The all-singing, all-dancing Black Edition grabbed all the attention at the GoPro HERO3 launch, with many – us included – dismissing the cheaper Silver Edition as just a GoPro HD HERO2 in a smaller body. Well, it turns out there have actually been some big changes ‘under the hood’.
The middle model has a new lens, improved sound and updated firmware, along with an easier-to-navigate menu and built-in wifi. At US$100/£80 less than the Black Edition, we reckon it’s probably the better option for most casual users, who don’t need super-fast 60fps or Ultra HD shooting. The best news is, at $300/£280 there’s no price increase over the old HERO2.
Just one burning question remains – is the HERO3 Silver Edition so much better than the HERO2 that it’s worth upgrading? Helpfully, the good folk over at BikeRadar have tested the two helmet cams head-to-head to find out. Check out the video below to see how they compare:
Source: GoPro HERO3 vs. HERO2 Head-to-Head from BikeRadar
The new GoPro HERO3 really is tiny
The Black, Silver and White editions all share the same camera body...
... and the same flat-lens waterproof housing
The menu system has been improved, and you can also link the camera to your smartphone via wi-fi
The HERO3 is just 20mm deep and weighs just 73g/2.6oz
Note the new wi-fi button on the right-hand side. You can use your phone as a viewfinder and remote control
The left-hand side houses the microSD memory card slot, USB charging port and HDMI output
The camera's powered by a 1050mAh lithium-ion battery
The best news is that even with all these improvements, the HERO3 Silver Edition costs the same as the old HERO2
GoPro HERO3 Silver Edition helmet cam - Best bikes and gear of 2012
Forget the GoPro HERO3 - here's the GoPro IMAX!
Andrew Whiteford takes the new GoPro HERO3 for a ride in the snow