GoProHERO3: White Edition - 131'/ 40m Waterproof Housing

I have seen these cameras for a long time, but not purchased one. However, after seeing some of the videos possible with this camera I purchased the Hero 3: White edition with the new housing.After using this for some weeks, I can say I love this camera and the possibilities.1.: What's in the box?: You receive the camera with the waterproof housing, plus an instruction booklet and a quick start guide. In addition, you receive a micro-USB cable, plus some mounts and assorted 'thingies.'2. Aesthetic?: Well, who really cares how this looks since the point is to capture your desired personal aesthetics! But, compared to some of the other cameras I have seen, this is a small package, and is cleverly designed.3. Use?: The point of the camera is to get it working. The waterproof casing has been redesigned from the previous model. It does seem very well-done and is supposedly able to survive to 130 feet. I have not tested it to any depth with the camera inside. However, I have taken the housing and placed it under water without a problem. (I will update this when I get the chance for some waterproof filming).The camera itself has basically three buttons. One for the power/mode, one for the camera to start taking video or pictures (at the top) and a side button which powers wireless. The wireless function works in conjunction with the App, which I used with an Iphone. The app is fantastic! You can control the camera remotely and change the desired function (video, burst, lapse and single pictures, plus whatever function suite the users purposes). The best thing is the ability to see a preview (except in certain modes like a time-lapse) and the ability to see the pictures and video on the app. Fantastic.The pictures with the edition I purchased are good, not great, given the 5 MP capability and the close-in build for pictures (I didn't but this to take long-range pictures). However, the video in HD (and this should be changes to 1080 as the default is a bit less) is absolutely gorgeous. Stunning is the word. The sound is also great, even with the waterproof housing on. I could still hear myself, others and the sounds of the activity clearly.The wireless function relies on setting up an internal network between your mobile device and the camera, though I did not find this difficult at all. The only time I had difficulty getting the camera connection was during some very cold weather, and once the camera was warm this went away. The battery lasts about 2 hours with consistent use, which is pretty good, although I could nurse the camera by turning things on and off when the opportunity present itself.At first, I did not like having to use a micro-SD card, but this is actually okay with an adapter for actual use and allows makes the camera smaller than the previous model.Overall, so far, I am very pleased with the camera and what it allows me to accomplish without too much difficulty. I suggest that a buyer purchase the grabbag of extra mounts and the lens caps as well. Great item. Hopefully I do not encounter some of the difficulty that others have had with the camera. Except for the above, this has not happened!1. GoPro Grab Bag of Mounts2. GoPro Protective Lens3. GoPro Headstrap Mount + Quick Clip

This Hero3 White is the low end of the three Hero3 editions but it's more than adequate for how I intend to use it. I went with the Hero3 instead of the Hero3+ because according to the reviews, it has better (clearer) distance capabilities. Getting it off the stand on the box can be a bit of a challenge as it's really tight. Push in the tabs as shown on the side of the box then pull backwards. I didn't quite get that from the picture on the box and spent several minutes trying to pull it upwards. Good manual although the print is quite small so us older folks may need our reading magnifier glasses. All the functionality I was looking for plus it has free editing software from the GoPro site where you'll need to go to register the camera and get the latest update. The link is in the manual. Note that when you register, you'll enter a username and password and that those will then become part of the update download (if you get one) and will become your wireless SSID and password respectively. You need to know that in case you want to use remote control or the tablet/smartphone app. Speaking of which, I used the Gopro Camera Control app from the Kindle Appstore on my Fire HDX 8.9 and it's OK although not as fully functional as the app from the GoPro site in that the HDX app doesn't give you the record/stop controls on the same page as the Preview. You have to "back-arrow" to them when you're ready to start shooting. Pretty jittery too when moving the camera but if you're mainly shooting from a tripod or fixed mount like I plan to do, it should be fine. Only thing I think could be improved is for someone to come up with an extended life battery pack that has a BacPac LCD pass-thru.Update: I have learned that the GoPro cameras have a design characteristic that purposely write-protects the Micro SD card when connecting to your computer via USB. You won't be able to delete/drag/drop files via the USB/camera connection. Info on the forums say this is intentional in order to preclude any possibility of outside corruption of the camera OS/software. There are 2 options for deleting files. The first is to use the built-in Trash function on the camera and the second is to remove the card, place it in an adapter, then connect the adapter to your PC/laptop. Now you'll be able to work with the files as traditionally expected. I personally find this irritating but I can live with it. I had a defective adapter on my 64GB card so you might consider trying a different adapter first if you get the "write protected" error before going through the hassle of a return.

GoPro HERO3: White Edition is the best possible action camera you could purchase! It has the form factor of a tiny box that fits in your hand but is capable of doing full 1080p 30fps, 960p 30 fpts, 720p 60 fps, and WVGA 60 fps. These are some pretty good specs for a entry level action cam that you may use on a daily basis. Now, me personally this type of camera does fit the bill in terms of pricing, reliability, and features. While I could go for the higher upgraded versions, this just fits the bill. The camera itself is very rugged and comes with a super over protected casing to house the camera when you are out doing those crazy action shots. It comes with a multitude of accessories. For starters, it comes with a whole bunch of stick pads for you to mount the camera anywhere. Next, it has an extra housing just for waterproofing it. (If you ever wanted to take it under water.) Third, cables and an extra mount for additional accessibility.The camera itself has whole bunch of features and I'll definitely touch upon sometime soon but all in all it is pretty munch a great entry level camera for those that want to capture some really cool shots.