Gopro hero 3 black edition description. GoPro Hero3 Black Edition is an extremely durable and compact action camera

Finally, the long-awaited novelty is in our hands. Of course, it could have appeared earlier (online stores are always ready to serve), but I really didn’t want to face the peculiarities, albeit rare, of the so-called “gray supplies”. Namely - with the lack of localization, software flaws and other unpleasant surprises. Fortunately, official suppliers this equipment there are still some in Russia, and the speed of their work is pleasantly surprising: the third GoPro Hero series officially entered our market shortly after foreign announcements. The difference of a few months can be considered insignificant - it is enough to imagine the difficulties that you need to go through to get just one certificate.

But let's leave the bureaucratic obstacles to those who, by the nature of their activity, are called upon to overcome them. After all, there is a much more interesting reason for the article:

Design, technical characteristics

The reader should be warned: in this article you will not see fascinating footage taken in the stratosphere. There will be no wrecked cars or broken limbs here. Exotic ways of attaching a GoPro to anything are also up to the owners of such cameras. We will focus on learning technical features apparatus: controls, shooting modes, methods of processing the received video. Everything that is not covered in the user manual or on the product web page.

Traditionally, the GoPro Hero camcorder comes in several variations, or, if translated edition Literally, publications. They differ not only in completeness. Before buying, it is recommended to carefully study the characteristics of each "edition" - this can be done on.

But everything is much simpler for us: the camera kindly provided for testing belongs to the "older" version - GoPro Hero 3 Black Edition.

The camera comes with a serious set of accessories (looking ahead, we note that even such a collection is probably not enough to implement all the ideas):

• multiple mounts including pad
• waterproof case
• replaceable back cover for the case (not sealed, with holes for better sound recording)
• radio remote control with charging cable
• Mini-USB-to-USB cable
• paper instruction in Russian

The concept of the camera remains the same as in . Design - yes, slightly changed. The battery has ceased to resemble a telephone, now it has the shape of a brick. Of course, the old batteries will no longer fit the new camera.

The included battery enables continuous recording for 95 minutes at 1280×720 50p with Wi-Fi off. Wireless communication takes a lot of energy, the battery is depleted literally before our eyes. Not knowing this, the author, going to shoot and having charged the camera, did not pay attention to the flashing blue indicator, and arrived at the shooting site with an almost empty battery. It turns out that turning off the camera is not enough - you also need to make sure that Wi-Fi is also disabled: the wireless network adapter in the camera is turned on and off separately.

The body of the device, as usual, is made of impact-resistant plastic. On one of the ends there is a Wi-Fi on / off button, on which the corresponding icon is applied.

The camera screen still does not have a backlight - this is a serious minus. And, just like in previous versions, navigation through the menu is carried out with two buttons. This way of managing parameters cannot be called comfortable; however, it is a matter of habit. It is enough to work closely with the camera for a week to change, for example, the recording mode with your eyes closed, focusing on sound signals and the number of clicks. But, we repeat, for a beginner such an unobvious method of control may seem inconvenient and antediluvian.

The service interfaces of the camera are covered with a removable cover: Micro-HDMI, Mini-USB, and a slot for a microSD memory card (up to 64 GB).

The remote control screen also does not have a backlight; in active mode, this screen completely copies the screen of the camera itself, repeating all the set parameters and icons. Device information is exchanged over the same Wi-Fi. The remote control works stably, the maximum distance at which the camera is able to receive a control signal and transmit information can be 200 meters in line-of-sight conditions.

To recharge the remote control, a special connector of a cunning shape is used; charging is carried out from a USB port or from a similar adapter. During charging, remove the metal eyelet from the remote control, for which the remote control is designed to be attached, in order to avoid losing it.

Main specifications video cameras are shown in the table:

Dimensions, weight	(W×H×D) 59×41×29 mm, 77 g with battery
Battery life included in the kit	up to 95 minutes of continuous 1280×720 50p video recording with Wi-Fi off
Carrier	microSD card (up to 64 GB)
Video formats
Photo Format	JPG, 12 MP, 7 MP, 5 MP
optical zoom
Interfaces	gopro Micro-HDMI Mini USB 2.0 microSD card slot
Other characteristics	shooting a series of photos (3, 5 photos in 1 s; 10 photos in 1, 2 s; 30 photos in 1, 2, 3 s) interval photography (0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 30, 60 s) photo during video recording Continuous photography by pressing and holding the shutter button Loop Video Recording (Car DVR Mode) Protune mode with extended dynamic range white balance adjustment with three presets wireless control, including via mobile devices one-button shooting (recording starts when the camera is turned on) USB charging

Video/photography

First of all, you need to know with what resolution it makes sense to shoot. It would seem: if you want to save events with maximum detail, use the 4K available here. But the frame rate when shooting with this resolution, alas, is not yet high enough - only 12.5 frames per second (hereinafter we will use the PAL standard as the main one in Russia and most other countries).

But how to measure the resolution of a given camera? The test chart we have, printed on an A3 sheet, is not suitable for this. The fact is that the lens of the camera in question has a fixed focal length. Simply put, objects as far away as a meter from the lens and up to infinity will be in focus; objects that are closer than a meter will leave the focus area, blur.

What's the way out? Of course, a huge-oh-ohm test chart! True, to print (and place) such a rather expensive. In addition, it doesn’t make much sense: after all, the main zones of the table, by which you can quite accurately determine the resolution of the camera, fit only on six sheets of A4 format (the entire table could have been 3 meters wide).

To print the required six sheets, we split the "virtual" table into sheets. After that, only the desired area was printed - in the next figure it is highlighted in color.

Having glued the resulting sheets and placed them on a vertical surface (wall), we thought about it. Dilemma: How far away should you shoot? After all, it is required not only to remove this object. The main thing here is to maintain the desired proportions. It would be possible to use a simple calculation, but alas, the optical distortions introduced by the camera lens are so strong that the usual geometry is not suitable here. There is only one way out - sequential shooting made from different distances from the table will help us. Armed with a tape measure and choosing a step of five centimeters, we made the necessary shooting, making several dozen takes.

Now it is enough to combine the freeze frames obtained from each take in the graphic editor with the image of the table itself in the original and select the most suitable frame in size, where the key table objects of interest to us coincide with the original ones in location and size. Ready!

The shooting was carried out, of course, in 4K 3840 × 2160 mode. This mode was chosen because the aspect ratio in it is standard 16:9 - exactly the same as in the test table. The calculation showed that the actual resolution of the camera reaches 2800×1600. Here it is hoo! I recall Carlson with his sincere surprise: “Such a big housekeeper - in such a small box?” What is this processor inside our camera that allows you to encode a picture with a similar resolution? Look, it heats up like an internal combustion engine? Let's measure this parameter.

This photo was taken half an hour after the start of recording in 720p mode, while the camera was in a room with a temperature of 24 ° C. As practice has shown, it is possible to avoid reaching a critical temperature by refusing to use Wi-Fi and providing the device with the maximum possible ventilation. That is, shooting in the heat with a camera placed in a sealed box threatens to overheat and then turn off the device - this aspect is covered in detail in the user manual. One thing pleases: due to the presence of a thermal sensor in the chamber, you should not be afraid of the device breaking due to overheating.

But back to resolution. So, 2800×1600. Those numbers are pretty damn similar to the frame resolution you get when shooting in 2.7K mode. Conclusion: you can get maximum video detail and at the same time avoid unnecessary waste of disk space by using one of the 2.7K modes: 2.7K (2716 × 1524, 16:9) or 2.7K Cinema (2716 × 1440, 17:9) . Moreover, the frame rate of such a video is already close to normal: 25 or 24 fps.

You can visualize the difference in the detail of each of the recording modes using the following video:

To view in full resolution, click on the button "Original size"

A huge number of shooting modes available in the camera in question makes it necessary to display their description in a separate table - it is impossible to fit all the parameters in the main table of technical characteristics. Here you can also download still images and original clips shot in these modes.

Mode	Video Resolution	fps (PAL)	Codec, parameters	Viewing angle	Protune	Download
4K Cinema	4096×2160, 17:9	12	AVC High@L5.1 50 Mbps	Wide	Yes	frame, roller
4K	3840×2160, 16:9	12,5	AVC High@L5.1 45 Mbps	Wide	Yes	frame, roller
2.7K Cinema	2704×1440, 17:9	25	AVC High@L5.0 45 Mbps	Wide	Yes	frame, roller
2.7K	2704×1524, 16:9	24	AVC High@L5.0 45 Mbps	Wide	Yes	frame, roller
1440p	1920×1440, 4:3	48	AVC High@L5.0 32 Mbps	Wide	Yes	frame, roller
		25			Yes	frame, roller
		24			Yes	frame, roller
1080p	1920×1080, 16:9	50	AVC High@L4.2 32 Mbps	wide, medium, Narrow	Yes	frame, roller
		48	AVC High@L4.2 32 Mbps		Yes	frame, roller
		25	AVC High@L4.1 20 Mbps		Yes	frame, roller
		24	AVC High@L4.1 32 Mbps		Yes	frame, roller
960p	1280×960, 4:3	100	AVC High@L4.2 32 Mbps	Wide	Yes	frame, roller
		48	AVC High@L4.1 32 Mbps		Not	frame, roller
720p	1280×720, 16:9	100	AVC High@L4.2 32 Mbps	wide, medium, Narrow	Yes	frame, roller
		50	AVC High@L4.1 20 Mbps		Not	frame, roller
WVGA	848×480, 16:9	240	AVC High@L4.2 32 Mbps	Wide	Not	frame, roller

Here you should decipher what the column called "Protune" means. This shooting mode is activated in a separate item of Capture Settings, and there is a choice between automatic white balance, manual setting (3000 K, 5500 K and 6500 K) and shooting in Cam RAW mode. The latter mode, apparently, allows you to get the picture as it is, without software color processing. We will deal with this feature of Protune a little later.

It can also be concluded from the table that some shooting modes allow the use of different frame rates. It is hardly necessary to convince the reader to always use the highest possible frame rate, especially when shooting fast-moving subjects. And since we're looking at an action camera, that's just the way it's supposed to be done.

Another burning question concerns angles. Those that are now for some reason not indicated in degrees, but have a more understandable designation: Wide (Ultra-wide), Medium (Medium) and Narrow (Narrow). Let's try - clearly, of course - to see and evaluate the difference in the angles of view of the lens. As you can see from the table above, not every recording mode allows you to change the angle. Just two: 1080p and 720p. In general, these formats are the most popular today, so in the future we will shoot in the older one, 1080p. With the highest possible frame rate, of course.

To measure angles, a lot of free space is required. And therefore we will go to the open air, armed with a shovel for clearing snow (we are in Russia, but now it’s not summer).

What's the verdict? It looks like the camera has a 150° angle of view in Wide mode, 110° in Medium mode, and narrows it down to 80° in Narrow mode. The most preferred is the medium mode, Medium. And the field of view is wide enough to cover the main scene, and at the same time, geometric distortions do not hurt the eye as much as in the maximum Wide mode.

By the way, about distortions. How to fix them? The answer is unlikely to please: it is difficult to overcome this distortion. However, it is possible. For example, in Photoshop. Do not be surprised, this program works well with video (Processing Video in Adobe Photoshop: Part 1, Part 2). There is also a way to correct distortion using open source software: a filter for VirtualDub. Unfortunately, in both cases, the video will have to be recoded or repacked into a format that is understood by the corresponding programs (Photoshop and VirtualDub) before processing.

However, you can do without preliminary recoding or writing AVISynth scripts. So, in After Effects, there are several ways to partially overcome distortion, here is one of them:

As we have already seen, the camera in question has a rather big MOS-matrix. In this regard, it is quite reasonable to expect a terrible rolling shutter from her. Let's check this, we will shoot the passing transport in different modes.

If there is a rolling shutter, it is so weak that it does not attract attention even in the maximum 4K mode. Not every camera is capable of this.

The WVGA mode also promises considerable benefits. Recall: shooting in this mode is carried out at a frequency of as much as 240 frames per second. By slowing down such a video by 10 times, you can get a result that is rare in terms of spectacularity. Let the following scenes be rather banal, but the potential of such shooting is not difficult to understand.

Now, as planned, consider the Protune shooting mode. The manufacturer promises that the video shot in this mode lends itself much better to color correction - let's make a preliminary conclusion that the Protune mode allows you to shoot with an increased dynamic range. To confirm this theory, we will conduct another experiment: we will shoot a contrasting scene.

Indeed, dark areas look more distinct with Protune turned on, and, apparently, a lot of color and light can be “pulled” out of such a wide-range video. There would be desire, skill and time. Or rather, a lot of time.

What is the difference between these modes in technical terms? Does the camera in Protune mode manage to encode video with a higher bit rate? No, in fact, everything turns out to be much simpler. The files differ only in bitrate (when Protune is on, it is 1.5 times higher) and GoP length (Group of Pictures, 15 frames in normal mode and 8 frames in Protune mode). Below is the keyframe rate for both of these clips.

As for color correction, it is not only possible, but necessary. The reader has already noticed that the camera noticeably “yellows”. In any scene, wherever and in whatever conditions it was filmed, a yellowish coating is clearly visible. Maybe the lens coating is to blame. Be that as it may, it is simply necessary to get rid of yellowness. This is easy to do in any video editor.

Without correction	With correction	Without correction	With correction

Due to the loop recording mode in the camera, the device can be used as a car DVR. True, in order to simultaneously shoot video and recharge the camera, you need a box with open interface holes - after all, the camera itself does not have any attachments, it can be attached to something only under one condition: when it is in the box.

After reviewing these videos and still images, we can say with confidence: in terms of detailing, none of the car DVRs existing today can be compared with this video camera.

At night, under street lighting, the camera also behaves very well. In the case of video recording, the fixed focus of the camera plays an extremely positive role.

Interval shooting is only possible in photo mode: the camera is capable of taking photos of a user-specified size at the following intervals: 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 30 and 60 seconds. Thanks to this mode, it is possible to get a pretty beautiful video sequence by combining photos in a video editor.

A lucky chance made it possible to test the considered camera in underwater photography. Of course, in an artificial reservoir. The result is quite expected: flawless operation in all modes and, most importantly, the almost complete disappearance of distortion. In principle, it is understandable: water is an excellent corrective lens.

The photographic abilities of the camera are worthy of respect, but only in terms of excellent detail. Of the shortcomings - of course, the wrong geometry and the lack of a small depth of field so beloved by many photographers (or those who consider themselves photographers) and, accordingly, "bokeh".

Software

The software built into the camera on an external monitor looks much more convenient and logical than on the screen of the camera itself. If not for one thing: menu navigation is possible only in one direction - forward. Damn missing another button that would allow you to go back instead of scrolling through the entire menu again and again with the risk of missing again.

The camera's wireless adapter creates an access point with a specific name when you turn on the GoPro App mode. To control the camera using a smartphone or tablet, you need to install the GoPro App on your smartphone (versions for both iOS and Android are available), connect the device to a specified point, and launch the installed application.

It's a pity, but on the Android devices we have, this application did not really work. Three different devices were tested: a smartphone, a tablet and a media player running Android 4.0. The connection was established, the application was launched, but things did not go beyond this: despite the seemingly reliable connection and even the appearance of a video stream in the viewing window, the application stops working after a few seconds, displaying a message on the screen about the need to check Wi-Fi for correct connection. Why check it, if the camera even manages to display a picture - it's not clear. We hope this bug will be fixed soon.

No matter how much we would like to evaluate the work of the application in the iOS version, we do not have such a device in the foreseeable environment.

Comparative testing under the same conditions

In the almost complete absence of light, it seems much more preferable to shoot without using Protune. The actual resolution of the camera has already been mentioned above - it approaches 2800x1600. This figure is an absolute record, not a single amateur full-format camera has such permissions today - what can we say about such microscopic bricks as the hero of this review.

conclusions

Surprised by the camera, do not say anything. Honest 2.7K at a tolerable 25 fps - isn't that a miracle? As for the 4K mode, it is introduced here rather “for show”, because the real resolution does not reach such an indicator. And the frame rate in this mode is not at all conducive to its use.

The second important positive point is the presence of the Protune mode, in which the image is not subjected to color correction (often incorrect) and software noise reduction, but is taken directly from the matrix.

Finally, one more aspect: rolling shutter. It is practically non-existent, which is at least surprising. A matrix with so many pixels should - no, just have to produce the most terrible rolling shutter in the form of slanted lines and a jelly-like picture. However, we do not observe this.

Speaking about the minuses that characterize this device, two points should be noted. The first is the risk of overheating. True, only theoretical. In practice, during testing, we never encountered overheating - but it’s understandable, it’s winter outside. The second serious minus is inconvenient, archaic control. This two-button blind control is long overdue (though some might consider it a GoPro-only gimmick). And finally insert some kind of backlight into the screen!

These shortcomings are quite serious, but other qualities of the camera, positive, undoubtedly outweigh them: excellent resolution, minimal rolling shutter, the presence of Wi-Fi. And they do not just outweigh, but force us to mark this device with our award. Quite deserved.

The official cost of the GoPro Hero 3Black Edition camcorder in Russia is 20,500 rubles; the current average price (number of offers) is $369(10).

(Questions about GoPro Hero 3+)

IN: How to turn on the camera?

ABOUT: To turn on the GoPro Hero 3+ camera, you need to install a charged battery into the case, then press button No. 5 (see photo) on the front of the camera once

IN: Why is there a "white elastic band" (retainer) in the kit?

ABOUT: The latch is installed in the mount (see photo). In most cases, it is not necessary, because. the plug is very tight.

IN: How to enable video recording?

ABOUT: To start recording video, you need to press the button on top of the camera once

IN: Camera modes

IN: How to enable Photo+Video mode?

ABOUT: Simultaneous Video and Photo mode allows you to shoot both video and photo at the same time. You can set the camera settings so that photo capture is activated every 5, 10, 30, or 60 seconds during video recording. Before setting Photo Capture in Video Recording mode, check that the appropriate video resolution is set and that Protune is turned off.

Note: You can shoot in Simultaneous Video and Photo mode only when the resolution is set to: 1080p at 30 and 24 fps, 720p at 60 fps, or 1440p at 24 fps.

IN: How to reverse a record?

ABOUT: If you are mounting your HERO 3+ camera upside down but want the files to display correctly when viewed or edited later, you must enable this feature. It will avoid the need to flip video and photo files after recording.

To enable this mode, you need to turn on the camera, enter the general settings, then the Capture Settings section and select the required item marked with the icon

IN: Why spot meter mode?

ABOUT: Spot Meter should be used when shooting from a dark area to a bright area, such as when shooting from inside a car.

To enable this mode, you need to turn on the camera, enter the general settings, then the Capture Settings section and select the required item marked with the icon

IN: Why low light (auto low light) mode?

ABOUT: The GoPro HERO3+'s Auto Low Light mode automatically adjusts frame rates to find the optimal frame rate for use in both bright and dimly lit environments.

IN: How to quickly exit the settings?

ABOUT: In order to quickly exit the camera settings menu without scrolling to the EXIT item, you need to press and hold button No. 2 (see photo)

IN: Why are blurry photos?

ABOUT: Because the camera does not have an image stabilizer, flash, and / or other source of external illumination of the subjects being shot, the presence of good lighting in the shooting area is very important. On a sunny day, you will definitely get good dynamic pictures, but their quality will drop commensurately with a decrease in illumination (evening, twilight, night)

Advice: To reduce photo blur, use a Wi-Fi remote/smartphone with the proprietary GoPro app by pressing the capture button on it. Thus, the camera will remain more stable. You can also turn on continuous shooting in the camera settings, one of several shots should turn out clear.

IN: How to enable/disable Wi-Fi?

ABOUT: In order to turn on the Wi-Fi module in the camera, you need to press the button on the end of the camera once

The fact that Wi-Fi is on is signaled by a blue LED on the front of the camera and an icon on the display.

To turn it off, press and hold the button on the end of the camera. Switching off is signaled by 7 flashes of the blue LED, as well as the absence of an icon on the LCD display.

Attention: remember that the wireless module works autonomously, even when the camera is turned off.

IN: How to connect the Wi-Fi remote to the camera?

ABOUT: To connect the camera and the remote control, it is necessary to carry out the so-called pairing. First, turn on Wi-Fi on your camera.

You need to enter the Wi-Fi settings menu. To do this, click again on the Wi-Fi enable button.

Choose New

The camera will enter remote search mode

After that, you need to turn on the remote control by holding the red button. After turning on (2-3 seconds), release the red button - the remote control will go into search mode. After a while, the pairing will be established.

Can the remote control be submerged in water? is he water resistant?

It is dust/moisture/splash resistant. The remote control can not be submerged deeper than 3 meters under water

IN: How to connect a smartphone/tablet to the camera?

ABOUT: To connect the camera and your device, you need to download the proprietary GoPro app. You can do this in the App Store (for IOS) and PlayMarket (for Android).

First, turn on Wi-Fi. Press the button again and go to the settings. Choosing a GoPro app

Let's move on to the smartphone / tablet. Open the WiFi connection settings and select the network with the camera name. Enter the standard password to connect goprohero(pay attention to the case of letters, this is important).

We open the application. We are asked to change the name WiFi networks and her password (this step is required).

A confirmation of the change with new data will appear on the screen

The connection is established, you can use the functionality of the application to control the camera.

IN: What is the standard Wi-Fi password?

ABOUT: goprohero (no spaces)

IN: Camera operating time. Charger

The charging time of the camera may be different, it depends on the output current of your charger. If you charge the camera through the original charger, the charging time will be 1.5 hours at 80% and 2 hours at 100%. Standard charging gives out a current equal to 1A, at a voltage of 5V. When choosing Z \ U, look at its parameters. Ideally, they should match the parameters of the original chargers. When using a charger with a higher current strength, battery wear increases. Non-original chargers can charge the battery up to 100% in two to three hours.

IN: What is hard reset for GoPro?

ABOUT: hard reset is resetting the camera settings to default values.

IN: Does a hard reset reset the firmware?

ABOUT: No, the firmware does not change, all your settings are simply reset to factory defaults

IN: How to make a hard reset?

ABOUT: Turn off the camera, remove the battery, press the capture button and do not let go, insert the battery, press the power button. The settings will be reset.

IN: How to format a flash drive through the camera?

ABOUT: You need to go to the settings and scroll to the last item with the trash icon. At this point select All/Format and confirm the action.

IN: Why can't I delete files from the memory card when the camera is connected to a PC?

ABOUT: The Hero 3+ camera is protected against file deletion when the camera is connected to a PC via USB cable. In order to clear the memory card, you can use the above method (No. 21) and clear the contents of the card in the camera itself. Or by connecting a memory card to a PC using a card reader.

IN: How can I watch the captured video on TV?

ABOUT: There are several options, you can choose the most convenient:

1. By connecting the camera via an HDMI cable (the cable is not included and must be purchased separately)

2. By copying files from a memory card to a USB flash drive and connecting to a TV (smart), set-top box / player, etc.

3. By connecting the camera to the TV directly via the USB port, like a flash drive

IN: Why does the video slow down when viewed on a PC?

ABOUT: The camera shoots video with a high bitrate and the computer can not cope with its decoding. There are several ways to fix this situation:

1. install the current (fresh) codec

2. try another player (VLC for example)

3. if possible, then use "hardware video acceleration"

4. change the computer to a more powerful one (upgrade the CPU, video card, RAM)

5. transcode the captured video into a less "heavy" format/bitrate and then watch it.

IN: How and with what to process the captured video?

ABOUT: There are many programs for video editing, you need to decide which one will be convenient for you? Which one is right for a particular task?

The most simple to learn, but at the same time quite powerful in terms of functionality are:

Sony Vegas (Windows)

Final Cut Pro (Mac)

Further, more complex programs can be noted, such as Adobe products - Adobe Premiere Pro (not to be confused with Adobe After Effects, because AE for compositing and creating special effects). And more simple ones, for example standard Windows Movie Maker, etc.

IN: What to do if the camera freezes?

ABOUT: If your camera freezes, it usually means that you need to update the firmware or you have some problems with the SD card. Below are the steps to help you troubleshoot the issue:

1. Make sure you have the latest firmware version installed. You can find out how this is done in item #30. If you have an old version of the firmware, or if you are not sure that you have the latest version, we recommend that you update it.

2. If you have the latest firmware, you may need to update it manually, as some failures may have occurred during installation.

3. Try reformatting the SD card using the "delete ALL" menu function.

Try another known good SD card. Try to use cards of quality manufacturers!

4. If your camera is still freezing, you need to contact GoPro Customer Support using the "Contact Us" form.

IN: How to reduce the fisheye effect?

ABOUT: First, let's figure out what it is. Fisheye, fisheye (from the English fish-eye) - a distorting ultra-wide-angle lens. It differs from conventional (orthoscopic) short-focus lenses by a pronounced uncorrected barrel-shaped distortion and a field of view angle close to or greater than 180°. The use of a fisheye lens is most often reflected in shooting outdoor extreme sports (parkour, skateboarding, BMX, etc.). We can say that it is the "main" lens in such shootings, allowing you to capture from a short distance both the "rider" himself and the architecture used when performing tricks. Also, the use of a fisheye lens is very common in shooting spherical panoramas, since it allows you to get a full panorama sphere with a minimum number of frames.

We now know that this is the type of wide angle lens found on the Gopro Hero 3+. In order to reduce this effect with the settings, you need to take a few simple steps. Open the camera settings and select the menu with the settings for resolution and frames per second. There are 4 setting items in this menu: RES (Resolution); FPS (frames per second); FOV (angle of view \ field of view); LOW LIGHT (low lighting).

We need an item called FOV. The camera has three viewing angle settings: WIDE (wide) MEDIUM (medium) NARROW (narrow). To reduce the fisheye effect, we need to set the viewing angle to exactly NARROW (narrow). Note that as the viewing angle decreases, the picture will no longer be widescreen.

Reducing the viewing angle through the settings is not the only way to remove the fish. For those who process video, there are video tutorials on how to remove fish in editors. When using editors, some part of the picture will still be lost.

IN: What should I do if the camera does not turn on?

ABOUT: If your camera does not turn on, then the problem may be either in the camera itself, or in the battery, SD card, or somewhere in the camera the contact is lost. Here are some tips to help you figure out what problem you have.

1. Disconnect all BacPac accessories, battery and SD card from the camera. Insert only one battery. If the camera turned on, then your camera just hung and now you can safely continue to work with it.

2. If the camera still does not turn on, remove and reinsert the battery and charge the camera using a USB charger or your computer. Do not try to turn on the camera while it is charging. You should see a red light on the front of the camera. Once the light is off, disconnect the camera from the USB and turn it on. If the camera turned on, then your battery was dead and just needed to be recharged.

3. If your camera won't turn on and it's a HERO3, look at the red light on the back of the camera. If it is dim, remove/insert the battery and try turning the camera on again. You may have to do this 10 times until the camera turns on.

4. Try to make a Hard Reset (item #20)

5. If your camera still won't turn on, you'll need to contact GoPro Customer Support using the "Contact Us" form.

IN: How to find out the firmware version of the camera?

ABOUT: You can check the firmware version installed on your HERO2 or HERO3/3+ camera by looking at the version.txt file saved on the SD card in the MISC folder.

If you cannot find the file, follow these steps:

1. Reformat the SD card using the "delete ALL" menu function.

2. Write down short video or take one photo.

3. In the MISC folder you will find the version.txt file.

4. Open the file. For the HERO3 camera, you will find a firmware version line, "firmware version", and a Wi-Fi version line, "wi-fi version". For the HERO2 camera, you will find a line with the firmware version, "version".

IN: Why do I need .lrv and .thm files on a GoPro memory card?

A: .lrv - These are video files in low resolution (Low Resolution Video).

.lrv can be used to edit video files on weak PCs, and in the final render, replace them with originals with high resolution. If you change the extension of these files to .mp4, you can view them with a simple player. These files can also be used by smartphones to display captured videos through a proprietary application.

.thm are thumbnails of recorded video files (Thumbnail Image File).

.thm can be used to display the first image on the camera's LCD screen, or preview it on a smartphone via the GoPro app.

These files may appear on the memory card if you shoot with: HERO3+ Black, HERO3+ Silver Edition, HERO3: Black Edition, HERO3: Silver Edition, HERO3: White Edition, HD HERO2, with LCD screen, or via the GoPro app

IN: Why can't I view the captured photos and videos on iOS through the app?

ABOUT: In order for you to be able to view the footage through the application in an iOS smartphone, you must allow the application to save photos on the device when you first start the program.

Everything is solved simply: open "Settings",

and move the slider in front of the GoPro

GoPro is an industry-changing camera whose name has become a household name. You often hear how this name is called any action camera. In just 16 years after the creation of the first prototype, the manufacturer, led by Nick Woodman, experienced rapid growth, and today is the fastest growing company in the niche of cameras and camcorders in the world with annual turnover in more than 1.5 billion dollars.

Nicholas Woodman, the founder of the company, an amateur photographer and avid surfer, had the idea of ​​attaching some existing camera to his arm in the early 2000s to show what surfing on a surfboard looks like through the eyes of the surfer himself, since the shots from the shore were not so spectacular, and professional equipment was expensive and completely immobile. After several unsuccessful attempts, he decided to create his own camera complete with a mount and a sealed box. This is how the GoPro company was born, today there are more than twenty full-fledged action cameras, each with its own character, functionality and set of accessories. But they are all united by one idea: "Go Pro" - literally, become a professional. Indeed, the capabilities of the camera and its mounts allow you to shoot, in no way inferior to professional athletes and cameramen.

The variety of released models and their external similarity often raise the question: what is the advantage of one model over another, and how to distinguish between them? This article aims to answer this question.

GP HERO (2005)

This is the first industrial model of GoPro, which was then called GP HERO. Known for being the only camera to take photos on 35mm film. It was powered by two AAA batteries. The delivery set included a camera, a hand mount and a sealed aquabox with the ability to dive to a depth of 5 meters.

GoPro Digital HERO (2006)

GoPro Digital HERO is the world's first digital action camera. The name has changed from GP to the usual GoPro. Unlike its film predecessor, it supported shooting 10-second videos - then the camera did not have a slot for memory cards, and the internal memory was only 16 MB. But this was already enough to win over an army of fans and earn the first serious money on it.

The scope of delivery has not changed: a camera, a waterproof box and a soft mount on the arm. She was also powered by two finger batteries.

gopro Digital HERO3 andDigital HERO5 (2007)

The following two models are very similar to the original Digital HERO in appearance and functionality, so it's easy to confuse them.

Digital HERO3 differed from its predecessor by the presence of an SD card slot (support for a memory card up to 2 GB), and Digital HERO5 by a similar slot and an improved 5MP matrix.

GoPro Digital HERO Wide (2008)

Then comes the Digital HERO Wide, a very important model in the company's history. Since it provided for mounting not only on the arm, but also on the head and other parts of the body, the line of accessories began to develop rapidly, thanks to which GoPro made a splash among outdoor enthusiasts and became popular with the masses. The number of competitors trying to diligently copy the camera and its functionality has also increased.

It is the first model to record video in 640x480 resolution and equipped with a 170-degree wide-angle lens, better known as "Fisheye". The "Hero" matrix was inherited from the previous model, but the waterproof box and the packaging concept have changed, which has remained unchanged to this day: a stylish black box with accessories and documents, and above it - a plastic cube with a camera.

gopro HERO 960 (2010)

Camera received further development, abandoning AAA batteries in favor of a replaceable lithium battery, which allowed for a flat back surface. The design of the aquabox remained the same, but the box itself became a little deeper, since the novelty was a few millimeters thicker. Manufacturers also abandoned the viewfinder window, which was present on all previously released models. What's more, HERO 960 now shoots in 960p and 720p.

gopro HD HERO (2011)

The big brother of the HERO 960. GoPro now has the ability to record Full HD video in 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second. For 2011, this was a big breakthrough. A multifunctional port appeared on the back of the novelty, allowing you to connect BacPac accessories - LCD screens and additional batteries. The HD HERO, like its budget-friendly alternative, the HERO 960, sold very well and fueled the company's growth.

gopro HD HERO2 (2011)

In 2011, the manufacturer, following HD Hero, launched its new development on the market - GoPro HD HERO2. The camera was equipped with an 11MP sensor and an advanced processor, which allowed HD HERO2 to shoot video at up to 120 fps. added to camera new mode Protune is a special shooting mode with an extended dynamic color range. The model was released in three different trim levels: Outdoor Edition with helmet mount, Motorsport Edition with suction cup mount and Surf Edition with surfboard mount.

The manufacturer also released a new accessory: a BacPac Wi-Fi module with a remote control, with which you could remotely control the capabilities and settings of the camera and link it to mobile devices or a computer using a special program.

GoPro HERO3 White Edition, Silver EditionAndBlack Edition (2012)

Three new cameras were introduced at the end of 2012: GoPro HERO3 White, Silver and Black. They were 30% smaller and 25% lighter than their predecessors, despite the built-in Wi-Fi module in each new product, and were equipped with new waterproof boxes that can withstand water pressure even at a depth of 45 meters. Complete accessories and camera mounts remain the same. The models themselves in this line could be distinguished from each other by the color of the number "3" on the front panel.

White copied the functionality of the HD HERO model: shooting photos at 5MP, 1080p video at up to 30 fps and 720p at up to 60 fps. Silver copied the HD HERO2: 11MP stills, 1080p video up to 30fps, 720p up to 60fps, WVGA (848x480) up to 120fps, and support for Protune mode. And the new flagship of the company, Black, became incredibly popular in the market due to its capabilities: the camera shot photos at a resolution of 12MP and 4K video at 15 fps and 2.7K at 30 fps. Moreover, the manufacturer decided to include a Wi-fi Remote in the Black Edition, which was previously only available with the Wi-Fi BacPac accessory. Like the HD HERO2, HERO3 Black also came in three different trims: Adventure, Motorsport and Surf Edition. While the first two trims were identical except for the box design, the Surf Edition included a surfboard mount instead of straight and curved adhesive platforms. .

GoPro HERO3+ Silver Edition and Black Edition (2013)

In 2013, GoPro releases HERO3+ Silver and Black, replacing the respective previous generation models. At the same time, HERO3 White Edition is still in the lineup as a budget model. Serious work has been done on the bugs: improved stability, quality of shooting in low light, image stabilization, increased battery capacity and redesigned the noise reduction system. Now the cameras heat up less during operation, which was so lacking in the previous series.

Externally, the models differed only with a "+" sign next to the model name. Silver in FullHD resolution now shot at 60 fps, but the manufacturer decided to remove the ProTune mode from its functionality. Specifications of the Black series have not changed much, but the package has changed: the Motorsport version has disappeared, and a new version of Music has been added to the Adventure and Surf with a special mount for musical instruments, a mic stand mount and a clothespin mount in the kit.

The plastic of the HERO3+ boxes has become a little thinner, the aquabox has become more compact and lighter, because of this, the immersion depth with it has decreased to 30 meters. However, the box was still compatible with previous generation cameras. It is also possible to connect an external microphone via an adapter.

gopro HERO 2014

This camera is also known as the GoPro HERO4 Gray Edition. This model inherited and developed the concept of the HD HERO model. Thanks to low cost it has become one of the leaders in the budget market.

Of the features, it should be noted a 5MP matrix, shooting video in FullHD at a frequency of 30 fps, a capacious battery that allows continuous shooting up to 3 hours, interval shooting (Time Lapse) and a wide viewing angle (Superview). Of the obvious disadvantages: the lack of a Wi-Fi module, a battery built into the case, as well as the inability to get the camera out of the aquabox.

In the entire history of the company, this model is the most budgetary, its price at the time of the start of sales was only $129.

GoPro HERO4 Silver Edition and Black Edition (2014)

In September 2014, the manufacturer announced the release of two new models: HERO4 Silver and HERO4 Black. The delivery set included a camera, a waterproof box (immersion depth - up to 40 meters), several mounts and a USB cable. The cameras weighed only 85 grams.

HERO4 Silver copied the functionality of HERO3+ Black, but was sold without a remote control - instead, an LCD touch screen was built into the camera. The design has changed slightly: the LEDs are now located near the monochrome screen. The ProTune mode has also returned, the battery capacity has increased and its location has changed.

HERO4 Black outwardly differed from Silver only in the absence of an LCD screen (for economical battery consumption), but they had significant differences in the filling: now it was possible to shoot 4K video at a frequency of 30 fps, 2.7K at a frequency of 60 fps and 1080p at 120 fps, photos in 12MP resolution. Of the features of the model, it should be noted burst shooting (Burst) up to 30 fps, continuous shooting up to 10 fps, Time Lapse with an interval of 0.5 to 60 s, turning on the camera and starting recording by pressing one button (QuickCapture) and tagging mode ( Hi Light Tag). All three trims of the flagship have been inherited from the HERO3+ Black, with the only exception being that the Adventure Edition is now called the Standard Edition.

GoPro HERO+AndHERO+LCD (2015)

In 2015, two new models were released one after another: HERO+ and HERO+ LCD. Both new items were a logical continuation of HERO 2014, replacing it in the budget segment.

HERO+ differed from HERO 2014 in the presence of a Wi-Fi module, and HERO+ LCD differed in the presence of a Wi-Fi module and an LCD screen. Otherwise, the characteristics of the new models coincided with those of HERO 2014.

gopro HERO4 session (2015)

The GoPro HERO4 Session was announced back in 2014 along with the HERO4 Black and HERO4 Silver, but the camera didn't go on sale until July 2015. HERO4 Session was shaped like a cube (perfectly new format for GoPro) and turned out to be 50% smaller and 40% lighter than the cameras of the fourth series, with a side size of 38 mm and a weight of only 74 grams. On top of the model was the "Record" button, below it - a small display. Another button was located on the back of the camera: it was responsible for the output useful information on the screen and for turning on Wi-Fi. "Cube" was waterproof to a depth of 10 meters and was equipped with two microphones for audio recording.

After the release of the 5th GoPro series, the manufacturer renamed the HERO4 Session to HERO Session and re-released it in a new, white box.

gopro HERO5 Black Edition AndHERO5 session (2016)

In the fall of 2016, the manufacturer released new series cameras - GoPro HERO5 Black and HERO5 Session. Both models had a sealed case that allowed diving to a depth of 10 meters without a special aquabox, equipped with voice control and a digital stabilization function. They could automatically upload footage to the GoPro Plus cloud (a subscription to the cloud in Russia, unfortunately, is not yet available).

HERO5 Black could be called the flagship in the action camera market due to the following features: the ability to shoot video in 4K resolution at 30 fps, 1080p at 120 fps and 720p at 240 fps, photos at 12MP resolution, the ability to shoot in RAW format and the presence of a GPS module for receiving telemetry. What's more, HERO5 Black has an LCD touchscreen that lets you control all of the camera's settings. The HERO5 Session has slightly more modest specifications: shooting video in 4K resolution at 30 fps, 1080p at 90 fps, 720p at 120 fps, and photos at 10MP resolution.

gopro HERO6 Black (2017)

The new HERO6 Black model was released exactly one year later and became a logical continuation of HERO5 Black. She inherited the appearance from her predecessor: the same stylish dark gray sealed case with an LCD screen on the back, which ensured full compatibility of accessories. At the hardware level, the differences are more significant: the camera was equipped with an optimized GP1 processor, which improved image quality, and doubled the performance compared to HERO5 Black. Now GoPro could shoot video in 4K resolution at 60 fps, 2.7K at 120 fps and 1080p at 240 fps. This is really a big breakthrough for a small camera weighing only 117 grams. Also thanks to the new Wi-fi module, support for 5GHz networks has appeared, image stabilization has improved, shooting quality in low light has improved, and zooming has become possible.

gopro Fusion (2017)

The next model released by GoPro in the fall of 2017 was a 360-degree camera capable of shooting spherical content in 5.2K30 and 3K60 resolution. Overall, the camera has inherited some character traits past GoPro models, such as waterproof, shockproof, voice control, Wi-Fi connectivity, GPS module, etc., but also included several innovations. Of particular note are the presence of two lenses, each of which writes to a separate memory card, an 18MP matrix, an updated futuristic design, an improved stabilization system and an increased battery capacity.

But special attention is not appearance or camera specifications, and software designed specifically for this model. The first interesting feature is the ability to record and “glue” photos and videos without visible seams. Another interesting feature is the ability to programmatically remove the complete monopod from the frame so that the immersive effect during viewing is maximum. And not to mention OverCapture - with this feature built into the GoPro App and Fusion Studio, the user can turn spherical content into a traditional 2D video format for further processing and export, for example, to social networks.

GoPro HERO (2018)

In the spring of 2018, GoPro released a new camera for beginners - HERO 2018. The following can be said about the novelty: the appearance and design are fully consistent with and, which will ensure full compatibility of mounts and accessories for these models. HERO 2018, like its predecessors, is shockproof and completely waterproof to a depth of 10 meters, equipped with a removable 1220mAh battery, and is also equipped with a touch screen, electronic stabilization, Wi-Fi module and voice control.

However, if you look at the technical specifications in more detail, you will find that the model is really focused not on professionals, but on novice users: there are no 4K and 2.7K modes and some flagship functions, but the novelty is capable of shooting video in 1440p and 1080p resolution at 60 frames in second, photo in 10 MP resolution and time lapse. And the most important difference between HERO 2018 and its predecessors is its price. The camera starts at just $199, making it affordable for just about anyone who wants to buy a GoPro.

GoPro HERO7 (2018)

In the fall of 2018, GoPro updated its line of cameras and introduced three new models: HERO7 White, HERO7 Silver, HERO7 Black. The cameras have a similar form factor, which ensures compatibility of accessories and mounts from previous models.

Model for beginner GoPro lovers. Rugged, waterproof to a depth of 10 meters, supports video in 1440p60 resolution. The camera has built-in digital stabilization and is capable of taking photos at a resolution of 10 MP. The built-in battery will provide up to 1.5 hours of continuous shooting.

Like the younger model, it has a non-removable battery, but it can shoot video in 4K resolution. Digital stabilization, voice control, touchscreen display, the ability to take photos in HDR format - these and other features that users love GoPro so much are implemented in HERO7 Silver.

Without a doubt, the flagship model of this year. Manufacturers have made a breakthrough by equipping the camera with digital three-axis stabilization. This kept the camera compact and made it possible to get incredibly smooth video even without the use of stabilizers. And the implementation of the live broadcast function will allow users to share moments of what is happening without a lag in time. The camera is waterproof up to 10 meters, has a removable lens, which allows you to use aquabox and dive to a depth of 60 meters. Removable battery, 12 MP photos and, of course, 4K video at 60 frames per second.

Also for the most dedicated fans of the company's products, an exclusive limited edition of HERO7 Black is released in all white colors called HERO7 Black Dusk White.

GoPro HERO8 Black and GoPro Max

In the fall of 2019, GoPro once again made a technological leap and updated its line of cameras. On October 1, two professional-class products were presented to the public at once - a model that is a follower of last year's flagship HERO7 Black, and a sequel to the panoramic GoPro Fusion, so beloved by fans of spherical shooting. Let's dwell on each of them in more detail.

GoPro HERO8 Black not only incorporates all the best features of the previous top GoPro models, but also offers a number of revolutionary solutions that have not previously been seen in the action camera industry, namely, it received support for the so-called "modules" - additional accessories, integrated into the camera ecosystem and allowing you to get a turnkey solution for shooting vlogs.

In particular, the presentation featured: a multifunctional media module with a gun microphone, MicroHDMI, Type-C and 3.5 jack connectors, and two clips for connecting light sources, microphones and LCD screens, commonly called a “cold shoe”, a compact folding module - a screen designed to make life easier for operators when shooting vlogs, as well as a waterproof and shockproof flashlight module that provides brightness up to 200 lumens. The manufacturers promised not to stop there and eventually release a few more modules that will help operators shoot on GoPro faster and better.

The camera itself has also undergone significant modifications. First, the design of the body has changed: it has become slightly larger and narrower, the microphones have been redesigned and improved, and the protective lens of the lens and the legendary “ear” mounts have been integrated into the camera body, which eliminates the need for a mounting frame.

But the main changes concerned precisely the functionality: the device received support for the ultra-modern stabilization of HyperSmooth 2.0, which became available in all resolutions and at any frame rate. New features have been added: LiveBurst (similar to the iPhone's LivePhoto feature), Night VideoLapse - night time-lapse video capability, TimeWarp 2.0, improved HDR photos, and live social sharing in Full HD.

Of particular note is the redesigned interface: it has become even more friendly, and for GoPro users who are just starting to comprehend the basics of action shooting, presets have been invented - recommended preset settings for standard, sports, slow motion and cinematic video shooting. Don't forget about the pros too: shark photography can now use all photo modes to shoot in RAW, and vloggers can use the revolutionary horizon leveling for cinematic shooting!

You can not ignore and - the long-awaited camera for spherical shooting, in the production of which engineers and designers took into account all the shortcomings of its predecessor, Fusion, and turned them into advantages. The camera itself is positioned by GoPro marketers as “Three cameras in one”: after all, in addition to shooting 360 ° video in 5.6K30 resolution, the user can now shoot on each lens separately with 1440p60 parameters, receiving standard 2D video at the output. Also, future MAX users will obviously be delighted that now they need only one flash card to shoot panoramic content, which was so lacking in the previous generation model.

Of course, the manufacturer did not stop at just working on the bugs and added several new, but much-needed and long-awaited features: to please the vloggers, the device was equipped with an LCD screen from which you can control the settings and watch the shooting in real time. Audiophiles are not left out either: MAX is equipped with six (!) Microphones for excellent sound capture. Other highlights include improved MAX HyperSmooth stabilization and MAX TimeWarp, 270° panorama photos, and Full HD social media feed. Finally, the integration with the GoPro App has been completely redesigned for easy creation and sharing of the resulting videos.

In summary, we can conclude the following conclusion: confidently following the trends, creating and improving its ecosystem of mounts and accessories, and moving towards supporting vlogging, the GoPro camera has ceased to be a highly specialized device for action filming and has become a full-fledged means of expression that you want to use every day. and take with you everywhere and always.

In just 15 years after the release of the first industrial model, GoPro has made a huge leap from the manufacturer of film cameras to the modern market leader in digital action cameras, which all major players in this niche are guided by. This fact is confirmed by both multimillion-dollar sales and the presence of a huge number of GoPro fans.

GoPro Hero3 Black Edition

And so a couple of weeks ago I bought myself a GoPro Hero3 Black Edition, I will not describe the completeness of the camera and the picture quality of this is full on YouTube.
During operation, the camera heats up well to 55-58 degrees and you can’t hold your finger for a long time. The pain temperature threshold is on average 50-55 degrees, depending on the person and his skin sensitivity, there can be a difference, what is unbearable for a finger for a normal operating temperature chip.
The manufacturer answered the question about heating that a powerful processor is installed in the camera and such heat dissipation is within the permissible range, and that this is the normal operating temperature of the camera.
The base of the lens is metal, and it is this place that heats up strongly, and metal is not a bad heat conductor, and so in the protective case, the base to which the lens is attached is also metal and it passes through the entire box to the outside. It’s not for nothing that the manufacturer used metal there, which means it plays a role heat sink from the camera outside the box where this same metal part is blown by air, wind and cools down.

About the real time of the camera in different modes

Black edition with LEDs off and wifi

1440r 48fps 82min
1080p 60fps 71min
720r 120fps 80min
720r 60fps 86min
480p 240fps 80min

The camera with an Lcd touch BacPac connected to it worked for 57 minutes at 1080p 60fps, which is not bad at all
the camera with BataryBacPac in 720p 120fps mode lasted 190min.

Here is another very interesting article from Abe Kislevitz who is engaged in video filming, editing and video processing in GoPro.

Well, you have become the proud owner of a brand new GoPro HERO3 Black Edition! Luckily, GoPro has added about 137 different video modes(sic!), so every time you start shooting, you can involuntarily begin to doubt whether the video mode is the right one. But I will help you deal with these mysterious modes, the only thing is you need to be a little tech-savvy.

To begin with, let's understand such concepts as video resolution (resolution), frame rate (fps), and video quality. The quality of digital video recording is based on a lot of different values, for example, 1080p on a GoPro is VERY different from the same 1080p on an Alexa camera - and the culprit is not only the image sensor. A lot depends on the algorithm of the processors built into the cameras, thanks to which information is read from the image sensor and written to the SD card. There are various tricks that are included by the developer in the main algorithm of the processor to get all this wide variety of video modes.

So, how does video recording work? The sensor, like a film, captures the image, and the camera reads the necessary area from it - the "window" and the larger the reading area (the larger the window), the greater the load on the processor. To read the sensor completely means to get the fullest possible image coming through the GoPro's widescreen lens (i.e. the reading window is equal to the width and height of the sensor). The sensor in the HERO 3 Black Edition camera has a resolution of 12 megapixels and a 4:3 aspect ratio. So when shooting video in 4k mode, the processor reads information over the entire width of the sensor, but not over the entire height. the output video will be in standard 16:9 aspect ratio. Since it is necessary to receive video in 4k resolution, the processor does not need to compress it and it saves information without changing the image size (that is, we have 4k at the input and output). The sensor reading area in this case is the same as when shooting, for example, in 1080p WIDE mode, however, in the latter case, the processor has to convert the image to a lower resolution at the final stage. The size of the video output also affects the degree of processor load, so when shooting 4k we have only 15 frames per second, and at 1080p (I repeat, despite the fact that the same large area is initially read from the sensor as in 4k) up to 60 frames per second.

Regarding digital video shooting, it is worth mentioning another important term: digital video can be native (i.e., optimal in terms of the interaction between the sensor and the processor) for the camera and not. In the Hero 3 Black Edition camera, the processor reads the maximum possible area from the sensor (for a 16:9 ratio), and then downscales the image to 1080p, and does this 60 times per second (which is optimal for this kind of processor). 1080--60fps and 2.7k are some of the best shooting modes - the processor and sensor work together perfectly to get the best image quality for this camera. There are also modes when information from the sensor is received by the processor using other algorithms, which leads to roughness (uneven edges of objects, for example, it is noticeably noticeable if there are electrical wires in the distance on the video). Try 1440--30fps and then 1440--48fps and compare the resulting video. The way the processor reads information for 48 and 30 frames is slightly different (high processor load at a resolution of 1440 and also 48 frames per second does not affect the quality in the best way). The same problem can be seen with the Canon 7D when comparing 1080p versus 720--60fps modes. So the image obtained at 720 will be rough (let me remind you that you need to look closely to see these “roughnesses”). the processor is heavily loaded (high resolution means a large number of pixels, and the frame rate determines the speed of reading information from the sensor per second).

Now let's talk about how the sensor reading area and the field of view or FOV (which can be Medium, Narrow and Wide) are related. At 1080p Medium, the information is only taken from the small window in the middle of the sensor, which means we don't see the full picture taken by the sensor through the wide lens - we only see a small part of the middle of the sensor. But initially in this mode, the processor still reads a larger image from the sensor, and then still downscales it to 1080p. At 1080p Narrow, an even smaller area is read from the very middle of the sensor, so there is even less distortion. This time, the size of the area that the processor reads from the sensor is almost equal to the output image, i.e. the processor does not downsize an image that is 1920 x 1080 (remember, the full sensor size is 4000 wide by 3000 high). The image itself, obtained in Narrow mode, looks more blurry, as it contains noise. This output quality is due to the fact that initially a small number of pixels are captured from the sensor - only 1920 x 1080, and in 1080p wide mode a much larger area is captured initially, and then the processor reduces the image (to the same 1920 x 1080), simultaneously removing noise ( i.e. the processes of cleaning the image themselves are present + initially there were more pixels). Narrow mode is like an incredibly zoomed-in version of a normal image (imagine we're only taking 30% of the middle of the photo taken by the GoPro, i.e. the full photo would then be 1080p Wide). But you should not compare the Narrow mode with digital zoom, since the image read from the sensor is not converted by the processor, but has the same size at the input and output!

GoPro Hero 3 video modes in detail

WVGA--240fps--WIDE-- Well WVGA is WVAGA. If you look closely, the image is quite rough because of the low resolution, but it will do for youtube. If you don't care about video quality, then 240fps will make for incredible slowmotion.

720--60fps--WIDE-- Looks great, but why don't you try 1080--60fps?

720--120fps--WIDE-- I just don't like this mode. The rough edges (if you look closely) are nothing compared to the quality of the 1080--60fps mode, all this is due to the way the processor reads information from the sensor and processes it. But it looks great if your end goal is to upload the video to youtube (because the video has crazy fps).

720--120fps--NARROW-- Super! 120fps! There are no distortions! Absolutely clean video (the processor does not reduce the image received from the sensor)! If there's a mode that screams "I'm not a GoPro", this is it. The video is incredibly clear, as if shot at 50mm. Slowmotion is great! But comparing with 1080 and 2.7k, you will notice how softer the image is in this mode.
960--48fps--WIDE-- Not tested (because it's a rather peculiar format).

960--100fps--WIDE--The quality is the same as at 720-120fps. You can get rid of jagged edges by dynamically stretching to 1080. Otherwise, not a bad mode.

1080--30fps--WIDE-- One of the best modes, very high image definition (similar to 2.7k 30fps).
I tested shooting the same scene at 1080-30 and 2.7k30. When 2.7k was reduced to 1080, the amount of detail and sharpness was almost identical to 1080-30. So I really like this mode, but you have to ask yourself why not shoot in 2.7k mode and have higher resolution video (for the future). Anyway, 1080--30 has one of the cleanest images on camera.

1080--60fps--WIDE-- Loss of clarity compared to 1080-30fps, but it's barely noticeable (the image looks more "soft"). There is a rollin-shutter effect (just a little bit!). Great for shooting fast moving subjects.
Comparing 1080--30 and 1080--60, you will notice that at 60FPS the image is slightly softer than at 30. But you will not notice this if you upload the image to youtube, but how the camera receives this video is slightly different. In the end, I choose this mode for shooting action scenes. The roller shutter effect is noticeably reduced when shooting at 60fps, due to the fact that the exposure time is reduced.

1080--60fps--MEDIUM-- Very clear image, less distortion, video doesn't look like standard GoPro video, great slow motion. Great for shooting with mechanical mounts when the camera moves very smoothly. But be careful with shooting from the first person. in Medium and Narrow modes, camera shake is very noticeable.

1080--60fps--NARROW-- This mode is incredible! Still an incredibly clean image, however, there may be noticeably more pixels and noise. Since the image received from the sensor is not reduced by the processor, the video quality will not be very good in low light. However, the details will be softer. Narrow mode looks like shooting DSLR video, which is very interesting in a GoPro environment. It's funny, but in the final GoPro video, we did not include several moments shot in this mode, because many simply would not believe that the video was shot 100% on a GoPro.

1440--30fps--WIDE-- I love this mode. Firstly because of the high sharpness and very clean video. If you shoot from the first person, it really seems that you see the world through the eyes of another person. Processing can be tricky since the ratio in this mode is 4:3, but if you know how to dynamically fit an image to 16:9, that's great. So if you're shooting a video that then just relive those moments, this mode is the bomb!

1440--48fps--WIDE-- The high frame rate is great, but if you watch the video in full resolution, you can notice the roughness around the edges. This is due to the processor's high frame rate algorithm. However, few people look at full resolution and peer into the edges. Looks great on youtube!

2.7k--30fps--WIDE-- Amazing! This mod is just crazy! Incredible picture clarity! The image is read from the entire sensor! The only negative is that there is a rollin-shutter effect since 30fps. If you shoot in this mode with the camera on something stable on high speeds or in low light, you get a pretty good motion blur. In general, in conditions of lack of light, this mode is very good.

2.7k--24fps--CIN-- The same as 2.7k--30fps--WIDE, only with cinematic cropping (top and bottom).

4k--15fps--WIDE-- Great for time lapse (with subsequent refinement in CineForm).

4k--12fps--CIN-- Same as 4k--15fps--WIDE, only lower frame rate and with cinematic cropping.

Protune mode

For most amateurs, Protune remains an incredible mystery, but professionals use it everywhere. The first thing that catches your eye when using Protune is the subdued color palette. Subdued strong light and accentuated shadows are the product of special curves on the color matrix. The desaturated color makes it easy to blend GoPro footage with footage from other cameras later on. Protune video also has reduced clarity. Take a look at the video recorded with and without Protune. With Protune, the image becomes softer, it may even seem that something is wrong with the lens. But the sharpness you see in standard mode (without Protune) is actually added by the processor during processing. For professionals, the less digital processing the video receives when shooting, the better, since all the necessary options can always be added later, at the post-production stage (for example, it is more convenient to add clarity at the end, when the video material from all cameras is collected, in order to have a solid video in the final, without jumpy clarity, contrast, etc.). Next, let's turn to the high level of bitrate - it reaches 45Mbps. The bitrate level tells the processor how much information to transfer from the sensor to the SD card - the higher the bitrate, the higher the video quality, but the more space is required on the drive. At low bitrate, it uses special material compression algorithms (such as grouping large blocks of colors) so that the video material takes up less space. The last feature of Protune is the ability to automatically match the color temperature.

Auto This is my lifesaver when I use Protune. The camera does a great job of reading the brightness and light and adjusting the mode as needed. This allows you to get a visually coherent material, which is especially important when shooting in the snow. I'll briefly describe Protune's other color temperature modes below, but I don't really use them much.
3000K This mode should be used in very warm light, such as at sunset or sunrise. In a neutral environment (in a room with white walls), the video will have a blue tint.
5500K This mode should be used for brighter light, during the day for example. With a neutral environment, the video will be in warm colors.
6500K This mode should be used when the sky is overcast, in a neutral environment it has an even softer tint.
cam raw This mode does not correct the color balance, but simply records what the camera sees in a given situation. This mode can give you incredible possibilities for further editing (but videos shot under different lighting conditions will be very mixed, so in post-production you can face a huge amount of work!)

But there are a few important things to note about how Protune works - Protune won't make video better at night! With Protune in the dark, you will see a little more detail than you could with a camera of this size, but the price for this will be the noise that will be present where there should be complete darkness. So as soon as the sun goes below the horizon, it is better to turn off Protune. What's more, there is virtually no digital noise reduction in Protune mode, so you get both more detail and more noise. But as I said, in low light conditions, the sensor in this camera works great (for a camera of this size). However, if GoPro added the ability to control the level of noise reduction to the camera, then it would be possible to get even better video in low light.

To summarize, for me - Protune+AutoWB + 1080-60, 2.7K, 1440-30; 1440 48 & are the most popular modes. I am also experimenting with 720-120 Narrow, 1080-60 Medium & and they seem to be great for me too.

GoPro Hero 3 Silver Edition is an action camera (or, as it is also called, “sports DVR”) of the third generation. Compact, somewhere three times smaller than the fourth iPhone, the camera is designed to shoot in the most unpredictable conditions where a conventional video camera simply cannot cope: water, dust, sand.

Thanks to its size and convenient mounts, GoPro can shoot while moving, in free fall or up to 60 meters under the water, even when your hands are busy with something else (for example, a steering wheel). However, driving a selfie is not the best use of the GoPro Hero 3. Read on to find out where this miracle of technology can be used, what it can do and how it differs from a regular DVR.

Who cares?

GoPro Hero 3 Silver Edition is the base model of third generation action cameras. It has a wider range of options than the White Edition (for example, a built-in Wi-Fi module), and is limited in comparison with the top Black. It also performs well as a video recording device (30 frames per second at Full HD and 60 at HD quality). Of course, the frame rate in 1080p is not enough to mount slow motion video from the footage, but in 720p you can do it. And a rather suitable “soap box” can come out of a silver GoPro - with an 11 megapixel matrix, it is capable of taking pictures in series or in time lapse mode. In the latter, you set the frame capture rate yourself - from 0.5 to 30 seconds.

Characteristics:

• 11 megapixel matrix
• HD and Full HD video (60 and 30 fps respectively)
• photography in 11, 8 and 5 MP quality
• Protune mode (advanced color management capability)
• monochrome display on the front
• MicroUSB and Mini HDMI connectors
• 1050 mAh battery (enough for a little more than 3 hours of continuous shooting)
• microSD slot (supports cards up to 64 GB)
• built-in Wi-Fi module for remote control of the camera from a remote control (not included in the package) or from a smartphone (also not included :))

What's new?

So, we have already said that new version GoPro introduces Protune shooting mode. Let's talk about it in more detail. In this mode, you can manually select the white balance and increase the amount of video stream capture from the standard 15 Mbps to 35 Mbps. Thus, GoPro Hero 3 can be brought closer in terms of shooting quality to professional cameras.

Hero 3 also introduced a video capture mode called Video Looping. It allows you to record a video fragment of a given length an unlimited number of times. In principle, it is useful if you know exactly how long the moment you want to capture will last.

Contents of delivery:

• the camera itself
• plastic protective box
• covers for the box - ordinary and waterproof (up to 60 meters deep). The waterproof cover also keeps your action camera well protected from dust and dirt.
• three-angle hinge
• flat mount
• stickers to fix the mount on flat and convex/concave surfaces
• USB cable
• brand name stickers
• instructions and warranty card

Camera remote control

As we already mentioned, Hero 3 Silver received a built-in Wi-Fi module. In an action camera, it is not needed at all in order to connect to the free Internet in cafes (and it doesn’t have such opportunities in principle). The camera can be remotely controlled via Wi-Fi. To do this, in addition to the camera itself, you can buy a remote control (remote control). It has the same two buttons as the camera and the exact same monochrome display. With the top version, the remote control is supplied, and for the silver version, you will have to pay another 80 euros for it. But this is not the most important thing. The camera can be controlled via Wi-Fi from a smartphone or tablet running Windows Mobile, Android or iOS. The remote control app is available for download on AppStore, Google Play and Windows Store.

IMPORTANT! Before installing the application, update the camera software from the official website! If you ignore the update, only android smartphones will work as a remote control.

And finally

Do not rush to order a camera "over the hill". Remember that the risk of such a purchase is $ 340 + shipping costs thrown to the wind. Firstly, you lose the 12-month warranty, and secondly, you can get an already broken camera.

To shoot video, it is advisable to install a class 10 memory card. It costs more, but it will affect the quality of the video.

One last thing: GoPro Hero 3 Silver Edition performs poorly in the dark, but better than second-generation cameras.