2 things I wanted in the new go-pro
1) Better low light camera which they say they did improve. We will see how that turns out
2) GPS which they failed at. Not even a 'back-pack' option.
My opinion...not sure if they really raised the bar nor not. As a hero-2 owner, I'm not excited to drop everything and go get a hero3 in fact it really doesn't appeal to me at all. If I didn't have a camera, I would go for the 3 over the 2. The option for 64g memory would be nice! They (GoPro) say the new camera is more 'professional' ...and I realize the industry is moving forward fast but I thought the Hero2 was/is a very professional camera.
My bottom line, I love the GoPro camera system. It has taken video and photography to another level. Its cheap, some say disposable, and small. This new camera is great for someone coming into the Go Pro world of photography/video but I dont think many will jump ship from the Hero2 to the new 3.
For what its worth, lets look at them:
Hero2
http://gopro.com/cameras/hd-hero2-motorsports-edition/#specs
Camera Optics
2X Sharper Professional Glass Lens
f/2.8 Fixed Focus
170º Wide FOV (Including 1080p)
127º Medium FOV (In 1080p)
90º Narrow FOV
Video
HD RESOLUTIONS:
1080p: 1920x1080, 30FPS
960p: 1280x960, 48FPS + 30FPS
720p: 1280x720, 60FPS + 30FPS
STANDARD DEFINITION RESOLUTIONS
WVGA: 848x480, 120FPS + 60FPS
High Performance,1 /2.3” CMOS Image Sensor
Light Sensitivity: .84 V/lux-sec
Video Format: H.264 codec, .mp4 File Format
Exposure Control: Spot, Center Weighted
White Balance: Auto
Photo
RESOLUTIONS: 11MP, 8MP, 5 MP
FOV: Wide 170º FOV, Medium 127º FOV
CAPTURE MODES: Single, 10 Photo Burst, Time-Lapse*, Self-Timer
* Now supports time-lapse photo every 0.5 seconds. Requires Class 10 speed SD Card.
Audio
Mono, 48 kHz, AAC Compression, Auto Gain Control
Stereo External Microphone Input (3.5mm)
Storage
MEMORY:
SDHC: Up to 32GB (Class 4 or Higher)
AVERAGE RECORDING TIME WITH 32GB SD CARD:
1080p30: 4 hours
960p30: 6 hours
720p60: 4 hours
720p30: 6 hours
WVGA 120: 4.5 hours
Included Cables
USB Cable For Charging and Data Transfer
Battery & Charging
1100mah Rechargeable Lithium-Ion
Charge via USB
Operating System
Microsoft Windows® Vista, 7 and Later
Mac OS® x 10.5 and Later
Compatible with all GoPro BacPacs
Wi-Fi BacPac™ and Wi-Fi Remote™ (Coming Soon)
LCD BacPac™
Battery BacPac™
3D HERO® System
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Hero3
http://gopro.com/cameras/hd-hero3-black-edition#specs
Video format: H.264 codec, .mp4 file format
White Balance: auto and manual
Photo Modes
12, 7, 5MP resolutions
Burst: 30 photos per second
Continuous Photo: 3 photos per second, 5 photos per second, 10 photos per second
Time-lapse: 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 30, 60 second intervals
Simultaneous Photo + Video:
12MP + 1440p24 fps
8MP + 1080p30 fps 8
8MP + 720p60 fps
Battery & Charging
1050mAh rechargeable lithium-ion
Charge via USB
Audio
Mono, 48kHz, AAC compression w/ AGC
Supports optional 3.5mm stereo mic adapter **
Storage
Memory:
MicroSD class 10 or higher required
Up to 64GB capacity supported
Record times will vary with resolutions and frame rates
