I’m willing to bet that action cameras may have the highest ratio of purchase to actual use of most accessories out there. Everyone likes the idea of replaying the best moments from their recent adventure, but in the past most action cameras have been hard to use, offered disappointing footage, and eventually made their way to the shelf only to be covered in dust. Then GoPro introduced the Hero3 which offered drastically improved image quality over their previous models. Not one to sit on their hands, a year later GoPro had a new camera – the Hero3+, the + means more awesome.
The 3+ promised to be better in every way – see what that looks like after the break.
Inside the box you’ll find:
- HERO3+ Black Edition Camera
- 131’/40m Waterproof Housing
- Skeleton door for housing
- Wi-Fi Remote
- Remote key ring
- Wi-Fi Remote Charging Cable
- Li-ion Battery
- Quick Release Buckle
- Vertical Quick Release Buckle
- 1 Curved + 1 Flat Adhesive Mount
- 3-Way Pivot Arm and gripper
- USB Cable
- instructions including quick start guide
Like the 3, the 3+ uses a MicroSD card that hides in the charging panel. The new 1180mAH is said to provide 30% longer battery life than the 3, though in cold weather testing so far I have been unable to film past 2 hours. On our fatbike adventure below the camera cut out at about 80 minutes of filming. Warmer weather should improve the battery life, though too warm and the camera may get hot.
There hasn’t been a whole lot of noise about the redesigned case for the 3+, other than the fact that it’s 20% smaller. Which is a shame, considering there have been some very worthwhile updates.
Compared to the previous Hero 3, one of the biggest improvements is likely the increased size of the buttons. Anyone who has ever tried to operate a GoPro with a gloved hand knows how hard it can be at times to press the previous generation’s buttons. Inevitably you would go one step too far and have to cycle through the whole menu again, furthering the frustration. We’re not sure why it took quite so long, but the buttons on the 3+ are big, and they are easy to operate. Even with bulky winter gloves when it’s strapped to your head. Nice work.
Further improvements come in the form of an easier to operate clasp for the case. While the previous model involved two steps to open the case, the 3+ uses a simple one step snap. These case changes have been made to all of the currently available GoPros, including the $199 White Edition Hero3.
The 3+ is lighter as well, managing to trim nearly 30g off the 3 (both weighed with standard waterproof casing). However, it appears the 3+ has gotten away from the replaceable lens on the waterproof case which is surely where some of the weight went. The Hero 3 case is thicker so you do lose some diving ability with the new case at 131 feet on the 3+, versus 197 feet with the 3. While all of the tech sites are focusing on the improvements in software, I’ll be honest and say I’m most excited about the larger buttons. I’m not a pro videographer, so anything that makes the camera easier to use and takes less time out of the ride I’m all for.