35/24fps
• 1080p at 60/50/48/30/25/24fps
• 960p at 100/48fps
• 720p at 120/100fps
• 854x480p at 240fps

The GoPro Hero3 also includes built-in WiFi for control via remote or by using the GoPro iOS and Android apps.  The Hero3 sports a sharper lens and reduced distortion, as well as improved sound over the Hero2.

The Hero3 Black Edition retails for $400 and will ship Monday, October 22.  You can check availability on GoPro’s website and at B&H Photo.

There is also a Silver Edition and a White Edition, priced at $300 and $200, respectively.  Both of these models offer max resolution of 1080/30p and will also do 720p at 60fps.

The key differences between the Silver and White Editions are photo resolution and Protune compatibility.  The Silver Edition offers 11MP still image capture while the White Edition offers 5MP still image capture.  Additionally, the Silver Edition offers compatibility with Protune as well as control over white balance.