Product Comparison: GoPro HERO3 vs GoPro HERO4

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GoPro HERO3 White Edition

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GoPro HERO4 SILVER Surf Bundle

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General Specifications

Brand

GoPro

Model

HERO3

HERO4

Origin

China

About the Product

Featuring stunning image quality and built-in Wi-Fi, HERO3 White makes it simple to document and share life’s most memorable moments. It captures 1080p30 video for gorgeous footage of every adventure. A variety of photo modes ensure your best shots yet, choose from 5MP single photos, Time Lapse photos or Burst photos at up to 3 frames per second. Built-in Wi-Fi supports the GoPro App, enabling you to control the camera remotely using your phone or tablet, view the photos and videos you’ve captured, and quickly share content on Facebook, Twitter and more. HERO3 White is compatible with all GoPro mounts, so you can wear it or attach it to your gear for immersive POV footage during your favorite activities. Plus, it’s ultra durable and waterproof to 131 feet (40 meters), so it goes wherever you go to capture life without a worry.

Capture your world in an all-new way with HERO4 Silver, the first-ever GoPro to feature a built-in touch display. Controlling the camera, playing back footage and adjusting settings is ultra convenient-just view, tap and swipe the screen. With 1080p60 and 720p120 video, and 12MP photos at a staggering 30 frames per second, HERO4 Silver combines powerful, pro-quality capture with the convenience of a touch display.

Key Specs

Effective Megapixels

5 MP

12 MP

Video Resolution

1080 p

2160 p

Maximum Depth Of Water Resistance

131 feet

Size & Weight

Depth

1.6 in.

1.5 in.

Height

2.4 in.

2.8 in.

Width

2.3 in.

2.8 in.

Weight

2.56 oz.

3.1 oz.

GoPro HERO3

GoPro HERO4

What customers say about "Size & Weight"

GoPro HERO3 White Edition

I am amazed.... This camera is better then I thought it could be in this size. the clarity in all modes is fantastic and so easy to use.
Great camera, but battery gets warm. Would recommend it to anyone. Size and accessories are good too.
Small size fits in pockets and areas that won't allow the camera to come into harm (exterior of vehicle)
I was amazed at the small compact size of this camcorder and can travel with you by attaching it to your stroller, car, bike, or your head.
The size and waterproof case is also great for waterpark and beach trips.

GoPro HERO4 SILVER Surf Bundle

I love the small size, even having huge hands.
The GoPro is an action sports camera. It is designed to be small, out of the way, and very durable.
The GoPro contains many features in a very small package.
GoPros are small and durable; this allows them to be placed in a variety of different places in order to get unique shots.

Display

Display Type

LCD

What customers say about "Display"

GoPro HERO3 White Edition

Also I would have loved to have a screen on it so I could see what I was doing or know if I needed to retake a shot / video. So if you have the extra cash I would get the gopro with the screen.
This was a great buy, and the touch screen backpack makes it even better.
Only thing that is a bit of a gamble, is that without the LCD screen, you can't really see what you are shooting so it is 'point and hope'. Even so, with its natural wide angle lens, we never missed a shot.
Overall, I do really, really like it, I just wish it was better in lower light and came with an LCD screen.
Was excited to get this, but found the lack of a screen made it hard to use.

GoPro HERO4 SILVER Surf Bundle

Turns out that the LCD is perfect. For such a small screen I was afraid that it would be difficult to use.
The touch screen is sensitive and easy to move through various settings. I'm sure I'll be adding more to this as time goes by.
The new screen is a HUGE plus. Watch live feed of whats being recorded.
The camera works great and for me the touch screen on the back makes it a lot better than the GP4 (specially for diving, without needing to buy more and more accessories).
It filmed for one day before it started to freeze and the LCD went black screen.

Video

Video Formats

MPEG4, WVGA

MPEG4

Image Stabilization

Yes

Image Stabilization

What customers say about "Video"

GoPro HERO3 White Edition

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.
Does exactly what I want. Gets a fish lens look on some of the pics but has great video.
Takes great underwater pics and videos and kinda neat wide angle above water pics too!
Very rugged, great images, highly versatile. Can be very finicky to work with.
I was a little disappointed in the sound while it's in waterproof housing and also with the image quality (as a photographer).

GoPro HERO4 SILVER Surf Bundle

I will admit that I have never shot any video from these and honestly hate seeing video after video of crazy people doing crazy stuff, but these are great if that is your goal.
I shot a total of about 1 minute at 2.7K video and the quality is awesome.
Best camera out there. It takes unbelievably clear photos and videos.
The quality of the video is pretty much in it's own category. I have some other action cams. Although they are great for what I purchased them for... nothing out there compares to the go pro products.
Have had this camera for about 6 months and have gotten good use out of it. Quality of the videos is great.

Features

Wi-Fi Enabled

Yes

Water Resistant

Yes

Memory Card Compatibility

microSD/HC

Extras

Professional quality video capture, Compatible with LCD Touch BacPac, and 2nd generation Battery Bacpac

Touch Display, Skeleton + Touch Backdoors, Rechargeable Battery, More Accessories: Surfboard Mount, FCS Plug Mount, Camera Tether, Quick Release Buckles, 3-Way, Pivot Arm, USB Cable

Wi-Fi Enabled
Water Resistant

What customers say about "Features"

GoPro HERO3 White Edition

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.
It has some awesome features. My son likes to ride dirt bikes, so he has big plans for some killa footage. As he would say!!!
I found this option to be incredibly useful when capturing and checking video's while away from a computer. This feature is a necessity.
The only reason I bought this was to send into space, but the WiFi feature is awesome and I can use it for a bunch of things. Haven't really tried it in low light, but I'm not holding too much hope out for that.
The battery life is very bad too. If you're using the wifi feature, expect only three or four hours before you need a full charge. Without any wifi, expect five.

GoPro HERO4 SILVER Surf Bundle

The features and images come out better than the old model of course, but I'm still learning about using different settings so there's lots of room for image improvements.
On the technical level, I would love to find some of the features of the SONY cameras, like splash-proof capability of the naked camera, better sound, in-built GPS and the super smart system to stabilize the video, all at a half of a GoPro cost.
The camera is very improved from the hero 3+ silver, and the LCD touch screen is very practical, it is a very high quality product which i recommend for people who only wants a good/tough camera with a lot of features and for professional use.
The battery can sometimes struggle on colder days when I am recording snowboarding, but given that this camera contains loads of processing power in a very small package, I understand that the battery will not last forever.
The bundle I ordered (surf) is a great deal. I use my equipment in the water primarily so the accessories in this bundle make it an even better value.

Warranty / Certifications

Certifications

Manufacturer Warranty

1 year(s)