GoPro Hero3: Black Edition Camcorder Review

Waterproofing & Ruggedization

In case this wasn't already clear, the Hero3 isn't a waterproof or durable product by itself. It's a tiny little box that, if dropped from a significant height, would probably suffer some significant damage. To solve this issue of durability, GoPro ships a hearty waterproof case with the little camcorder that can protect it from falls and will allow the Hero3 to be used underwater—up to 197 feet.

The case is slimmer than last year's design for the Hero2, and that makes sense considering the Hero3 is slimmer as well. It also has three fancy push buttons that give you access to buttons and controls on the camcorder even when the Hero3 is inside of the case. This means you don't have to take it out of the case in order to turn it on or get the WiFi working. The case is entirely enclosed (it's waterproof, duh), so you can't access ports or remove the battery pack when the Hero3 is inside the case. GoPro does sell a bare-bones "frame" case that lets you mount the Hero3 while still allowing the user to access ports and the such (the frame is not waterproof, though).

Unlike the Hero2, which came bundled with a variety of mounts and accessories, the Hero3 only comes with a few mounts and attachments. In addition to the waterproof case, you get a couple of adhesive mounts and a pivoting arm mount, but you don't get a helmet mount or a suction cup mount like you could get with the Hero2 package. These mounts are still available—and if you had them for the Hero2 they will certainly work with the Hero3—but you do have to purchase them separately. The Black Edition is available with a surfboard mount on GoPro's site (called the Black Edition—Surf).