If you planning to buy a GoPro action camera your time has come. But instead of getting the Hero2 you should wait and get the new one: Hero3 was introduced on October 17 and can be preordered on the GoPro website.
The Hero3 comes in three different models:
- Black – 4K 15fps, 2.7K 30fps, 1080p 60fps, Still photo continuous shooting: 12mp at 30fps
- Silver – 1080p30 for video and 11MP at 10fps for still photos
- White – still photo resolution limit of 5MP at 3fps
Available for Order: November 30, 2012

2X Faster Video Performance
The HERO3: Black Edition captures professional, cinema-quality video at 2X the resolution and 2X the frame-rate of previous models while delivering 2X better low light performance. Slow-motion aficionados and industry professionals will love the HERO3: Black Edition’s 1080p-60, 720p-120, WVGA-240, 960p-100 and 1440p-48 video modes while those desiring a cinematic look will appreciate the ultra-high resolution 2.7kp-24 and 4kp-12 (Protune only) video modes.
3X Faster Photo Performance
The HERO3: Black Edition’s photo performance is 3X improved, now boasting 12MP burst capture at a staggering 30 frames per second with 2X better low light performance compared to previous models. Still Photo and Time-lapse Photo modes remain the same but are now joined by a new Continuous Photo mode that captures continuous 12MP stills at a steady 3, 5, or 10 photo-per-second rate, up to 30 photos at a time.
Redesigned Audio System
Understanding that sound quality is as important as image quality, GoPro engineers completely redesigned the HERO3 to be as adept at capturing the subtle, natural sounds of voice and music as it is at capturing the immersive sounds of sport. Also improved is GoPro’s already famous wind-noise reduction, ensuring that you’ll hear more of your passion, be it your engine or expletives, and less of the wind during high speed activities.
The HERO3 Black Edition features built-in Wi-Fi and includes GoPro’s Wi-Fi Remote accessory. The Wi-Fi Remote is normally available as a $79.99 accessory but is included with the HERO3: Black Edition. The Wi-Fi Remote is waterproof, wearable and can control up to 50 Wi-Fi-enabled GoPros at a time from a range of 600′. The HERO3’s built in Wi-Fi means it can also be controlled by iOS or Android smartphones and tablets running the GoPro App. The GoPro App enables full camera control and live scene preview on any compatible iOS or Android smartphone or tablet.

Key Specs Black Version
- Professional 4k Cinema 12 fps / 2.7k cinema 30 fps / 1440p 48 fps / 1080p 60 fps / 960p 100 fps /720p 120 fps and more video capture
- 12MP photo capture with 30 fps burst
- Wi-Fi Built-In
- Wi-Fi Remote Compatible (included)
- GoPro App Compatible (FREE)
- 197’/ 60m Waterproof Housing*
- Assorted mounts and hardware included for attaching to helmets, gear and more
Included:
- HERO3: Black Edition Camera
- 197’/ 60m Waterproof Housing*
- Wi-Fi Remote + Key Ring
- Remote Charging Cable
- Rechargeable Li-ion Battery
- QR Buckle
- J-Hook Buckle
- 3-Way Pivot
- 1 Curved Adhesive Mount
- 1 Flat Adhesive Mount
- Assorted Mounts and Hardware
- USB Charging Cable
Optics
- Ultra sharp ƒ/2.8 6-element aspherical glass lens
- Ultra wide angle / reduced distortion
- 2X Better low-light performance*
Video (NTSC/PAL)
Video Resolution |
NTSC fps |
PAL fps |
STD Mode |
Protune Mode |
Field of View (FOV) |
Screen Resolution/ Aspect Ratio |
4K |
15 fps |
12.5 fps |
NO |
ONLY in Protune |
Ultra Wide |
3840×2160 16:9 |
4K Cin |
12 fps |
12 fps |
NO |
ONLY in Protune |
Ultra Wide |
4096×2160 17:9 |
2.7K |
30 fps |
25 fps |
YES* |
YES |
Ultra Wide |
2716×1524 16:9 |
2.7K Cin |
24 fps |
24 fps |
YES* |
YES |
Ultra Wide |
2716×1440 17:9 |
1080p |
60, 48, 30, 24 fps |
50, 48, 25, 24 fps |
YES |
YES |
Ultra Wide, Medium, Narrow |
1920×1080 16:9 |
1440p |
48, 30, 24 fps |
48, 25, 24 fps |
YES |
YES |
Ultra Wide |
1920×1440 4:3 |
960p |
100, 48 fps |
100, 48 fps |
YES |
YES |
Ultra Wide |
1280×960 4:3 |
720p |
120, 60 fps |
100, 50 fps |
YES |
YES |
Ultra Wide, Narrow* |
1280×720 16:9 |
WVGA |
240 fps |
240 fps |
YES |
NO |
Ultra Wide |
848×480 16:9 |
Note: *May require a firmware update on camera
- Video format: H.264 codec, .mp4 file format
- White Balance: auto and manual
Photo Modes
- 12, 7, 5MP resolutions
- Burst: 30 photos per second
- Continuous Photo: 3 photos per second, 5 photos per second, 10 photos per second
- Time-lapse: 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 30, 60 second intervals
- Simultaneous Photo + Video:
- 12MP + 1440p24 fps
- 8MP + 1080p30 fps 8
- 8MP + 720p60 fps
Battery & Charging
- 1050mAh rechargeable lithium-ion
- Charge via USB
Audio
- Mono, 48kHz, AAC compression w/ AGC
- Supports optional 3.5mm stereo mic adapter **
Storage
- Memory:
- MicroSD class 10 or higher required
- Up to 64GB capacity supported
- Record times will vary with resolutions and frame rates
Included Cables
Operating System
- Microsoft Windows® Vista, 7 and later
*Compared to HD HERO2 and HERO3 White and Silver Edition Cameras
**Optional accessories sold separately.
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