Manufacturer Description
The GoPro Digital HERO 3 Sports Wrist Camera is easy to use during any activity. This shockproof/waterproof wrist camera makes it easy to shoot digital video and photos during your favorite sporting activities. Miniature size and patented versatility combine with TV resolution video and 3 megapixel photos to form a highly-convenient and fun sports camera.
HERO 3 Sports Wrist Camera Highlights
- Use camera while you surf, ski, hike, bike, kayak, or climb
- Pivots upright for on the fly photos or video
- Exceptionally durable, with crack proof poly carbonate water housing and glass lens
- Waterproof up to 100 ft underwater
- This camera has a 3MP (2048×1536) photo resolution and 640×480 video resolution, and 16mb of internal memory expandable to 2GB with an SD card (not included)
- Comes with the ultimate camera strap and ski glove adapter lash
- Connects to your PC via USB (cable included) with no driver required
- Powered by two AAA batteries which are included
Additional Features:
- Instant power-up
- Simple button layout
- Half-second or less click to capture
- Self-timer
- Optical viewfinder to preview the scene
- File format compatibility: JPEG file format, AVI file format
- White balance: Automatic for adjusting light
Product Description
The Go Pro 3MP Digital Hero Camera. Finally a camera that’s easy to use during any activity. Surf, ski, hike, bike, kayak, or climb. Pivots upright for on the fly photos or video. Crack proof polycarbonate waterhousing and glass lens. Functional to 30 feet and waterproof up to 100 ft underwater. This camera has a 3MP (2048×1536) photo resolution and 640×480 video resolution, and 16mb of internal memory expandable to 2GB with an SD card (not included) . Also comes with the ultimate camera strap and ski glove adapter lash, connects to your PC via USB (cable included) with no driver required, and is powered by two AAA batteries which are included. Additional Features: Instant Power-Up, Simple Button Layout, Half Second or Less Click to Capture, Self-Timer, Optical Viewfinder to Preview the Scene, File Format Compatibility: JPEG File Format, AVI File Format, White Balance: Automatic for Adjusting Light.
Buy GoPro Digital HERO 3 Sports Wrist Camera at Amazon
We purchased the 3MP in July 2007 for our trip to Hawaii. I chose this product over a camera-specific waterproof housing mainly because of the huge price differential (the Go Pro Hero was much cheaper, even the latest 3MP version). The latest 3MP version was also an added bonus in terms of picture quality expectations. For our vacation, I forgot to bring the instructions, but after some trial and error it was fairly easy to figure out. Trial and error also includes figuring out the appropriate focal point – I found out that shots taken around 3-4 ft or closer came out blurry. Battery life is also a major issue, but as long as you’re aware of the short half-life and bring along plenty of AAA batteries, you’ll be fine. As one reviewer elsewhere pointed out, video-taking uses up the most battery power.
One complication during our trip was the fact that one of the polycarbonate tabs that holds the clamp in place to maintain the seal snapped right off after only the 3rd use (i.e., 3rd time unclamping to take out the SD card to download onto my computer). Go Pro Hero Camera was actually extremely responsive in replacing the waterhousing without fuss. Upon receiving the replacement housing, it also became apparent that the original 2-tabbed clamping was a design flaw. The newer waterhousing version has a continuous plastic ridge to hold the clamp. I haven’t tested this one out yet, but at least the design change makes sense.
One word on the quality of the photos – for underwater shots, the 2 most important factors for good pictures are water clarity and SUNLIGHT. Once you have those, the next most important resource is a software filter program. I didn’t have access to my usual Photoshop, so I simply downloaded and used Picasa (version 2), which did a great job on 90% of the shots. Without the filtering program, you could barely see the fish in the underwater shots, but after running it through some simple filtering they were quite clear and with much better color.
Last but not least, I was lucky enough to have an extra 1GB SD card on our trip. The built-in 18 MB will keep you happy for about 10 minutes (without shooting videos); and if you can’t readily dump your pictures/video into your computer, you’re stuck. So do yourself a favor if and when you buy this camera: buy the extra SD card at the same time. It takes up to 2GB SD, which can be as cheap as $40+ on sale nowadays.
This camera does everything it says it will. I love it. I have used it to film kayak trips, and playing in the pool, it is great. Also, I had a small issue with the case, and I contacted GoPro, they had FANTASTIC customer service! They resolved my issue immediately and got me a new case sent out.
buy this camera, you can’t lose for the $$.
5.0 out of 5 stars
well worth the money
This camera far surpassed my expectations. I paid $115 for it and wanted it for kayaking. I was willing to sacrifice picture quality for waterproof and most importantly the wrist…
You can’t beat the handiness of a camera that straps to your wrist and is waterproof. It’s so incredibly portable, and with a few steps, ready to snap pictures. You do need to buy a SD card (not included, around $40 for a 2GB) because the internal storage of the camera is not much. It will hold a 10sec video and a few pics, then it’s full. I would also buy rechargable batteries for it.
The directions are ok, but not great. They don’t go into troubleshooting, so it was hard for me to know when the camera was full or had taken a picture.
Once I conquered the storage issue, I had great success with the camera. The limitations are that it is difficult to frame the picture because the viewfinder is so small, there’s no zoom, focus or flash, and there’s no screen to view your shot. So you have to wait until you connect it to the computer to see what you got.
But if you need a camera to take hiking, snorkeling, running or whatever and don’t want to risk damaging your camera, then it’s great. It’s not going to be a good party or indoor camera. It’s not going to take pictures worthy of National Geographic- but it will capture your crazy outdoor adventures.
Finally, EVERYONE asks what IS that thing on your wrist!?! So it’s a great conversation piece and icebreaker among other outdoor enthusiasists.
4.0 out of 5 stars
HERO Helmet cam, worth every penny.
Very good product. Video playback is very smooth and has enough resolution that everything is easily visable, FOR THE MONEY.
5.0 out of 5 stars
un buen recuerdo de la aventura
es un buen producto, aguanta golpes y vibraciones, la he utlizado en mis montadas en bici todo terreno, aguanta golpes, pantano y lo mejor de todo, dejaremos el recuerdo de…
5.0 out of 5 stars
Scuba Diving with the Hero
I tried the camera in a pool and I was disappointed with pictures. Then I tried putting it in video mode.
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3.0 out of 5 stars
Your expectations of this camera will determine whether or not you’ll like it.
I saw this camera on sale during a 4th of July sale at a sporting store that was way out of town. It was 50% off.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Time-Lapse, Baby !!!
I love my GoPro Hero; but I sympathize with those who are unhappy with it- I think they just don’t “get it”.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent value for the money – you get what you pay for and more
This little camera is a great deal. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to capture underwater fun on their vacation.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Pleasantly surprised, shortcomings not a bother./
When I bought this camera, I kept in mind the low price tag and obviously the size and mobility of this thing.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good Enough, but Not Great
I’ve been able to capture some decent images with this camera, but it ain’t the best thing in the world. However for only $150 it’s almost disposable.
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great little camera for extreme sports
I’m giving this 5 stars as it works as advertised. For basically a $100 camera it’s excellent. It’s small, it’s portable, and with accessories available from the manufacturer…