Name: GoPro Hero3+ Black Edition
What it is: Hero3+ is GoPro’s smallest, lightest, most advanced camera to date. The Black Edition features built-in Wi-Fi, an improved spherical glass lens for a more immersive wide-angle view and advanced video-capture settings. It shoots videos with a resolution up to 4K and snaps stills in 5, 7 or 12 megapixels. The built-in Wi-Fi enables users to operate the camera with either the free iOS app or the included remote control. The Black Edition comes with a housing that is waterproof to a depth of 131 feet, a three-way pivot arm, a Wi-Fi remote and charging cable, a high-capacity lithium battery, a USB charging cable and two helmet mounts. The 2.6-ounce camera supports micro SD cards up to 64 GB.
The good: The Hero3+ quickly became my go-to camera over the summer because it’s great for any action adventure, from walking tours in France and Germany to snorkeling and scuba diving in Palau. With a mount, this camera can be as active as you are. I tested GoPro’s Headstrap ($19.99) and Chesty ($39.99) chest-strap mounts. I use the head strap more often because I have a better idea of the images I’m capturing. A friend of mine prefers the chest mount for his Hero2, and he did look less geeky than I did on our adventures in Palau. I love being able to preview a shot on my iPhone with the GoPro app, then pocket my phone to shoot my adventure hands-free.
The bad: The battery lasts only about two hours when I’m using Wi-Fi, but I discovered it’s easy to recharge the camera with a portable backup battery between activities.
Cost: $399.99
Available from: gopro.com, rei.com and bestbuy.com, among others.
— Terry Gardner, Special to Tribune Newspapers
