Loving this, what little i have been able to use it.
I am the type who loves a good tool for the job, i am used to
Canon 20D/40D Camera's and and i figured this camera was all hyper with
advertising behind it. Read more
This is by far the least dependable electronic device I have ever
purchased. At least 10% of the video files are corrupt and unplayable,
it turns off repeatably in the midst of recording for no apparent
reason, it goes into error mode and becomes unresponsive often, and
removing the battery and memory card do not solve the issues. A terrible
purchase in retrospect. I'm shocked that these are so popular.
I use it on a helmet while riding through woods and other dirty dusty
conditions. The waterproof case does a great job of keeping out the
elements.
I love this thing!
The first thing that bothered me about this is that it does not come
with an instruction manual. You have to go to the website (or in my case
YouTube) to figure out how to update it. The second thing that bothered
me is that I could not figure out how to get the waterproof case off of
it. I tried everything. Ended up going to WalMart where someone taught
me how to open it. Still struggle with opening it from time to time. The
next thing that bothers me is that the areas where to put in the
battery and the microsd card; once you take off that door, you could
lose it because there is nothing tying it to the camera.
This GoPro Head Strap Mount is Compatible with ALL HERO3, HERO2, and HD HERO Original Cameras
One Size Fits All adjustable head strap mount allows for use on head and helmets
Made with Nylon Straps and Polycarbonate buckles
NOT RECOMMENDED for high-impact sports. Only recommended for non-impact activities
Camera Not Included
I purchased this mount with the intention of using it this coming winter
while skiing. However I had the chance to use it during a recent river
rafting trip. Over the course of the 4 hours I had it on my head, not
once did it bother me. By the end of the trip I forgot I was wearing it
(maybe that's partially due to having had a few beers that day too).
The strap is comfortable and the fact that its so wide prevents that
feeling that plastic grocery bags give to your fingers when you are
carrying something heavy.
One tip: Practice with the strap on
your head before using it the first time. The camera needs to be
pointed down at a greater angle than you would initially suspect. Its
not a flaw of the product, just my perception. After one adjustment I
was able to easily simulate a first-person view instead of having 80%
sky in every picture. Total adjustment and testing time was less than 5
minutes but required a computer or TV to verify recordings - so do this
at home before starting your activity.
GoPro has recently released a firmware update v2.0
UPDATE: 03/26/2014 - GoPro has recently released a firmware update v2.0 for the Hero3+ Black. Quoting the GoPro website: "Camera
software update 2.0 has lots in store for your GoPro. HERO3+ Black
Edition cameras will get new SuperView(tm) video modes, new Auto Low
Light settings, advanced Protune(tm) controls and more. For HERO3+
Silver Edition cameras, update 2.0 increases the field of view on all
photo and video modes for even more immersive, wide-angle footage. And
with new wireless camera software updates via the GoPro App, updating
your GoPro has never been easier."
UPDATE - 12/9/2013 - I've just
updated my video with additional video samples from the Hero3+ compared
to the Hero3. I also stuck in a short video of the Sony HDR-AS30V for
additional comparison.
-----
GoPro has recently released a firmware update v2.0
Just about a year ago I
bought the GoPro Hero3 Black. It was frought with issues and I felt it
had been rushed out the door without adequate testing. Fortunately, some
3 firmware updates later, the GoPro Hero3 Black has become a reliable
sports cam for me.
I was both happy and frustrated to learn that
the GoPro Hero3+ Black was being introduced. With promises of improved
battery life and sharper lens, I wished I had waited to buy the Hero3+
instead of the Hero3. But now that I"ve also got the Hero3+ Black, I've
learned that it's not that big of an upgrade really and I still use and
thoroughly enjoy using the Hero3. In fact for some things the Hero3
Black is superior to the Hero3+ Black. But battery life is definitely
better and some people will love the new "super wide" mode that really
gives you a stronger fisheye effect.
I have been using the Hero3+ a lot for time lapse phtography and for recording bike rides.Read more >>
Be aware when purchasing that there are some
aspects to the new "improved" lens that may not be for everyone. This
week it has been fairly well documented (and confirmed by GoPro) that
while the new lens produces much sharper images under 4', they are
blurrier at distances greater than 4'. It does NOT focus at infinity.
For reasons not fully explained, they moved the focal point of the lens
in close and sacrificed distance clarity.
Update at bottom.
You
will get great shots under 4' and soft focus beyond that. Depending on
what you want it for, this camera may not be for you and the regular H3
might be a better bet. Since this is an effect of the lens it applies
to both stills and video. On the other hand, it's still a decent small
action camera, and if you take a lot of video in motion you may not
notice this at all. For YouTube uploads and streaming it may not
matter, I haven't tested this myself. If you want better clarity in your
images the 3B is a good choice. I personally will play with it this
week before deciding if I should return it. (Update: it's going back.)
It
boggles the mind that they have produced a camera that claims to have a
better lens and ignored the fact that it is in fact worse for 90% of
what you'll be filming. Great clarity on your handlebars but not so
good on the scenery.
Edit: other pluses- the color is much better
with the 3+ than the 3. Low light shooting is also better, although
sometimes lens flare from lights is a little worse, sometimes better.
No more chromatic aberration (yellow/purple fringing). Just do some
reading before buying this, they made some trade-offs in the new lens.Read more+++
Attached this to the front of my motorcycle while taking a 1,100
mile trip to Denver, CO. I used it with the wifi backpack and remote
control.
Read more
Be aware when purchasing that there are some
aspects to the new "improved" lens that may not be for everyone. This
week it has been fairly well documented (and confirmed by GoPro) that
while the new lens produces much sharper images under 4', they are
blurrier at distances greater than 4'. It does NOT focus at infinity.
For reasons not fully explained, they moved the focal point of the lens
in close and sacrificed distance clarity.
Update at bottom.
You
will get great shots under 4' and soft focus beyond that. Depending on
what you want it for, this camera may not be for you and the regular H3
might be a better bet. Since this is an effect of the lens it applies
to both stills and video. On the other hand, it's still a decent small
action camera, and if you take a lot of video in motion you may not
notice this at all. For YouTube uploads and streaming it may not
matter, I haven't tested this myself. If you want better clarity in your
images the 3B is a good choice. I personally will play with it this
week before deciding if I should return it. (Update: it's going back.)
It
boggles the mind that they have produced a camera that claims to have a
better lens and ignored the fact that it is in fact worse for 90% of
what you'll be filming. Great clarity on your handlebars but not so
good on the scenery.
Edit: other pluses- the color is much better
with the 3+ than the 3. Low light shooting is also better, although
sometimes lens flare from lights is a little worse, sometimes better.
No more chromatic aberration (yellow/purple fringing). Just do some
reading before buying this, they made some trade-offs in the new lens.Read more */-*-