GoPro users... School me.

Hey guys,

It's time for me to get myself a GoPro. I'm leaning toward last year's top of the line model, the Hero 3+ Black Edition (comes with a remote, which I like). Before I pull the trigger, I'd like to hear any thoughts/opinions about this model or any other model you'd recommend (or not).

Thanks in advance.

~Alex

It all comes down to budget really. If you're willing to part with the cash, go for the GoPro 4 Black edition. Side by side with the 3+, its just a better beast. Better frame rates which gives video a smoother look, better audio capabilities (not a big deal on the water though), and greater sharpness and video clarity. Really stunningly clear and smooth video. Plus, there's been big improvements made for night and low light shooting situations.

That being said, you still can't go wrong with the 3+ black though and its $100+ less depending on accessories. It honestly makes my GoPro Hero 2 look like a Polaroid camera ! Still has really great video quality and comes with the remote and other accessories that would still be add-ons you'd need to purchase with the 4.

Good luck with your purchase and cant wait to see the videos !

Thanks for the reply. Very helpful.

Definitely leaning toward the 3+ Black, but it seems like they aren't readily available anymore... I really like the idea of the remote, and don't want to spend an extra $80 for after already dropping $400 on the camera...

If brand name isn't an issue, you might want to consider this:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1072775-REG/sj4000_sj4000_action_camera.html

From what I can tell, the video quality is pretty close to a GoPro, if not better in some features. You get a lot of extras right out of the box and what's even better is that official GoPro accessories are compatible with it.

If BHphoto is willing to carry it, chances are it's a decent camera. Youtube has some good reviews on it.

Goodluck

Interesting. That thing looks like a complete knockoff of the GoPro. Quality might be fine, but I generally avoid blatant knockoffs on principle...

There's something to be said for doing your own R&D, and I'm willing to pay a little more to companies who don't just rip other people's ideas.

Looks like the GoPro Hero3 white will be on sale for $199 at Walmart and you get a free $50 giftcard with purchase.
http://www.theblackfriday.com/ads/walmart/black-friday/walmart-black-friday-ad.php?pn=35

with the go pro ap on your smart phone you can use your phone as the remote as well as see what the camera lens is viewing.

Looks like the GoPro Hero3 white will be on sale for $199 at Walmart and you get a free $50 giftcard with purchase.
http://www.theblackfriday.com/ads/walmart/black-friday/walmart-black-friday-ad.php?pn=35

Thanks for the heads up, Cen Coast. You guys can go ahead and queue up the hippy comments... But...

I will never give Walmart one cent of my money. Ever.

with the go pro ap on your smart phone you can use your phone as the remote as well as see what the camera lens is viewing.

Good stuff. I do have my iPhone in a Lifeproof case and always have it with me on the water, but I still prefer not to bring it out unless I need to. In the heat of the moment with a fish hooked up, I feel like it'd be easier to push record on a remote dangling from my PFD than fumble my phone out of a pocket.

I went with the Hero3+ Silver.

Reason behind this and not going with the 4 is because of what we use our videos for there for sharing and most do not even have the ability to view the 1080 so I shoot at 720 when I had my Hero2 always shot at 720 and video quality to me was great. But depends on what else your gonna use it for and the money you want to spend.

Got these last night.

Just to throw a twist into all this... A 4k resolution video compressed to 1080 or 720 is going to look significantly better than video filmed in 720 or 1080p. So even if you won't upload 4k res, some might feel getting a higher resolution version is better.

Thanks for the reply. Very helpful.

Definitely leaning toward the 3+ Black, but it seems like they aren't readily available anymore... I really like the idea of the remote, and don't want to spend an extra $80 for after already dropping $400 on the camera...

Good call, you'll be happy with it for sure. I think REI has the 3+ Black edition available in the Surf/SUP package for around $350 in-store right now. Definitely worth calling around around seeing if any stores have them in stock. The Microsoft store online usually has them at a similar price with free shipping.

Rhyak has a good point.  Youtube and other sites usually aren't in 1080p so the Hero 4 might be overkill unless u got the $.

I have the hero3+ black edition with remote.  Nice to have the remote but don't use it that much.  It's a battery killer!!!!  Batteries already don't last that long. I go thru 3 batteries on an average saltwater session without the remote.

The video quality is awesome on the big screen.  It's a an awesome gadget.  With lots of accessories.  Check out used on Craigslist and NCKAs classifieds.  Skip the remote and u save even more money. 

Oh yeah...fuck Walmart as a general principle but if they got a killer deal I might sneak in and hope nobody I know sees me!

Haha, Alex I guess I should've anticipated that. No hippy comments from me though...I get it.   I was just throwing it out there because it seemed like a good deal. If anything, use it as a basepoint for what m/b a fair price on the Hero3 white ($150 after discount etc). That said, I would never buy a GoPro. So my opinion on the matter is biased and I'll shutup now.

I like WalMart, especially if they have the item I want at the price that I want. And I am happy with my reliable Hero2.