Monday, September 29, 2014

THE GOPRO HERO3 BLACK: SURF EDITION REVIEW

THE GOPRO HERO3 BLACK: SURF EDITION MIGHT BE ONLY CAMERA YOU NEED TO TAKE BRILLIANT QUALITY IMAGES AND VIDEO WHEN YOU ARE OUT ON THE WATER ON YOUR STAND UP PADDLE BOARD (SUP).

FEATURES

The GoPro HERO3 Black: Surf Edition is essentially exactly the same model as the GoPro HERO3 Black, but additionally comes with specialised surfboard/SUP mounts to make sure your GoPro stays with you when out in the water. The camera is waterproof to 131 feet (40m), so long as encased in the supplied waterproof housing. The device is also shockproof.

The GoPro HERO3 Black: Surf Edition features wi-fi built in, and includes the GoPro Wi-Fi Remote, which is usually sold individually for approx. $79.99.

VIDEO AND CAMERA MODES

The device records to .MP4 format (using the H.264 codec), which all modern computers can read, and is the standard for most online video sites (such as YouTube).

There are various different video options for The GoPro HERO3 Black: Surf Edition, however for those not camera savvy, here's a short rundown of the different camera modes available:

Still Photo
Take a single photo.

Continuous Photo
Hold down the shutter button to continuously capture a series of photos up to the point shutter button is released.

Simultaneous Video and Photo
Record video and capture Time Lapse photos simultaneously.

Burst Photo
Capture as much as 30 images per second – suitable for fast action digital photography.

Time Lapse
Automatically take a series of photographs at timed periods. Ideal for taking images when the camera is beyond reach.

Auto Low Light mode can intelligently alter the cameras frame rates based upon lighting conditions, so you can still get great shots from the water as the sun is either coming up or going down.

GOPRO APP

While not really applicable to using The GoPro HERO3 Black: Surf Edition on your stand up paddle board, you can also control the camera using the GoPro app from an Apple or Android device. These apps are free to download.

CONNECTIONS

The GoPro HERO3 Black: Surf Edition camera has a microSD card slot that you would use for your video and image storage. When searching for a MicroSD card, ensure you select a microSD Class 10 memory card, because this is required for full HD video recording. This camera supports microSD card capacities up to 64GB (Gigabyte).

You can easily use the integrated Mini-USB slot for connecting to your computer to play back/transfer your shots. You can also use the inbuilt Micro-HDMI slot to view them with an HDMI-enabled TV, although you need to buy a cable separately. The camera also supports playback to composite TV by means of an optional cable (once again, sold separately).

You can also use the GoPro app to view back your videos on your smartphone or tablet.

DIMENSIONS

The dimensions for the GoPro HERO3 Black: Surf Edition are 3.9 x 3.9 x 9.7 inches. The camera weighs in at 74g (2.6oz), or with the camera housing weighs 136gm (4.8oz).

ACCESSORIES
The GoPro HERO3 Black: Surf Edition package includes:
The HERO3+ Black Edition Camera
Watertight Housing
Wi-Fi Remote and Wi-Fi Remote Charging Cable
High Capacity chargeable 1050mnAh Li-ion Battery
Quick Release Buckle and vertical Quick Release Buckle
Surfboard Mount + Camera Tethers
3-Way Pivot Arm (Mounting Hardware)
USB Cable

BRAND INFO

GoPro was founded by Nick Woodman back in 2002. He started the company after a surf vacation to Indonesia where he was looking to capture some quality action photos of his surfing, but couldn’t because the photographers could not get close enough, or obtain quality equipment at accessible prices.

Woodman initially raised money by selling bead and shell belts out of his VolksWagen van. While making these belts, he developed the idea of providing a specialised strap to attach a camera. At that time, most straps were awkward rubber wrist straps that were uncomfortable to wear, or easily broken.

In 2004, the GoPro sold its first camera system—a 35 mm film version. This camera progressed over the years, going from 35mm to digital, where they began recording 10-second clips, to 3-megapixel digital cameras, to its present configuration of fixed-lens HD video cameras with a wide 170-degree angle.

On June 4, 2014, the company announced the appointment of former Microsoft executive Tony Bates as President, reporting directly to Nick Woodman.

CONSUMER RATINGS/REVIEWS

I LOVED the GoPro, My dad bought it for me in March for my birthday, I couldn’t wait to use it in the summer, so we went to Florida in June, I didn’t have a floaty for it yet, it fell in the ocean off my head and we couldn’t find it, I suggest you get the floaty backdoor, Overall though, I loved it, all the video was awesome! Read more reviews.

Great camera! We use if for riding dirt bikes and swimming. The picture quality is great, and its really easy to use. I purchased extra mounts so we have them on all our helmets so everyone can use it and enjoy it. It was worth buying the camera just to see my three year old swimming under water. Read more reviews.

Absolutely amazing camera. Gave it to my brother as a graduation present and it never leaves his side! Mountains, lakes, rivers, this camera does it all – and beautifully. Could not ask for a better product. Picks up sound well even through the waterproof case, and isn’t too sensitive to shaking when filming.

PROS

Compared to the HERO2, the The GoPro HERO3 Black: Surf Edition is about half the thickness of the HERO2, but more importantly the GoPro HERO3 Black: Surf Edition is noticeably lighter, both in hand and when mounted to things.

Reduced body thickness makes the camera easier to position and get the perfect angle.
Excellent selection of options lets you take almost any type of video or photo.

CONS

Its best to update the firmware manually, as a number of attempts with the automated process did not work properly.
No zoom.
Has been known to overheat whenever contained within the watertight housing for extended intervals.

WARRANTY

The GoPro HERO3 Black: Surf Edition includes a 30 day manufacturer’s warranty, and you may also buy a 3 or 4 year “Drops and Spills” warranty for an extra charge.

GOPRO HERO3 BLACK: SURF EDITION SUMMARY


If you are wanting to take some selfies on your stand up paddle board, purchase a water-resistant throwaway camera. If, however, you are wanting to take some high-definition action shots of you cruising the waterways, or catching a barrel on your Tahitian escape, then the GoPro HERO3 Black: Surf Edition is certainly something you ought to purchase. It take great photos, excellent video and can be safely attached to your SUP.

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