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GoPro Hero3+ Black Edition review

The king of the action cams returns - but will it still rock our world?

GoPro cameras have been our go-to action cams since we were knee-high to a snowboard, so we’re pretty stoked about the arrival of the Hero3+ Black Edition.

This radical little box of tricks promises a better lens, longer battery life and faster wireless operation than the previous Hero3, while still packing such epic treats as 4K video and 30fps stills.

There’s also a cheaper Silver Edition (£280), which misses out on the 4K and has a slightly smaller sensor, but it’s the Black Edition that we‘re totally amped about*.

*We’ve overdone the extreme sports lingo, haven’t we? We’ll stop now.

Ready for action

GoPro Hero3+ Black Edition action cam review

The supplied waterproof case (or optional £40 ‘Frame’ mount) is a requirement for almost any use of the GoPro, as the matchbox-sized main unit has no ruggedisation or mount fixings. But in its favour, the tiny, boxy form works well in confined spaces. The waterproof case has been redesigned for the Hero3+ and is now smaller and lighter than before, and also fits more snugly – all good changes, we feel.

As with all GoPro cams, operating the 3+ can be an awkward process because all feedback comes via the tiny mono LCD screen. Unless you never change any settings and just hit ‘Record’, you’ll want to team it with the supplied remote or smartphone app. Alternatively, you can add an LCD touchscreen – but that’s another £80. Another slight annoyance is that once encased, the GoPro’s three buttons are unmarked, making operation a more cryptic affair than your frozen fingers and rain-sodden head will appreciate.

Still, there’s better news when it comes to features. There’s a remote app which works on iOS, Android and even Windows Phone – you don’t see that very often – and a supplied wireless remote if you don’t want to risk your phone on the slopes/in the surf. There are also loads of shooting options, from 4K to 1080p to slow-mo to time-lapse, plus 12MP stills at a blistering 30fps.

Tech specs

Video – 4K@15fps, 1080p@60/50/48/30/25/24fps, 720p@120/60fps, WVGA@240fps

Stills – 12MP

Battery – 2hrs

Display – Mono LCD status screen

Connectivity – microHDMI, microSD, microUSB, Wi-Fi, microSD reader

Dimensions/weight – 41x59x30mm/74g (136g w/housing)

Shooting star?

GoPro Hero3+ Black Edition action cam review

Yes, the GoPro will do 4K footage, but at 15fps and through these optics, there’s little point.

There’s better news when it comes to full HD footage though. While not quite DSLR or high-end camcorder quality, it captures bags of detail and copes better with shadows and highlights than rivals such as the Garmin VIRB Elite. And, if you’re interested in slow-mo, the fact that the GoPro can shoot 120fps at 720p and even 240fps at WVGA quality is a massive bonus.

But for all the talk of video quality and fancy features, much of GoPro’s success is down to the fact that you can stick them on to almost anything. The 3+ remains the king when it comes to mounts, with options to attach it to virtually anything. Well, there’s no pig mount yet, but it can be only a matter of time.

Verdict

GoPro Hero3+ Black Edition action cam review

GoPro’s ‘industry standard’ status has been well earned, and the Hero3+ Black Edition is a cracking good camera.

However, in 2014 a £350+ camera with no screen and a three-button interface doesn’t quite stack up. We’d like to see a major redesign for GoPro’s next flagship, taking some cues from new rivals such as the Garmin VIRB Elite.

That said, the GoPro’s tiny form factor, 4K mode, extra mounts, and advanced slow-mo options are all advantages, and that’s why it’s still a fixture in our Top 10 camcorders list.

And if £360 is too much for you, there’s also the Hero3+ Silver Edition, yours for about £240 if you shop around.

READ MORE: The 10 best camcorders in the world right now

Stuff Says…

Score: 4/5

Build: 4/5

Design: 4/5

Features: 5/5

Video: 4/5

Another fine action cam from GoPro that’ll please plenty of exteme enthusiasts

Good Stuff

Excellent video quality

Huge range of mounts

4K and slow-mo modes

Bad Stuff

Lacks a proper screen

4K mode only 15fps

Profile image of Tony Horgan Tony Horgan Senior Reviewer

About

27 years as a professional consumer technology journalist has yet to take its toll on the Peter Pan of Product Testing. From Wizball to Windows 8, Tony has been there at every step, telling it like it is. The former editor of CU Amiga Magazine, part-time music producer, DJ and app developer is in his element when he's pushing gadgets beyond their known limits, subverting the rulebook and plugging things into things they've never been plugged into before. Tony's motto is: "Never dispose of a cable; just put it in a box with all the others because you'll probably need it one day."

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