A small and compact action camera.
Cost – from £40.00 (eBay)
Conditions of testing – General riding
Length of time tested – five years
Value for money – 5/5
Quality – 5/5
Functionality – 5/5
Overall score 15/15
Having owned different action cameras over the years, means I have a few older cameras laying about. You do not always need the newest technology to get awesome results. My first Hero 3 + Black was second hand, it was used on a film set and in great condition.
The GoPro HERO3:
Black Edition has two 4k modes that have slightly varied aspect ratios and frame rates.
However, here’s the catch:
the HERO3:
Black Edition can only record 4k at 15 frames per second (fps) and 4k Cin at 12fps, which is only really useful for static non-moving shots.
The GoPro Hero Session is a compact and user-friendly action camera known for it’s rugged design and waterproof capabilities. At the time It was 50% smaller and 40% lighter than previous models, making it the smallest and lightest GoPro.
The GoPro Hero 3+ Black Edition shares many similarities with its predecessor, the Hero 3. Although the Hero 3+ may seem like an incremental upgrade, there are a number of subtle changes that make this action cam stand out.
First off, it’s 20% smaller and lighter than the first GoPro Hero and Hero2, measuring 2.30 x 1.55 x 0.08 inches (5.8 x 3.9 x 2 cm) and weighing 2.6 oz. (28g). Now while those physical stats remain identical to the Hero 3, the Hero 3+ has a smaller housing.
The Hero 3+ housing has a streamlined lens covering without bolts, and devoid of the slide lock mechanisms. The resulting package is more compact and easier to access. The Hero 3+ also has slightly larger buttons.
GoPro also improved the lens of the Hero 3+, making it sharper and exhibit less artifacts. The microphone is improved to pick up on more subtle sounds and improve wind noise reduction. The Hero 3+ Black Edition’s built-in Wi-Fi has also been boosted to 4x faster speeds with a greater range, and the battery life has been increased by 30%. The Hero 3+ Black Edition also introduces SuperView FOV, which is available in select capture resolutions. SuperView is the widest recording angle GoPro has offered to date (I have samples later on in the article). Auto Low Light is a new feature that cuts the frame rate in half when the camera detects lower light levels.
The Black Edition does hold white balance adjustment, Protune and simultaneous photo+video recording above the 3+ Silver and 3 White editions as well. Protune is a setting that records videos with less compression and a more neutral color space to aid in the post production process. Just looking at specs alone, it’s easy to see that the Black Edition really packs a punch.
As with all GoPro cameras, they feel very well made and strong. I have never had an issue with the build quality of a GoPro.
Since the GoPro Hero 3+ Black Edition is 20% smaller and lighter than the original GoPro Hero and Hero2, I was able to enjoy the minor benefits. I usually mount the GoPro to my motorcycle and hockey helmets, and the first two models make it easier to remember that they are strapped to the top of your head, thanks to their bulk.
This is particularly evident while turning my head. While the Hero 3+ is not a prodigious reduction in bulk and size, it was definitely noticeable, and certainly more neck-friendly. The size reduction renders the Hero 3+ half the thickness of the first two models, but it retains the same height and width. The newly slimmed-down external housing on the Hero 3+ is the most compact and easiest to access housing yet. The latch mechanism is similar to the first GoPro models, requiring a simple flip lock to be engaged and disengaged to access the camera. The Hero 3 case has a convoluted series of slide lock buttons that made accessing the camera a royal pain. So, overall size and weight is very impressive compared to all previous models.
Features:
- f/2.8 6 element lens (Ultra wide angle)
- 5-megapixel camera
- Photo, Burst Photo and Time Lapse modes
- 30 and 25 fps Medium FOV Full 1080p HD video (Also shoots 960p and 720p)
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- 1050mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- Looping video
- Up to 15/Mbs high video bitrate capture
- microSD Class 4 or higher supported up to 64GB
Final thoughts:
If you have a limited budget for a action camera, a second hand Hero 3 + black may well fit your needs. I have GoPro Hero 3 cameras and a multitude of batteries for longer rides. I will endeavour to record a new video to upload.
Article written by Nige.
Last update: August 2025
Nige uses two GoPro Hero 3’s.
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